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Dragon's Betrayal
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A dragon slayer out for revenge, Gwen Campion spends her days hunting the beast who killed her parents. But while each kill edges humanity closer to victory in the shifter war, three ancient artifacts threaten to undo it all.
The Tablets of Destiny hold the power to restore the dragons’ reign of terror unless Gwen can decipher ancient clues, evade the Dragon Lord’s spies, and survive their attacks to reach the Tablets first. An impossible task to accomplish alone, which is why Gwen's been forced to team up with the Order's infuriatingly dismissive dragonologist, Asher Smoke.
Asher's knowledge of dragon lore is unmatched, but his dark secrets and maddening charm make him as dangerous as the beasts themselves. Worse, Gwen can’t ignore the magnetic pull between them—one that could shatter everything she’s fighting for.
Practically enemies themselves, Gwen and Asher must race against time to get closer to a truth that will change Gwen’s life forever. The fate of the world depends on her, and trusting the wrong person could cost her everything.
If you like the urban fantasy grit of Illona Andrews and the pulse-pounding romance of Jaymin Eve, then you'll love the Scorched Mates series!
Grab your copy of Dragon’s Betrayal and fly into this enemies-to-lovers magical adventure today!
A dragon slayer out for revenge, Gwen Campion spends her days hunting the beast who killed her parents. But while each kill edges humanity closer to victory in the shifter war, three ancient artifacts threaten to undo it all.
The Tablets of Destiny hold the power to restore the dragons’ reign of terror unless Gwen can decipher ancient clues, evade the Dragon Lord’s spies, and survive their attacks to reach the Tablets first. An impossible task to accomplish alone, which is why Gwen's been forced to team up with the Order's infuriatingly dismissive dragonologist, Asher Smoke.
Asher's knowledge of dragon lore is unmatched, but his dark secrets and maddening charm make him as dangerous as the beasts themselves. Worse, Gwen can’t ignore the magnetic pull between them—one that could shatter everything she’s fighting for.
Practically enemies themselves, Gwen and Asher must race against time to get closer to a truth that will change Gwen’s life forever. The fate of the world depends on her, and trusting the wrong person could cost her everything.
If you like the urban fantasy grit of Illona Andrews and the pulse-pounding romance of Jaymin Eve, then you'll love the Scorched Mates series!
Grab your copy of Dragon’s Betrayal and fly into this enemies-to-lovers magical adventure today!
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About the author
J.D. Brown
15 books275 followersJ.D. Brown is the Award-Winning author of the Ema Marx series, the Daughter of Eve series, and the Scorched Mates series. She writes in the urban fantasy and paranormal romance genres. Growing up with autoinflammatory disease, J.D. spent her childhood in hospital rooms seeking her escape between the pages of any book or magazine she could get her hands on. She developed a deep love for paranormal boyfriends, strong female characters, and epically-won battles. A Chicagoland native, caffeine addict, and occult enthusiast, she's usually up at 3 a.m. making moon water and listening to her favorite astrology podcast. Connect with J.D. Brown directly when you follow her on facebook.com/authorjdbrown
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 112 reviews
March 28, 2026
I really enjoyed this book. I loved that the characters were both realistic with their respective flaws. I wish we had a little more context on the history between shifters and humans and why there is a feud between them. Learning about the dragon goddess was intriguing, and I hope that more of that will be expanded. I loved that this had some adventure in it as we had the FMC, a dragon slayer, and her partner, a dragon shifter unbeknownst to her, searching for ancient tablets. I was a bit concerned that it would drag on a bit with hunting for the tablets, but was pleasantly surprised and my interest was high throughout the book. I felt like the pacing of the relationship was good with this story - it was not instant love, but also not a slow burn. I am excited to read the next installment!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 23, 2026
I really enjoyed this first book in this new series. I love the idea of dragon shifters, so just had to pick this one up.
Gwen Campion is a slayer, mostly of dragons with her 104 body count so far! Working for the Order, she is sent on a mission to retrieve a dragon stone tablet, one which might reveal more about the dragons, or at least stop the dragons from doing something nefarious with it. Gwen is usually a solo act, but this time she is paired with a dragonologist, Asher Smoke. I loved his name and it was such a giveaway that I have no idea how Gwen didn't work it all out.
Asher was such a fun character to read - he loved winding Gwen up, seemed very much a laugh to be around, yet at the same time, was serious when he needed to be! Gwen, on the other hand, was mostly serious - she has a traumatic past, one which feeds her vengeance against the dragons. Not any particular one - all of them! I felt that this point of view, whilst understandable in a way, came across as quite prejudiced. Just like not all humans are good, not all dragons are evil surely?!
After finding the first tablet, more clues are revealed of another one and yet another one. Gwen needs to find these tablets to stop the dragons getting their hands on them; Asher needs these tablets to help save his own people.
I loved the plot of this story - it moved fast but not too fast. There was never a dull, dragging moment with this one, yet the plot kept twisting and turning, adding more and more intrigue to it. The romance side of things moved quite quickly especially once Asher realised what that smell meant!
I did really feel for Gwen at the end though after what she saw and went through with Asher - she was so not expecting that at all, and I can't wait to see what happens between the two of them now in the next book!
I did feel that more details were needed about the history between the dragons and the humans. What had happened all those years ago to spark this war against the dragons? Why are some dragons classed as Guardians and what does this role mean? How did the Order and the role of the slayers start and when? Hopefully some of these questions will be answered in the next book.
Thank you to J.D. Brown for my ARC copy of this book through BookSprout. This review is my own honest one though!
Gwen Campion is a slayer, mostly of dragons with her 104 body count so far! Working for the Order, she is sent on a mission to retrieve a dragon stone tablet, one which might reveal more about the dragons, or at least stop the dragons from doing something nefarious with it. Gwen is usually a solo act, but this time she is paired with a dragonologist, Asher Smoke. I loved his name and it was such a giveaway that I have no idea how Gwen didn't work it all out.
Asher was such a fun character to read - he loved winding Gwen up, seemed very much a laugh to be around, yet at the same time, was serious when he needed to be! Gwen, on the other hand, was mostly serious - she has a traumatic past, one which feeds her vengeance against the dragons. Not any particular one - all of them! I felt that this point of view, whilst understandable in a way, came across as quite prejudiced. Just like not all humans are good, not all dragons are evil surely?!
After finding the first tablet, more clues are revealed of another one and yet another one. Gwen needs to find these tablets to stop the dragons getting their hands on them; Asher needs these tablets to help save his own people.
I loved the plot of this story - it moved fast but not too fast. There was never a dull, dragging moment with this one, yet the plot kept twisting and turning, adding more and more intrigue to it. The romance side of things moved quite quickly especially once Asher realised what that smell meant!
I did really feel for Gwen at the end though after what she saw and went through with Asher - she was so not expecting that at all, and I can't wait to see what happens between the two of them now in the next book!
I did feel that more details were needed about the history between the dragons and the humans. What had happened all those years ago to spark this war against the dragons? Why are some dragons classed as Guardians and what does this role mean? How did the Order and the role of the slayers start and when? Hopefully some of these questions will be answered in the next book.
Thank you to J.D. Brown for my ARC copy of this book through BookSprout. This review is my own honest one though!
August 2, 2026
Dragon’s Betrayal🐉
Wow, what a great story❣️Asher and Gwen are forced to work together to find the Tablets of Destiny - which if put into the wrong hands, especially the shifters - then this war that the humans are fighting against shifters will turn on a dime. However, it soon becomes clear that secrets will tear the fragile foundation that they have started to build and what surprising secrets they are🤩
This is my first book by this author and I really enjoyed the way she portrayed the characters as well as the story behind them…obviously we know more about some characters than the other but that will come with time as the story develops. I’m looking forward to seeing what adventure this story brings us next🙌 I received an advanced copy from Booksprout and willingly leave my honest review❤️🩹
Wow, what a great story❣️Asher and Gwen are forced to work together to find the Tablets of Destiny - which if put into the wrong hands, especially the shifters - then this war that the humans are fighting against shifters will turn on a dime. However, it soon becomes clear that secrets will tear the fragile foundation that they have started to build and what surprising secrets they are🤩
This is my first book by this author and I really enjoyed the way she portrayed the characters as well as the story behind them…obviously we know more about some characters than the other but that will come with time as the story develops. I’m looking forward to seeing what adventure this story brings us next🙌 I received an advanced copy from Booksprout and willingly leave my honest review❤️🩹
April 9, 2026
Having loved the Ema Marx series I was pleased to be offered an advanced copy of J. D. Brown's latest book. This book did not disappoint. A strong female lead whose life has been spent wreaking revenge on dragonkind for the death of her parents and a love interest with a secret, a secret the reader is aware of right from the start. As the connection between the pair starts to sizzle, which side is going to win in the end and how will our heroine react? A fast paced story with an ending leaving the reader wanting more, can't wait for the next book in the series.
March 25, 2026
Captivated.
From the first sentence, I am captivated. Hooked. Invested and growled at real life interference when it interrupted my reading. Gwen alone and her traumatic ordeal and history had me reading the next line. Her introduction to Asher Smoke was amusing. And their story and how it pauses makes me crave more. How is Asher going to fix this? What is Gwen really going to do when she sees Asher; because I know what she wants to do but I don’t see her following through. She has too many unanswered questions for Asher. What is going to happen next? I want book 2 stat!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
From the first sentence, I am captivated. Hooked. Invested and growled at real life interference when it interrupted my reading. Gwen alone and her traumatic ordeal and history had me reading the next line. Her introduction to Asher Smoke was amusing. And their story and how it pauses makes me crave more. How is Asher going to fix this? What is Gwen really going to do when she sees Asher; because I know what she wants to do but I don’t see her following through. She has too many unanswered questions for Asher. What is going to happen next? I want book 2 stat!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 1, 2026
A really good dragon shifter read! The lies, betrayal, fated mates and plot were beautifully written. The spicy scenes were intense and a big turning point for the fmc and mmc. This is a slow burn with a big plot and little spice. This is a perfect book for those who enjoy shifter romances with an enemies to lovers vibe. This ends on a cliffhanger as it is part of a series. As this is book one and part of a series, it does not end on an HEA but hopeful for book 2! I can’t want to read the next book!
April 16, 2026
2.5 stars. Maybe I'll bump up to 3 after I sit with it a while.
This is my first book by JD Brown, and maybe it just wasn't my cup of tea. Nothing wrong with that, but since I read an ARC, I don't want to discourage anyone from trying the book just because I had issues, which I'll discuss.
Overall, the book has spice, banter, and high stakes. If those are things you enjoy, give it a try!
While I found the story is intersting, I would have liked a little more back story. It feels important to understand how the world got to where it is, slayers eradicating dragons and other shifters, and that isn't really discussed. I would also like to understand more about the dragons, Guardians and where the other shifters fit in.
The romance felt a little forced. I just didn't feel the chemistry. The split POV is great, but I feel like it really highlights this. What the charcaters have going on in their head doesn't translate to their actions, if that makes sense. Plus I kind of feel like the relationship was pushed forward just to add spice to the book. But again, that's just my opinion.
I'm a little confused by Gwen's character development. I feel like she swings back and forth between a hard ass and someone who is much more indecisive. I get what the author was going for, Gwen isn't a hard person, but her experiences have harderned her. What I got from it was that her decision making skills seriously suffer when she's attracted to someone. But then, when she swings back in to "Captain" mode, that doesn't feel genuine either.
Plot wise, the book moves pretty quickly, but it took me a while to get through it. There aren't really any surprises, it's pretty easy to see where the story is going. I'm also pretty sure I've figured out some of the bigger mysteries...there is a lot of clue dropping, but there is also a lot of missing history, so I could be wrong.
Thank you Book Sprouts for the ARC. My opinon is shared freely.
This is my first book by JD Brown, and maybe it just wasn't my cup of tea. Nothing wrong with that, but since I read an ARC, I don't want to discourage anyone from trying the book just because I had issues, which I'll discuss.
Overall, the book has spice, banter, and high stakes. If those are things you enjoy, give it a try!
While I found the story is intersting, I would have liked a little more back story. It feels important to understand how the world got to where it is, slayers eradicating dragons and other shifters, and that isn't really discussed. I would also like to understand more about the dragons, Guardians and where the other shifters fit in.
The romance felt a little forced. I just didn't feel the chemistry. The split POV is great, but I feel like it really highlights this. What the charcaters have going on in their head doesn't translate to their actions, if that makes sense. Plus I kind of feel like the relationship was pushed forward just to add spice to the book. But again, that's just my opinion.
I'm a little confused by Gwen's character development. I feel like she swings back and forth between a hard ass and someone who is much more indecisive. I get what the author was going for, Gwen isn't a hard person, but her experiences have harderned her. What I got from it was that her decision making skills seriously suffer when she's attracted to someone. But then, when she swings back in to "Captain" mode, that doesn't feel genuine either.
Plot wise, the book moves pretty quickly, but it took me a while to get through it. There aren't really any surprises, it's pretty easy to see where the story is going. I'm also pretty sure I've figured out some of the bigger mysteries...there is a lot of clue dropping, but there is also a lot of missing history, so I could be wrong.
Thank you Book Sprouts for the ARC. My opinon is shared freely.
July 12, 2026
I really enjoyed Dragon's Betrayal, book one in the Scorched Mates series. The world-building was one of my favorite parts. The setting was so much fun, and I found myself completely immersed in this world of dragons and dragon slayers. That said, I would have loved a little more background on why dragons and slayers hate each other so intensely. The story throws you right into the action, which kept things moving, but I definitely wanted more of the lore and history behind everything.
The characters were easy to root for, and I loved the writing style. The romance was paced really well, with a believable progression from enemies, to reluctant allies, to something much more. It never felt rushed, and I especially appreciated that the story was told through dual POVs.
One of my absolute favorite parts of the book was the chronic pain representation. As someone with a chronic illness myself, it meant a lot to see it handled with so much care. It never felt like it was included just to check an inclusivity box and then forgotten about, nor did it feel so unrealistic that I couldn't believe the character was actually living with chronic pain. Instead, it felt genuine. The author showed that she deals with pain every single day while still being an incredibly capable and badass character, and that balance really resonated with me.
I also liked that the plot kept moving through different cities and locations instead of staying in one place. There are so many little hints about the characters' pasts that have me wanting answers.
If I had one criticism, it's that I kept waiting for a little more tension and higher stakes. I expected more action and more moments where I was genuinely worried about what would happen next. While the romance was great, I never quite felt the urgency of the larger conflict. I wanted the danger surrounding the dragons, slayers, and the tablets to feel a little more immediate. I also think another 50–100 pages could have added more action and emotional weight without making the story feel like it dragged.
That said, I really enjoyed this book! The pacing never felt slow, I loved where Book One ended (no spoilers!), and I'll absolutely be picking up Book Two as soon as it's released.
Thank you to the author and BookSprout for providing me with an ARC. This review is entirely my own and reflects my honest thoughts.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The characters were easy to root for, and I loved the writing style. The romance was paced really well, with a believable progression from enemies, to reluctant allies, to something much more. It never felt rushed, and I especially appreciated that the story was told through dual POVs.
One of my absolute favorite parts of the book was the chronic pain representation. As someone with a chronic illness myself, it meant a lot to see it handled with so much care. It never felt like it was included just to check an inclusivity box and then forgotten about, nor did it feel so unrealistic that I couldn't believe the character was actually living with chronic pain. Instead, it felt genuine. The author showed that she deals with pain every single day while still being an incredibly capable and badass character, and that balance really resonated with me.
I also liked that the plot kept moving through different cities and locations instead of staying in one place. There are so many little hints about the characters' pasts that have me wanting answers.
If I had one criticism, it's that I kept waiting for a little more tension and higher stakes. I expected more action and more moments where I was genuinely worried about what would happen next. While the romance was great, I never quite felt the urgency of the larger conflict. I wanted the danger surrounding the dragons, slayers, and the tablets to feel a little more immediate. I also think another 50–100 pages could have added more action and emotional weight without making the story feel like it dragged.
That said, I really enjoyed this book! The pacing never felt slow, I loved where Book One ended (no spoilers!), and I'll absolutely be picking up Book Two as soon as it's released.
Thank you to the author and BookSprout for providing me with an ARC. This review is entirely my own and reflects my honest thoughts.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 13, 2026
I love romantasy. It’s always been my favourite genre, even before the name for it was coined. I also loved the Buffy the Vampire Slayer TV series, and although the heroine of this story slays dragons instead of vampires, I did not hesitate when I was given the chance to review this one, and I am very glad I didn’t. I am not very well versed in dragon shifter romances, so it was very interesting to delve into this one. I found the story was well-written, engaging, with just the right amount of slow burn spice.
I enjoyed the visible differences/disability rep in the main character. Too often we see authors throwing in a secondary character with differences (whether those are visible or not) in order to claim their book is diverse, so this author’s take was refreshing - people need to be able to see themselves in books, especially in the leading roles. I like how the author’s description of Gwen’s chronic pain, the flair ups she experiences from her burn scars and how she constantly must fight through that pain and tend to her scars, doesn’t shy away from the reality of what burn survivors must go through. It was also nice to see how the author also didn’t shy away from describing the feel of the scars and the love interest’s reverence for them in the intimate scenes.
I enjoyed Asher’s character the most. I don’t want to go into too much detail and risk spoiling anything, but I like there were multiple layers to him, and his internal fight between what he believes is right, but also wanting to follow his heart.
I would love to see more of Stormy and Slate, our time with them was too short. I’m also hoping to see more of Melissa in the next instalment.
Overall a solid start to an interesting series. I can’t wait to read more.
I enjoyed the visible differences/disability rep in the main character. Too often we see authors throwing in a secondary character with differences (whether those are visible or not) in order to claim their book is diverse, so this author’s take was refreshing - people need to be able to see themselves in books, especially in the leading roles. I like how the author’s description of Gwen’s chronic pain, the flair ups she experiences from her burn scars and how she constantly must fight through that pain and tend to her scars, doesn’t shy away from the reality of what burn survivors must go through. It was also nice to see how the author also didn’t shy away from describing the feel of the scars and the love interest’s reverence for them in the intimate scenes.
I enjoyed Asher’s character the most. I don’t want to go into too much detail and risk spoiling anything, but I like there were multiple layers to him, and his internal fight between what he believes is right, but also wanting to follow his heart.
I would love to see more of Stormy and Slate, our time with them was too short. I’m also hoping to see more of Melissa in the next instalment.
Overall a solid start to an interesting series. I can’t wait to read more.
May 5, 2026
This book hooked me right from the start and did not let go.
If you love fast-paced urban fantasy with high stakes, strong characters, and a slow-burn enemies-to-lovers romance, this one absolutely delivers. The world-building is rich without being overwhelming, and the constant tension keeps the story moving in the best way.
Gwen is such a compelling main character. Her drive for revenge and the emotional weight behind it make her feel real and layered—not just a typical “strong heroine.” You can feel how much she’s carrying, and it adds depth to every decision she makes.
Asher, on the other hand, is exactly the kind of character you want in this type of story—mysterious, frustrating, and impossible to ignore. His dynamic with Gwen is full of tension, banter, and that undeniable pull that makes enemies-to-lovers so addictive.
What really stood out to me was the balance between action and emotion. The hunt for the Tablets, the danger from the Dragon Lord’s forces, and the unraveling secrets all keep the stakes high, while the relationship development adds that emotional core that makes you care about what happens.
The chemistry builds slowly but strongly, and it never feels rushed. Every interaction adds another layer, making the payoff that much more satisfying.
If you enjoy:
enemies-to-lovers with real tension
strong, driven female leads
magical quests and ancient artifacts
action-packed fantasy with emotional depth
…this is definitely worth picking up.
Overall: gripping, emotional, and full of tension. I’m already excited to see where this series goes next. 🔥🐉.
If you love fast-paced urban fantasy with high stakes, strong characters, and a slow-burn enemies-to-lovers romance, this one absolutely delivers. The world-building is rich without being overwhelming, and the constant tension keeps the story moving in the best way.
Gwen is such a compelling main character. Her drive for revenge and the emotional weight behind it make her feel real and layered—not just a typical “strong heroine.” You can feel how much she’s carrying, and it adds depth to every decision she makes.
Asher, on the other hand, is exactly the kind of character you want in this type of story—mysterious, frustrating, and impossible to ignore. His dynamic with Gwen is full of tension, banter, and that undeniable pull that makes enemies-to-lovers so addictive.
What really stood out to me was the balance between action and emotion. The hunt for the Tablets, the danger from the Dragon Lord’s forces, and the unraveling secrets all keep the stakes high, while the relationship development adds that emotional core that makes you care about what happens.
The chemistry builds slowly but strongly, and it never feels rushed. Every interaction adds another layer, making the payoff that much more satisfying.
If you enjoy:
enemies-to-lovers with real tension
strong, driven female leads
magical quests and ancient artifacts
action-packed fantasy with emotional depth
…this is definitely worth picking up.
Overall: gripping, emotional, and full of tension. I’m already excited to see where this series goes next. 🔥🐉.
May 14, 2026
ARC Book Review: Dragon’s Betrayal by J. D. Brown
I was excited to venture into Dragon’s Betrayal by J. D. Brown. I began reading with no expectations, simply reading for the joy of it. However, I was shocked to find myself completely obsessed with finishing this book. Simply put, I could not put it down.
Don’t get me wrong—the dual “hand over mouth to keep things quiet” scene was AMAZING. The hints of history and archaeology gave the story just enough depth to create a mesmerizing picture without overwhelming the plot. The historical groundwork woven throughout the novel kept me wanting more, especially Tiamat’s story and the history of the beginning. I need more of that world, that backstory, and that mystery.
Archer and Gwen’s story gave so much: love, pain, sadness, beginnings, endings, want, need, healing, confusion, and trust. Their emotional journey kept me fully invested, bouncing between heartbreak, longing, hope, and anticipation.
One of my favorite elements was the way Gwen’s childhood story was so craftily woven into the foundation of Archer’s. It added emotional depth and made their connection feel even more layered and meaningful.
Dragon’s Betrayal leaves the reader eager for the next novel. I finished the book with one thought: Give me more!!!
I was excited to venture into Dragon’s Betrayal by J. D. Brown. I began reading with no expectations, simply reading for the joy of it. However, I was shocked to find myself completely obsessed with finishing this book. Simply put, I could not put it down.
Don’t get me wrong—the dual “hand over mouth to keep things quiet” scene was AMAZING. The hints of history and archaeology gave the story just enough depth to create a mesmerizing picture without overwhelming the plot. The historical groundwork woven throughout the novel kept me wanting more, especially Tiamat’s story and the history of the beginning. I need more of that world, that backstory, and that mystery.
Archer and Gwen’s story gave so much: love, pain, sadness, beginnings, endings, want, need, healing, confusion, and trust. Their emotional journey kept me fully invested, bouncing between heartbreak, longing, hope, and anticipation.
One of my favorite elements was the way Gwen’s childhood story was so craftily woven into the foundation of Archer’s. It added emotional depth and made their connection feel even more layered and meaningful.
Dragon’s Betrayal leaves the reader eager for the next novel. I finished the book with one thought: Give me more!!!
July 5, 2026
I have mixed feelings on this one.
It does end on a cliffy and I am invested enough in how things play out to pick up book two.
I really, really was not impressed with Gwen.
On multiple occasions, had I been able to, I would have introduced her attitude to duct tape.
Her hatred blinded her to facts, and her ego definitely did not help her make friends or influence people.
Not that anything besides complete and total annihilation of another species even pinged on her radar
The truth is usually painful, especially when we have lived our lives with a belief so opposite of it
Towards the end, I did have a bit of empathy for her.
Asher was almost her opposite
He was more on the easy-going side
Took things in stride
And enjoy rubbing Gwen the wrong way
His goal was the salvation of his species
He just needed to make sure his cover was not blown
Not as easy as he had thought
I saw the twist coming, but I was still shocked when it was revealed.
This is a slow-burn, fated mates, high-action romance with well-written, intimate moments that felt natural
There were some slower moments and I was left with all kinds of questions about the universe and its inhabitants. Though I am sure most will be answered as the series progresses
It does end on a cliffy and I am invested enough in how things play out to pick up book two.
I really, really was not impressed with Gwen.
On multiple occasions, had I been able to, I would have introduced her attitude to duct tape.
Her hatred blinded her to facts, and her ego definitely did not help her make friends or influence people.
Not that anything besides complete and total annihilation of another species even pinged on her radar
The truth is usually painful, especially when we have lived our lives with a belief so opposite of it
Towards the end, I did have a bit of empathy for her.
Asher was almost her opposite
He was more on the easy-going side
Took things in stride
And enjoy rubbing Gwen the wrong way
His goal was the salvation of his species
He just needed to make sure his cover was not blown
Not as easy as he had thought
I saw the twist coming, but I was still shocked when it was revealed.
This is a slow-burn, fated mates, high-action romance with well-written, intimate moments that felt natural
There were some slower moments and I was left with all kinds of questions about the universe and its inhabitants. Though I am sure most will be answered as the series progresses
May 9, 2026
ARC Book Review: Dragon’s Betrayal by J. D. Brown
I was excited to venture into Dragon’s Betrayal by J. D. Brown. I began reading with no expectations, simply reading for the joy of it. However, I was shocked to find myself completely obsessed with finishing this book. Simply put, I could not put it down.
Don’t get me wrong—the dual “hand over mouth to keep things quiet” scene was AMAZING. The hints of history and archaeology gave the story just enough depth to create a mesmerizing picture without overwhelming the plot. The historical groundwork woven throughout the novel kept me wanting more, especially Tiamat’s story and the history of the beginning. I need more of that world, that backstory, and that mystery.
Archer and Gwen’s story gave so much: love, pain, sadness, beginnings, endings, want, need, healing, confusion, and trust. Their emotional journey kept me fully invested, bouncing between heartbreak, longing, hope, and anticipation.
One of my favorite elements was the way Gwen’s childhood story was so craftily woven into the foundation of Archer’s. It added emotional depth and made their connection feel even more layered and meaningful.
Dragon’s Betrayal leaves the reader eager for the next novel. I finished the book with one thought: Give me more!!!
I was excited to venture into Dragon’s Betrayal by J. D. Brown. I began reading with no expectations, simply reading for the joy of it. However, I was shocked to find myself completely obsessed with finishing this book. Simply put, I could not put it down.
Don’t get me wrong—the dual “hand over mouth to keep things quiet” scene was AMAZING. The hints of history and archaeology gave the story just enough depth to create a mesmerizing picture without overwhelming the plot. The historical groundwork woven throughout the novel kept me wanting more, especially Tiamat’s story and the history of the beginning. I need more of that world, that backstory, and that mystery.
Archer and Gwen’s story gave so much: love, pain, sadness, beginnings, endings, want, need, healing, confusion, and trust. Their emotional journey kept me fully invested, bouncing between heartbreak, longing, hope, and anticipation.
One of my favorite elements was the way Gwen’s childhood story was so craftily woven into the foundation of Archer’s. It added emotional depth and made their connection feel even more layered and meaningful.
Dragon’s Betrayal leaves the reader eager for the next novel. I finished the book with one thought: Give me more!!!
June 3, 2026
This was my first book by J. D. Brown and I must say, I liked it a lot!
Tropes:
🐉 Dragon (and other animal) shifters
🗡 Enemies to lovers
🐉 Dragon slayers
🗡 Fated mates
🐉 Survival of the world as they knew it
🔛 Dual POV
🌶️ Slight spice - in all the right scenes
Characters
FMC - Gwen Campion - A strong-willed slayer, the best in her field with a count of 104 dragons slayed. She is a typical soldier in a world of war, trying to execute her own revenge along the way, looking for a dragon who murdered her family and thanks to whom she deals her whole life with a burnt arm, a constant reminder of her past, whether she likes it or not.
She is focused, headstrong, and strong-willed. The mission is the first thing she thinks about after waking up, and the last before she closes her eyes.
Determined to rid the world of dragons, she takes her work seriously, and when rumours start spreading about a peace treaty, she is wholeheartedly against it. For her, finding the Tablets of Destiny means destroying the dragons' hopes for winning the war and being one step closer to their destruction.
MMC - Asher Smoke - A young and handsome dragonologist working for the Order, who is sent to help Gwen on her quest to retrieve the Tablets of Destiny. He is able to read ancient Draconian, the language needed in order to decipher the Tablets.
Character-wise, he is a more relaxed type compared to Gwen, on occasion even questioning her authority during the mission. That doesn't mean he is not focused on their goal. Just the opposite, if not more than Gwen (for his own reasons).
He hides a dark secret, whose revelation can cost him his dear life if not careful.
Plot:
In the story we follow Gwen, our slayer, who when she gets her new assignment, is forced to work with Asher. Given her past trauma from losing a partner, she is reluctant to team up to say the least, but has to put her wishes and preferences aside, if she's to find the Tablets of Destiny.
In a race against time, she and Asher face various intrigues and traps, while figuring out the strong and unexplainable pull between the two, which is making both our main characters question their feelings towards each other. Will they give in and compromise the mission, or just stay with the little fling and keep it professional afterwards?
While finding the first two Tablets, securing them and searching for the third, the slowly built trust between Gwen and Asher gets put on the line with him having to make a decision - retrieve the last Tablet and reveal his secret, compromising his role, or play it safe and
The author lets the reader enjoy a wide variety of emotions, similar to a rollercoaster ride. One minute we're rooting for Gwen, then we're switching sides for Asher, only in the end to look at both of them with a clear view and take our stance after all is said and done.
I took one ⭐ down for two reasons:
1. - As I got into the book with a thought of being taken to a magical world, only for the story to take place in our world. It was my mistake, not realizing that it's an urban fantasy novel, and it's just my reader's preference, to escape our real world usually, as the modern and real-life take some of the magic away for me personally.
2. - Too little information about the war the humans and dragons are fighting. We see that a peace treaty is being rumoured, but Gwen's uncle is adamant on it not being so, because they want to win it and get rid of the dragons - but why? What was the cause? Who started the war?
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Tropes:
🐉 Dragon (and other animal) shifters
🗡 Enemies to lovers
🐉 Dragon slayers
🗡 Fated mates
🐉 Survival of the world as they knew it
🔛 Dual POV
🌶️ Slight spice - in all the right scenes
Characters
FMC - Gwen Campion - A strong-willed slayer, the best in her field with a count of 104 dragons slayed. She is a typical soldier in a world of war, trying to execute her own revenge along the way, looking for a dragon who murdered her family and thanks to whom she deals her whole life with a burnt arm, a constant reminder of her past, whether she likes it or not.
She is focused, headstrong, and strong-willed. The mission is the first thing she thinks about after waking up, and the last before she closes her eyes.
Determined to rid the world of dragons, she takes her work seriously, and when rumours start spreading about a peace treaty, she is wholeheartedly against it. For her, finding the Tablets of Destiny means destroying the dragons' hopes for winning the war and being one step closer to their destruction.
MMC - Asher Smoke - A young and handsome dragonologist working for the Order, who is sent to help Gwen on her quest to retrieve the Tablets of Destiny. He is able to read ancient Draconian, the language needed in order to decipher the Tablets.
Character-wise, he is a more relaxed type compared to Gwen, on occasion even questioning her authority during the mission. That doesn't mean he is not focused on their goal. Just the opposite, if not more than Gwen (for his own reasons).
He hides a dark secret, whose revelation can cost him his dear life if not careful.
Plot:
In the story we follow Gwen, our slayer, who when she gets her new assignment, is forced to work with Asher. Given her past trauma from losing a partner, she is reluctant to team up to say the least, but has to put her wishes and preferences aside, if she's to find the Tablets of Destiny.
In a race against time, she and Asher face various intrigues and traps, while figuring out the strong and unexplainable pull between the two, which is making both our main characters question their feelings towards each other. Will they give in and compromise the mission, or just stay with the little fling and keep it professional afterwards?
While finding the first two Tablets, securing them and searching for the third, the slowly built trust between Gwen and Asher gets put on the line with him having to make a decision - retrieve the last Tablet and reveal his secret, compromising his role, or play it safe and
The author lets the reader enjoy a wide variety of emotions, similar to a rollercoaster ride. One minute we're rooting for Gwen, then we're switching sides for Asher, only in the end to look at both of them with a clear view and take our stance after all is said and done.
I took one ⭐ down for two reasons:
1. - As I got into the book with a thought of being taken to a magical world, only for the story to take place in our world. It was my mistake, not realizing that it's an urban fantasy novel, and it's just my reader's preference, to escape our real world usually, as the modern and real-life take some of the magic away for me personally.
2. - Too little information about the war the humans and dragons are fighting. We see that a peace treaty is being rumoured, but Gwen's uncle is adamant on it not being so, because they want to win it and get rid of the dragons - but why? What was the cause? Who started the war?
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 13, 2026
⭐️ Overall Rating: 4.5/5
🔥 Burn Level: 4/5
🌶️ Spice Level: 3/5
💧 Emotional: 4/5
I really enjoyed Dragon’s Betrayal and found myself invested in both the story and the characters from the beginning.
One of my favorite parts was how real the characters felt. They weren’t perfect heroes or flawless heroines—they had strengths, weaknesses, and made mistakes that made them feel genuinely human despite being in a fantasy world. That added an emotional layer that kept me turning the pages.
I also loved that this fantasy romance centered around dragon shifters instead of the more common vampires or werewolves. It gave the story a refreshing feel while still delivering plenty of adventure, tension, and romance. The world-building was engaging, and the magical elements blended naturally with the relationships developing throughout the book.
If you’re looking for a fantasy romance that offers something a little different while still giving you compelling characters and an exciting magical adventure, this one is definitely worth picking up.
Thank you to the author for providing me with a copy through BookSprout in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
🔥 Burn Level: 4/5
🌶️ Spice Level: 3/5
💧 Emotional: 4/5
I really enjoyed Dragon’s Betrayal and found myself invested in both the story and the characters from the beginning.
One of my favorite parts was how real the characters felt. They weren’t perfect heroes or flawless heroines—they had strengths, weaknesses, and made mistakes that made them feel genuinely human despite being in a fantasy world. That added an emotional layer that kept me turning the pages.
I also loved that this fantasy romance centered around dragon shifters instead of the more common vampires or werewolves. It gave the story a refreshing feel while still delivering plenty of adventure, tension, and romance. The world-building was engaging, and the magical elements blended naturally with the relationships developing throughout the book.
If you’re looking for a fantasy romance that offers something a little different while still giving you compelling characters and an exciting magical adventure, this one is definitely worth picking up.
Thank you to the author for providing me with a copy through BookSprout in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
June 18, 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5 Stars
Dragon's Betrayal by J.D. Brown was an absolutely fantastic read, and one I struggled to put down.
I loved that the chapters were short, which made the book easy to read while still keeping the pace moving quickly. From the very beginning, the story kept me on my toes with its twists, turns, and unexpected developments, always leaving me eager to read just one more chapter.
The MMC and MFC were brilliantly written, and I quickly became invested in their journey. The supporting characters were equally engaging, adding depth and emotion to the story. The chemistry between the characters felt natural, and the spicy scenes complemented the plot rather than overshadowing it.
What I loved most was how the story left me at the end—desperate for more. I have so many unanswered questions and can't wait to see where the story goes next.
One of my favourite quotes from the book was:
"Asher Smoke—dragon shifter, enemy, lover—offering up his life like it was nothing."
If you enjoy dragon shifters, compelling characters, romance, action, and a story that keeps you guessing, I would highly recommend Dragon's Betrayal. I cannot wait for the next instalment.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Dragon's Betrayal by J.D. Brown was an absolutely fantastic read, and one I struggled to put down.
I loved that the chapters were short, which made the book easy to read while still keeping the pace moving quickly. From the very beginning, the story kept me on my toes with its twists, turns, and unexpected developments, always leaving me eager to read just one more chapter.
The MMC and MFC were brilliantly written, and I quickly became invested in their journey. The supporting characters were equally engaging, adding depth and emotion to the story. The chemistry between the characters felt natural, and the spicy scenes complemented the plot rather than overshadowing it.
What I loved most was how the story left me at the end—desperate for more. I have so many unanswered questions and can't wait to see where the story goes next.
One of my favourite quotes from the book was:
"Asher Smoke—dragon shifter, enemy, lover—offering up his life like it was nothing."
If you enjoy dragon shifters, compelling characters, romance, action, and a story that keeps you guessing, I would highly recommend Dragon's Betrayal. I cannot wait for the next instalment.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 9, 2026
received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This book was incredible! It had everything a fantasy lover adores: shifters, dragons, ronance, morally grey (loved it was both the FMC/MMC), enemies to lovers, fated mates.....absolute perfection!
Gwen is a dragon slayer who has sworn to destroy them. Asher is a dragon shifter who is desperately trying to save his kind. Both of them have different goals on their mission. What they didn't count on was fate.
I also loved how Gwen and Asher's relationship wasn't just enemies to lovers and happily ever after. They were complex with real emotions and doubts. They had real problems and dilemmas. They are sworn enemies that are are on a collision course. The snarky banter and teasing was on point. There wasn't much spice but a couple scenes made up for it.
I loved the dual POVs so that I got to see the story unfold from each character's perspective. They each justified their motives and feelings. It made it real more raw and engaging.
It ends on a cliffhanger, but it's not an awful one. The author set it up to be anticipated. What I am most excited for is book two to see where Gwen and Asher go now because there's going to be fire(works).
This book was incredible! It had everything a fantasy lover adores: shifters, dragons, ronance, morally grey (loved it was both the FMC/MMC), enemies to lovers, fated mates.....absolute perfection!
Gwen is a dragon slayer who has sworn to destroy them. Asher is a dragon shifter who is desperately trying to save his kind. Both of them have different goals on their mission. What they didn't count on was fate.
I also loved how Gwen and Asher's relationship wasn't just enemies to lovers and happily ever after. They were complex with real emotions and doubts. They had real problems and dilemmas. They are sworn enemies that are are on a collision course. The snarky banter and teasing was on point. There wasn't much spice but a couple scenes made up for it.
I loved the dual POVs so that I got to see the story unfold from each character's perspective. They each justified their motives and feelings. It made it real more raw and engaging.
It ends on a cliffhanger, but it's not an awful one. The author set it up to be anticipated. What I am most excited for is book two to see where Gwen and Asher go now because there's going to be fire(works).
July 11, 2026
This was the first dragon fated mates book I have ever read and OMG! The fast moving pace, I could not put it down from the moment I started reading it! I fell completely in love with Smoke, his looks, his personality, how he truly cared for Gwen - Just perfect, the two of them! My favorite was the descriptions of the temples and what they contained and the foreshadowing to the plot twists that kept me reading for twenty-four hours straight without being able to put it down to sleep! The author did a magnificent job with the hook, the storyline, the character development, the background stories of the characters coming up at just the right moments in the story, and the plot twists. I can't wait to read the rest of the books in this series! I am absolutely hooked and will be checking out other books by this author has well! She truly has a knack for magnificent story-telling and has truly learned the craft that is hard for many authors, the show don't tell aspect. From micro expressions of the characters to how she describes their tone of voice and body movements - very well done! I am truly honored I was chosen to read this book, out of the thousands of books I have read and reviewed, this is by far on my list of top ten favorite books to read!
July 26, 2026
Dragon’s Betrayal by J. D. Brown was an exciting fantasy that kept me hooked from the very beginning. I enjoy stories with dragons, magic, and unexpected twists, and this book delivered all of those while keeping me emotionally invested in the characters.
I really liked that the story wasn’t just about action. The relationships, difficult choices, and themes of trust and loyalty gave the characters real depth. I found myself wondering who could truly be trusted, and every new revelation kept me eager to read the next chapter.
The world-building was immersive without being overwhelming. I enjoyed discovering more about the dragons, the magic, and the conflicts as the story unfolded. There were several surprises that I honestly didn’t see coming, which made the ending even more satisfying.
By the time I finished, I wasn’t ready to leave this world behind. This was a captivating fantasy filled with adventure, emotion, and memorable characters. I’ll definitely be looking forward to reading more from J. D. Brown and continuing the journey.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I really liked that the story wasn’t just about action. The relationships, difficult choices, and themes of trust and loyalty gave the characters real depth. I found myself wondering who could truly be trusted, and every new revelation kept me eager to read the next chapter.
The world-building was immersive without being overwhelming. I enjoyed discovering more about the dragons, the magic, and the conflicts as the story unfolded. There were several surprises that I honestly didn’t see coming, which made the ending even more satisfying.
By the time I finished, I wasn’t ready to leave this world behind. This was a captivating fantasy filled with adventure, emotion, and memorable characters. I’ll definitely be looking forward to reading more from J. D. Brown and continuing the journey.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 24, 2026
This is a fast-paced, action-packed story and you don't get a slow start. Gwen is a motivated dragon slayer, heart set on finding the dragon who killed her parents. Asher is a renowned dragonologist working for the Order. Together they have to find and secure the Tablets of Destiny before the Dragon Lord does, or all dragonkind will rise to power again.
The FMC is a strong, independent woman with quite a heartwrenching backstory (and strawberry blonde hair, you'll undoubtedly know by the end of the book). You absolutely get where she's coming from. The MMC is easygoing and a little mysterious, yet... not? He definitely has a lot going on internally. The banter between the two MC's was spot on though and had me grinning from ear to ear.
There's dragons, there's shifters, and there's those who hunt them. This is book 1 in the Scorched Mates series and I have no idea who I'm rooting for anymore! I do know I'm definitely looking forward to the next books in the series!
I kindly received an ARC from the author through Booksprout. The opinions in this review are completely my own.
The FMC is a strong, independent woman with quite a heartwrenching backstory (and strawberry blonde hair, you'll undoubtedly know by the end of the book). You absolutely get where she's coming from. The MMC is easygoing and a little mysterious, yet... not? He definitely has a lot going on internally. The banter between the two MC's was spot on though and had me grinning from ear to ear.
There's dragons, there's shifters, and there's those who hunt them. This is book 1 in the Scorched Mates series and I have no idea who I'm rooting for anymore! I do know I'm definitely looking forward to the next books in the series!
I kindly received an ARC from the author through Booksprout. The opinions in this review are completely my own.
April 25, 2026
I received an ARC copy of this book from Booksprout, happy to review.
Having read many of JD Brown’s other books I was expecting a great read. I love books about dragons, werewolves, witches or anything else supernatural.
This book is a shorter read at just over 200 pages on my e-reader so a bit less than I usually read. It wasn’t as fast paced as I expected but I really like the concept of the shifters, something different. Having a heroine, or is she, with a disability was a great thing to see and the fact that you really aren’t sure if she is the good guy makes it interesting.
The war between shifters and humans is a key element of the story but with very little back story, I would have loved more of that to really understand the characters. The story of the dragon Goddess was great and explains a lot about the dragon shifters. Given that dragons are not the only shifters mentioned in the story I would have liked more information about them but perhaps that is still to come in the next books.
Overall I enjoyed the story and look forward to the next book in the series.
Having read many of JD Brown’s other books I was expecting a great read. I love books about dragons, werewolves, witches or anything else supernatural.
This book is a shorter read at just over 200 pages on my e-reader so a bit less than I usually read. It wasn’t as fast paced as I expected but I really like the concept of the shifters, something different. Having a heroine, or is she, with a disability was a great thing to see and the fact that you really aren’t sure if she is the good guy makes it interesting.
The war between shifters and humans is a key element of the story but with very little back story, I would have loved more of that to really understand the characters. The story of the dragon Goddess was great and explains a lot about the dragon shifters. Given that dragons are not the only shifters mentioned in the story I would have liked more information about them but perhaps that is still to come in the next books.
Overall I enjoyed the story and look forward to the next book in the series.
May 24, 2026
Romance, dragons, and magical artifacts, oh my!
Dragons and humans are at war—and the dragons are losing. Our feisty heroine, Gwen, lost her parents to a dragon attack that left her terribly scarred. Raised by her uncle, she becomes a fearsome slayer hellbent on revenge.
Meanwhile, Asher Smoke is a dragon shifter who has infiltrated the Order of St George, posing as a dragonologist. When a surprise discovery at an archaeological dig site reveals a magical tablet that can turn the tide in the war, Asher and Gwen head off on a search for the rest of the tablets, with sparks flying between the two of them. 🥵
I had a lot of fun with this one. It was very fast paced, with a good mix of plot and spice. This book focused mainly on Gwen and Asher, and I’m hoping the next book expands on the world a little more. Is there more to the story of why Gwen’s family was killed? Why does Gwen feel the mate bond? Why are humans and shifters at war? So many questions! Can’t wait for the next book!
Thank you to the author/publisher for providing me an ARC copy of this book 😃
Dragons and humans are at war—and the dragons are losing. Our feisty heroine, Gwen, lost her parents to a dragon attack that left her terribly scarred. Raised by her uncle, she becomes a fearsome slayer hellbent on revenge.
Meanwhile, Asher Smoke is a dragon shifter who has infiltrated the Order of St George, posing as a dragonologist. When a surprise discovery at an archaeological dig site reveals a magical tablet that can turn the tide in the war, Asher and Gwen head off on a search for the rest of the tablets, with sparks flying between the two of them. 🥵
I had a lot of fun with this one. It was very fast paced, with a good mix of plot and spice. This book focused mainly on Gwen and Asher, and I’m hoping the next book expands on the world a little more. Is there more to the story of why Gwen’s family was killed? Why does Gwen feel the mate bond? Why are humans and shifters at war? So many questions! Can’t wait for the next book!
Thank you to the author/publisher for providing me an ARC copy of this book 😃
June 9, 2026
A dragon whose fated mate is a human dragon slayer.....
Gwen is a Dragon Slayer who has killed 104 dragons. She’s on a special mission sent by her uncle to recover 3 tablets that will give great power to the dragons if they are recovered and placed together.
Her family was killed by dragons when she was 8 and she has burns from that event.
She is paired with Archer, the lead Dragonologist who is tasked to help her recover and translate the tablets.
What she doesn’t know is that Archer is a dragon himself.
The very inconvenient thing that Archer quickly realizes is that Gwen is his fated mate. Gwen knows she is very attracted to Archer, but of course she doesn’t understand everything that’s going on.
They go through a lot of trials trying to find and recover the tablets from across the world.
I genuinely liked Archer, and through him, the dragons. While I wasn’t a big fan of Gwen, I believe she’s been manipulated her whole life.
There is a cliffhanger at the end…..I will be reading the next book as I do hope these 2 can make it.
June 13, 2026
Hunting for Dragon shifter relics
The start of a great dragon shifter series which I couldn't put it down. A well-written fantasy adventure full of action, fated mates, enemies-to-lovers, tension, banter, chemistry, romance, forced proximity, secrets, betrayal, magic, some great twists and great character development.
Gwen Campion is one of the best slayers, having trained and killed over a hundred dragons after one burnt her house down and killed her parents when she was a child, and deadly serious about it. So she jumps at the chance to go on a mission to retrieve one of three dragon tablets and search for the other two. Her problem is that she's been given a partner and Asher Smoke might be a bit of a distraction with his cinnamon scent.
Asher is a Guardian, working undercover as a dragonologist and I loved his character, regularly teasing Gwen as he knows far more than he's letting on. He's determined to protect the tablets, while Gwen's wanting to stop the dragons from getting them, he needs them to protect his people. His main problem though is that he's sensing Gwen might be more to him as he can't stop thinking about her vanilla scent.
A great read with a slow-build romance and I can't wait for book 2.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The start of a great dragon shifter series which I couldn't put it down. A well-written fantasy adventure full of action, fated mates, enemies-to-lovers, tension, banter, chemistry, romance, forced proximity, secrets, betrayal, magic, some great twists and great character development.
Gwen Campion is one of the best slayers, having trained and killed over a hundred dragons after one burnt her house down and killed her parents when she was a child, and deadly serious about it. So she jumps at the chance to go on a mission to retrieve one of three dragon tablets and search for the other two. Her problem is that she's been given a partner and Asher Smoke might be a bit of a distraction with his cinnamon scent.
Asher is a Guardian, working undercover as a dragonologist and I loved his character, regularly teasing Gwen as he knows far more than he's letting on. He's determined to protect the tablets, while Gwen's wanting to stop the dragons from getting them, he needs them to protect his people. His main problem though is that he's sensing Gwen might be more to him as he can't stop thinking about her vanilla scent.
A great read with a slow-build romance and I can't wait for book 2.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 16, 2026
“Dragon’s Betrayal” is the kind of romantasy that reminds me why I love the romantasy genre! This book has dragon shifters and I freaking love books with dragons, this stems from my love of The Hobbit as a young reader.
Our FMC is a fierce dragon hunter who has slain over a hundred dragons in her relentless quest to avenge her family. But what she doesn’t know is that her new partner is hiding one hell of a secret. He’s not only a spy, but an undercover dragon-shifter, the very creature she has dedicated her life to hunting. While she is trying to destroy his kind, he is trying to save them.
This book is such a slow burn, but in the absolute best way. There’s so much yearning, longing, and wanting between these two that I couldn’t put it down. The tension just keeps building and building, and I was completely hooked waiting for them to finally give in.
If you want a book with dragons, dragon slayers, sabatoge, fated-mates, grumpy/sunshine, and characters with complex pasts, then this needs to be on your romantasy TBR!
Our FMC is a fierce dragon hunter who has slain over a hundred dragons in her relentless quest to avenge her family. But what she doesn’t know is that her new partner is hiding one hell of a secret. He’s not only a spy, but an undercover dragon-shifter, the very creature she has dedicated her life to hunting. While she is trying to destroy his kind, he is trying to save them.
This book is such a slow burn, but in the absolute best way. There’s so much yearning, longing, and wanting between these two that I couldn’t put it down. The tension just keeps building and building, and I was completely hooked waiting for them to finally give in.
If you want a book with dragons, dragon slayers, sabatoge, fated-mates, grumpy/sunshine, and characters with complex pasts, then this needs to be on your romantasy TBR!
August 30, 2026
This was such a fun urban fantasy read! I’m always a sucker for dragons, and adding in a dragon slayer, ancient artifacts, secrets, betrayal, and an enemies-to-lovers romance made this an easy one to get pulled into.
I really liked Gwen as a main character. She’s strong and determined, but her need for revenge gives her a vulnerability that kept her from feeling too perfect. And Asher definitely brought the morally gray, mysterious energy I love. Their banter and tension were probably my favorite parts, especially when neither one was quite sure how much they could trust the other.
The search for the Tablets kept the story moving, while the twists surrounding Gwen and Asher made me increasingly suspicious of everyone. There’s plenty of action and dragon lore, but enough romance woven throughout to keep my romantasy-loving heart happy.
A fast, entertaining read with dragons, danger, secrets, and chemistry — and I’m definitely curious to see where this series goes next!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I really liked Gwen as a main character. She’s strong and determined, but her need for revenge gives her a vulnerability that kept her from feeling too perfect. And Asher definitely brought the morally gray, mysterious energy I love. Their banter and tension were probably my favorite parts, especially when neither one was quite sure how much they could trust the other.
The search for the Tablets kept the story moving, while the twists surrounding Gwen and Asher made me increasingly suspicious of everyone. There’s plenty of action and dragon lore, but enough romance woven throughout to keep my romantasy-loving heart happy.
A fast, entertaining read with dragons, danger, secrets, and chemistry — and I’m definitely curious to see where this series goes next!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 7, 2026
J.D. Brown has created a captivating world in this first installment. I loved the character development—Asher and Gwen are such interesting opposites. The quest for the Tablets is full of unexpected surprises that kept me hooked until the very last page. It’s a clean yet intense read that left me eager for more. Highly recommended for dragon lovers!
I absolutely loved this storyline! The dynamic between Asher, a California boy with a unique twist, and Gwen, a disciplined military lead, made for a fantastic pairing. Their high-stakes journey to find the Tablets and save the dragons kept me on the edge of my seat with constant twists and turns. While the story isn't 'spicy,' the plot is so gripping that I didn't want to put it down. I’m already counting the days until the next book in the series!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I absolutely loved this storyline! The dynamic between Asher, a California boy with a unique twist, and Gwen, a disciplined military lead, made for a fantastic pairing. Their high-stakes journey to find the Tablets and save the dragons kept me on the edge of my seat with constant twists and turns. While the story isn't 'spicy,' the plot is so gripping that I didn't want to put it down. I’m already counting the days until the next book in the series!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 15, 2026
I plowed through this whole book in a day, and it's been a while since I've been able to do that! Everything flowed nicely, slipping from one adventure into the next while the sparks between the two characters quickly grew.
It's definitely a book that's focused on the relationship between the two characters, and what a relationship it is! Enemies to lovers, except only one of them knows that the other is the enemy...
The spice in this is excellent; very hot without being too much. Little bits about the writing felt off to me, like odd phrasings, but I did get an early copy so it could have gotten more editing after it was sent to me.
So this is more of a 4.5-star read for me than a full 5.
I love the urban fantasy world building, with all the shifters and modern-day setting. I look forward to learning more about the dragons especially, and to see what happens between Gwen and Asher! Definitely an enjoyable story, with great characters and romance!
It's definitely a book that's focused on the relationship between the two characters, and what a relationship it is! Enemies to lovers, except only one of them knows that the other is the enemy...
The spice in this is excellent; very hot without being too much. Little bits about the writing felt off to me, like odd phrasings, but I did get an early copy so it could have gotten more editing after it was sent to me.
So this is more of a 4.5-star read for me than a full 5.
I love the urban fantasy world building, with all the shifters and modern-day setting. I look forward to learning more about the dragons especially, and to see what happens between Gwen and Asher! Definitely an enjoyable story, with great characters and romance!
May 12, 2026
Rcvd an copy from Booksprout.
We meet Gwen, captain in an army who destroys dragons so they dont bring down humanity. As a child, her parents were killed by a red dragon and she was severely burned. Her uncle saved her and helped her skills grow. She is now in charge of a mission to get tablets found at dig sites. What she didn't count on was being paired with an egg head who studies dragons being hot. Asher is the expert on dragons but what no one knows is that he actually is a dragon undercover and it's come full circle now to get the tablets. What he didnt count on was Gwen to smell like vanilla....dragons can sense smells when they find their fated mates. Gwen's attraction to Asher is growing. His cologne smells like cinnamon and its messing with her head. Things are getting very complicated and the truth is bound to come out...but at what cost?
We meet Gwen, captain in an army who destroys dragons so they dont bring down humanity. As a child, her parents were killed by a red dragon and she was severely burned. Her uncle saved her and helped her skills grow. She is now in charge of a mission to get tablets found at dig sites. What she didn't count on was being paired with an egg head who studies dragons being hot. Asher is the expert on dragons but what no one knows is that he actually is a dragon undercover and it's come full circle now to get the tablets. What he didnt count on was Gwen to smell like vanilla....dragons can sense smells when they find their fated mates. Gwen's attraction to Asher is growing. His cologne smells like cinnamon and its messing with her head. Things are getting very complicated and the truth is bound to come out...but at what cost?
June 5, 2026
Recently, I have been trying to narrow down and figure out exactly what I do and don’t like in a book…many, many years after I started reading. LOL! Anyway, this is important because I’ve discovered there’s a trope that I’m not fond of in this book. I don’t want to say anything about that, but I will say that while the trope annoyed me, I still really liked this book. Gwen annoyed me sometimes, just a little bit because of her obsessive hatred for dragons, even if I really understood it. I’d like a little more background on this hatred of dragons that everyone seems to have; maybe that would clear up the hatred (besides Gwen’s which I already mostly understand) for me. Anyway, overall, I really did enjoy this and I’m looking forward to the next one. Recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.
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