Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Blackstone Mountain #1

The Blackstone Dragon Heir

Rate this book
They say I'm cold blooded. Driven. Obsessed with money.

Just like the dragon inside me.

But when I meet her

I know it. She's the one.

My fated mate.

I would do anything to make keep her safe.

and protect her from the forces trying to hurt her.

Because I take care of what's mine.

A cold, unfeeling dragon shifter CEO + mysterious woman on the run who perks up his dragon's interest = action, adventure, heart-wrenching romance and an HEA guaranteed to satisfy you!

Matthew Lennox’s entire life was driven by one thing: Lennox Corporation. Now that he was taking over as CEO, nothing was going to stop him from making the family company an even bigger success. But, when a mysterious woman arrives in town and captures his and his dragon’s attention, he realizes that she’s the one: his mate, and he’d do anything to make her his.

Catherine Archer is running away from her past and those trying to hurt her. She knows she needs to keep her head down and falling for a dragon shifter isn't exactly keeping a low profile. She needs to resist him, for his and her sake, but can she ignore her heart?

208 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 27, 2017

1991 people are currently reading
1155 people want to read

About the author

Alicia Montgomery

100 books1,037 followers

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
1,440 (45%)
4 stars
982 (30%)
3 stars
574 (18%)
2 stars
136 (4%)
1 star
38 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 224 reviews
Profile Image for Jamie.
2,072 reviews93 followers
August 22, 2023
I really do like this world, but there is some cheesiness in this one. I'm not sure I'm a fan of that. I really liked Matthew. I wasn't a huge fan of Catherine. With as short a this book is, she held onto her secrets for too long in my opinion. And then all of a sudden he lets it all out, says I love you, and it's over. ugh...

The epilogue was nice, but it felt more of a segway into the next book vs giving these two a wrap-up. Either way I'll continue with the series because Luke has me really intrigued.
Profile Image for Coco.V.
50k reviews133 followers
Want to read
December 25, 2019
🎁 Blackstone Mountain Series (Books 1 - 5) are FREE on Amazon today (12/25/2019)! 🎁
Profile Image for Elizabeth.
3,693 reviews329 followers
did-not-finish
March 17, 2025
DNF at 20%

This is too full of manwhores and negative motivation and rude interactions.
Profile Image for Jennifer Hill.
86 reviews
December 18, 2017
I got a free ARC in return for an honest review...that being said, can I PLEASE have my own dragon mate? Matthew seems so sexy and caring and loving and protective, but enough with the run on sentences, this was just fabulous, Ms Montgomery knocked it out of the park! Catherine and Matthew are so perfect together, even if she does have some secrets(boy howdy, those are big), but I loved their attraction to each other and how neither could seem to leave the other. Fantastic story, cannot wait for more!
727 reviews7 followers
February 17, 2024
This was such a cute, short and sweet read with a bit of spice and a smidgen of suspense. I’m not the biggest fan of billionaire romances, but aside from the fancy house, there wasn’t a whole lot of emphasis on the materialistic stuff, which is what I tend to dislike about them. That and the samey-ness. This MMC has a normal family: supportive siblings who love him, and parents who are NOT aloof and mean. He does NOT buy FMC any clothes, and he actually goes into the office instead of abandoning everything the moment the FMC shows up in his life. He maaaaybe abuses his black card once or twice. Whaddaya gonna do? 🤷🏻‍♀️

There was even a twist on that old classic, the scene where the MMC takes the FMC to some fancy restaurant, and you’re expecting them to have the typical banter-over-dinner thing.

Now, as a shifter romance though, this was pretty much genre-typical. FMC doesn’t want anything to to do with shifters, not like all the OTHER girls 🙄 but MMC knows immediately she’s his fated mate, so he lurks around growling at people, bodily carries her from place to place as needed, saves her heroically from the bad guys and flies her to safety in his dragon form, etc etc.

Credit where credit is due: the MCs use a condom instead of just going for it, the FMC’s “secret” doesn’t lead to an annoying third act breakup, and the “I think you’re my mate” discussion occurs only after the pressure of the bad guys and law enforcement coming after her has been resolved. (I would’ve hated it if he told her they were mates and then she still needed him to save/protect her, because that’s no real choice at all.)
Profile Image for Kristi Metcalf.
285 reviews4 followers
December 23, 2017


I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader’s Copy of this book

Oh I love a good shifter romance and Montgomery has written a good one once again. We have it all in this book: Russian criminals, a fire breathing dragon, a broody lion, a mysterious woman, and hot sex!!!
Matthew Lennox is the newly appointed CEO of the Lennox Corporation, he is also the oldest of the Lennox children and a dragon shifter, he is also the workaholic of the twins and a dragon shifter.
Catherine Archer is a bartender at The Den, a bar in Blackstone which is a shifter town. She is on the run and not looking for anything.
When Matthew is dragged to The Den by his brothers and cousin he is immediately attracted to Catherine from across the room and doesn’t know why. He goes back to see her again because he can’t keep her off his mind, he sits and drinks becoming more mad as men keep flirting with her. LOL!!! His Dragon only wants her and has since the moment he spotted her.
When he saves her from some drunks after work he actually gets to talk with her and has the shock of his life when she can do something that no one outside his family and do.
Yes, they get together fast in this story but just like any other shifter story when you find your mate you just can’t wait. That is one thing that with shifter stories I just love.
Catherine and Matthew are a great couple and when Catherine stops fighting herself she can see it too.
Jason, Matthew’s twin, his book is going to be a doozy and I can’t wait to see him get his!!
Profile Image for Zarith dol.
221 reviews1 follower
December 28, 2017
My rate between 3.5-4 stars
I volunteers to read arc given by the author for an honest review

New saga begins with Matthew, the eldest son of Riva and Hank (The Last Blackstone Dragon) found his mate Catherine after celebration of his parents retirement. Catherine on the run from the mob who murder her roommate, resists Matthew advances to avoid involving him into danger. Can they lower down their guard and trust each other and their fated mate?

In the prequel we are told of the twin mates tales that pass down from the family. The story foretold of the soulmate that can differentiate btw the twins are their mates. I love they explore this tale in this book. What made me give the 5 stars score is the lack of attachment with Catherine's character. I love most of the heroine character that the author has written, but i don't like Catherine's much. She present as a confused person to me and not much development of the character in the book. I even like Christina better and she just in a few pages of the book. After 75% of the book, the story also get lost, with mix plot line, that too quickly resolve. That just my opinion, overall the book start with a strong story but the ending just lost to me. Since the next book is btw my fav characters, I can't wait to read the next book on the saga.
Profile Image for Mary .
823 reviews56 followers
January 29, 2018
DRAGONS!!!!

Who doesn't love dragons? I have always had a fascination with them since I read my first fantasy novel. Add in mates, HEA, and true love, what more could a reader ask for? This new series is quickly becoming a favorite paranormal of mine.
The personalities of each character is flawless and no two overlap. I don't know how the author was able to make so many unique characters, but she did it and it is fantastic. This story follows Matthew, the heir to Blackstone, and his mate Catherine. How their worlds collide is thrilling with romantic moments splashed in between. The scene near the end when they are together, was written so beautifully and was a sweet HEA for them.
Matthew is the stern one of the family. He has the mind and drive along with narrow focus to make Blackstone succeed. When celebrating leads to meeting his mate, he has a whole new drive take over. Matthew is one of my favorite characters we've met. I like his personality and inner thoughts.
Catherine doesn't even realize her inner strength and focus. She is definitely written as the perfect mate for Matthew. I liked how she interacted with his family, and how stubborn she was. The secrets she kept hidden, when they came to light, I was surprised. It was refreshing to not guess where the story would end up.
If you like dragons, and romance, then this book is for you. It will pull you in and immerse you into Blackstone.
Profile Image for Alisha Rowe.
642 reviews33 followers
August 22, 2025
This review was originally posted at https://bit.ly/4fR6k8L.











Catherine is on the run from things best left in the past. Matthew doesn't care about anything but his family's company where he just became CEO. He spots her from across the room to where she kept bar and he knew she was his.

This is a dark 'He fell first' with some blackmail. It's very light dark compared to some of my reads. Matthew is the possessive dominant type. Catherine is on the run and not afraid to bolt at a moment's notice.

I listened to the audiobook and completely enjoyed the narration. No weird pronunciations or points where you are unable to differentiate characters. This story is also a very low-spice romance.

I completely enjoyed this book and all of the characters. I liked that his brother tried to hit on her first, but she turned him down before Matthew got her. This is book one in a series that you can choose to continue on or not when finished. There are plenty of background information going on while Matthew and Catherine's story is wrapped up nicely.

I will say that Catherine's antics are largely ridiculous. When it was revealed what she was truly running from, other than her old roommates issues, it felt like a bit of a letdown after all that build-up. There is a bit of a mob aspect and this is a shifter book. Dragons to be exact, although the title of the book gives that one away.
118 reviews1 follower
April 30, 2025
I guess I'm not into shifter romance. Thought I'd give it a try. Came for the shifting. Not sure why I stayed.

For the first half of the book, I couldn't understand these characters. Matthew is your typical alpha character, pushy, doesn't take no for an answer, brooding, possessive. Not sure what Catherine sees in him. Not sure why she ever let ***(minor spoilers) a stranger walk her home, take her out, or sleep in her bed after an allergic reaction. I just kept asking "why?!" or saying "ew" with all their romantic interactions. The intended spicy scenes weren't exciting when I thought the characters had come together too soon and acted in inconsistent, incomprehensible ways.

The characters aside, there's so little showing and depth in the writing I couldn't picture anything. What on earth does Matthew's dragon look like? Why are they separate beings? What's that like? At the end, we got a glimpse, the barest of descriptions, but have no clue what the actual shifting process is like. I wasn't even sure if it was a literal dragon until well into the second half when he's finally in his shifted form for half a second in one scene.

And love? Nah, none of what developed between them is anything that resembles love. Not even infatuation. Just physical...and magical...attraction.

I don't know, I stuck it out because I'm a completionist. But I won't be coming back for more.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for JodyL.
1,644 reviews5 followers
January 31, 2018
Matthew and Catherine

Catherine is on the run from the Russian mob. She is human and they are a pride of lions. She doesn't know for sure what the deal is except she walked in on them killing her roommate and best friend. She is now hiding out in Blackstone thinking she might be safe because they wouldn't think she would go to a shifter town.
Matthew is now the CEO of the company. His mom and dad just left to go on a year long retirement vacation. Of the twins he is the more responsible one, so he took his mom's place.
Him, his brothers, cousin, and friends went out the Friday before his official start as CEO. He saw the new bartender and started feeling funny. Catherine saw Matthew too. When her friend told her that him and his brother Jason were identical twins, she thought she was crazy. They looked more like cousins to her.
The book keeps you on you toes with Catherine continuously pushing people away and trying to run. But trouble still finds her. We also learn about the secrets she is keeping about her family.
Enjoyable story. Can't wait to find out about the explosive relationship of Jason and Christina.
Profile Image for Karina Pugh.
60 reviews2 followers
December 21, 2017
Firstly if you haven't read the last Blackstone Dragon then you should. It's a really great prequel and is free on Amazon.
Right from the very beginning this book drags you in. Catherine is on the run from a group of shifter bad guys. The prologue is very mysterious especially with the secret code text messages, you instantly start wondering who she is.
Matthew is the new CEO of Lennox corporation. His twin Jason runs the Lennox foundation. Matthew is the more serious and driven twin whereas, Jason is the more fun loving and approachable twin.
Catherine doesn't believe that Matthew and Jason are twins. Riva (twins mother) said that the one who knows you from you twin is your soul mate, I lived that as there is something so magical about it.
After a memorable first date there is no separating Catherine from Matthew's side. Catherine is closed off and hiding something but, police, bad guys, twins or over protective fathers can not keep them apart from each other.
Another great book.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of the book
102 reviews
March 29, 2021
3.5* - Good start

This title came up on my recommended list and as I've not read this author before, I thought I'd give it a go. I'm glad I did as it was different enough for me to want to read the next book. I liked that whilst it was set in small town/wild area, as a lot of shifter books are, this main characters were 'corporate' which gave it a different set up. Also, of late, a number of shifter stories have the male character pursuing the main female lead really aggressively to the point where some of the sex scenes are borderline assault and do not come across as passion or lust. This got it about right. The mate angle was there but it was a slower burn which worked. The it was well written, and additional characters were interesting enough to see that they would get their own stories. I liked it wasn't overly long and quite a light read as well. That said, the reason for the slightly lower review was that it did fall in to a couple of cliches - runaway mystery woman ,playboy and the grouchy loner etc. That said, I'm still going to give book 2 a go......
26 reviews
December 21, 2017
The twins have grown up .This is the story of Matthew, one of Riva's and Hank's twin .Being the heir to a successful business is tiring but Matthew is one hardworking lad . Completely opposite if compared to Jason,his twin .It was the day when he was given the CEO title when him and his brothers decided to celebrate at The Den. There he met Catherine,a girl which had his dragon on edge . Catherine Archer,was running away from the Chesnovak Brotherhood pack who wanted her dead after they suspected that she stole their money . Blackstone seems to be a good choice until she met Matthew . For one reason or another, she can't get him out of her mind . Can Matthew protect his mate when the Chesnovak Brotherhood found her or will she run before it all started ? I absolutely love this book,been loving it since the prequel. I can't wait to read Jason & Christina's book,that man has finally found his match !

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC copy of this book .
Profile Image for Viper Spaulding.
3,147 reviews25 followers
December 28, 2017
Sensational dragon shifter story! We've got the next generation of Blackstone dragons here, starting with one of the twins whose parents' love story was beautifully told in the prequel. Matthew is such a sexy shifter, all protective and dominating yet sweet when he needs to be. Catherine brings a lot to the table - not only is she a fantastic character, but she's got a matched set of drama-stuffed baggage! This author writes such a complex story, multi-layered and fascinating on so many levels. I couldn't put it down once I started, reading it way into the wee hours until I was done. The insta-love part of her shifter world is oh-so-steamy and intense. These two have such an amazing chemistry, built on a strong foundation of emotional support for each other. Being a mother of identical twins, I loved the twin aspect of the storyline and thought it was exceptionally well done. I can't wait for Jason's story! I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
Profile Image for Nesie.
410 reviews2 followers
December 29, 2017
As always, Alicia Montgomery delivers an addictive, enjoyable paranormal romance. With this new series, Montgomery delves into the world of dragon shifters, and her mythology is just as solid as her work in her Fated Mates series. In fact, the shifter in question is a whole lot more laid back, and less...well, stalker-y, than some of her earlier stories. Bravo! (I get that fated mates amp a shifter's animal to 11, but it's nice to have a shifter that doesn't constantly Edward Cullen a lady. Matthew reins it in while still letting us know what his dragon really wants. That's awesome, and refreshing. My two cents.)

With plenty of thrills and steam, this is sure to please any PR fan... Just make sure you read the intro novella The Last Blackstone Dragon before you dig in. Not that you need the backstory, but believe me, you'll want it.

(Note - I received a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.)
Profile Image for Donna.
Author 1 book4 followers
February 10, 2019
This was a decent shifter romance with a little action, mystery and suspense thrown in. Girl on the run from dangerous Russian shifter killers arrives in town and catches the eye of the wealthy CEO of a large local corporation. He’s recently been put in charge after his parents retired, and he’s a rare dragon shifter. It turns out she’s his mate.

This was my first read by this author. My only complaints were that:

1. I felt like I was jumping into the world she created without a map or reference point. Non-shifters in her story know about shifters. In fact, there are even groupies. That felt a little weird to me that they were so widely accepted and common.

2. The story read so quickly it felt like a short story. I read it in one day. I would’ve liked a little more character development and time spent on certain plot points.

I don’t think I will continue the series. It was okay. It just didn’t bowl me over.
Profile Image for Monroe Racer.
161 reviews14 followers
March 22, 2021
So this one is tough to review. There were SO many things I liked about it, the characters, the setting, the plot... however, there was so much that was rushed and skipped over. I almost felt like I was reading an outline of a novel with the plot and everything laid out but so many important details just grazed over and not explored to the extent they could have been. For example, the fact he proposed to her seemed almost like a foot note. A sentence or two on an important development. There are many more example like this throughout the book, where the author touched the surface but never took the plunge to the meat of it. Also, I wasn’t a huge fan of the third person perspective that this novel was written in. I think it would have been thoroughly more enjoyable if it was first perspective and alternated between Matthew and Catherine’s perspectives. All-in-all, still a fun read- I’m looking forward to reading more from this author and watching her work develop.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
1,233 reviews14 followers
May 23, 2022
Could have/should have been brilliant!

I did enjoy it, but it’s massively disappointing. Catherine witnesses her roommate and friend being murdered, so she goes on the run to live in Blackstone Mountains. When she’s working in a bar she meets Mathew Lennox, who is the ceo of Lennox Industries and a dragon. He can’t keep away from her, and comes on a bit strong, she’s scared of her feelings for him and avoids him. And is quite honestly rude to him! It’s just all a bit weird. It doesn’t feel like they fancy the pants off each other. It’s really awkward.

When she is taken in for questioning at the police station about a murder, the only way she can get released is if she goes to Mathews castle and stays with him. Of course they have sex, and he tells her she’s his mate. She gets terrified and tries sneaking out the house while he’s asleep, classy girl.

There is a bit of danger at the end of the book. It’s a bit blink and you’ll miss it. I’m starting to get used to it with books that I’ve read recently…… 😢
Profile Image for Vivian Chrisman.
2,811 reviews4 followers
December 28, 2017
Matthew has always been the more serious twin. He always knew he would take over the CEO position when his mother retired from Lennox Corp. While out celebrating with his brothers and friends, Matthew's dragon takes notice of the new bartender. Catherine is new to town and not quite sure what to make of the small town dynamics. For one thing, why does everyone keep saying Matthew and Jason are twins and hard to tell apart? Catherine thinks they look nothing alike. Hmm...could the family saying about the soulmates of twins be true? But, Catherine is running for her life and hiding more than one secret. What will happen when it all catches up with her? I loved this start to a new series by Ms. Montgomery and can't wait to read more.

*I received an Advance Reader's Copy of this book which I am voluntarily reviewing*
351 reviews3 followers
July 9, 2020
I wasn't sure I was going to feel about this series. I really liked True Mates and just wasn't sure that it would be as good. I am soooooo glad that I tried it. I love the fact that this universe is very different True Mates. Having shifters being out in the open right off the bat is an uncommon take on shifter stories.

I love that the shifters instantly know when someone is there mate. That it is not something that is a guessing game. I like the relationship between Catherine and Matthew. I think that they have instant chemistry. I like that Catherine is resourceful. The broodiness that Matthew exudes is a perfect for Catherine.

I do feel the story was a bit rushed. I guess I would have liked more relationship build up. This was a great story and I can't wait to read the rest of the series!
Profile Image for Jenni.
6,411 reviews79 followers
December 28, 2017
The Blackstone Dragon Heir comes hot on the tail of The Last Blackstone Dragon and is the story of the next generation of Blackstone dragons. It is a paranormal romance that Alicia is so good at writing. The characters and the world in which she creates always leave you wanting more.

Matthew is an alpha dragon shifter who is hot and sexy, dominating but sweet and will do nothing to protect those he loves. But when he meets a mysterious woman he will stop at nothing to ensure she is safe.

Catherine knows trouble follows her but as much as she tries she can't stay away form the one man she knows she should.

Alicia writes stories that are fascinating and multi dimensional and good to read. I can't wait for the next story to this wonderful world.
Profile Image for Karen.
382 reviews
August 13, 2018
I actually read this book ages ago but life often gets in the way of reviews and had it been a mediocre story I may not have bothered to write a review. But this book was far from that, I really enjoyed it so much so I wanted to let others know how good it was. In fact, I didn't want to put this down. It has an original storyline with well thought out characters which draw you into their lives and keep you reading to find out how their lives pan out I actually read through the night until I was dropping at 5 am but as soon as I was up and had my cup of tea I picked it straight back up again. And as I already had book two, as soon as I finished it I had to pick up book two. If you enjoy Paranormal Romance with shifters then are truly going to love this series.
Profile Image for Kylee.
472 reviews3 followers
April 20, 2021
3.75 stars
I read this in one sitting as it’s short and an enjoyable read. But didn’t love it enough to bump up to 4 stars.
I like the characters, the storyline was good. The mate thing I enjoy about shifters. But it’s not a strong over protective alpha I’m use to. Matthew was sweet & caring and controlled his dragon to not come across too possessive. Catherine was mysterious and her secrets kept me reading to find out more.
The supporting characters, who will each get their own story I enjoyed I’m intrigued to find out more about Luke. I might continue the series as I think this will be an easy read series to breeze through but not leaving me feeling in book mourning, or use the books as palette cleansers.
1,343 reviews4 followers
July 13, 2021
A lonely dragon shifter finds his mate, but she is running from the Russian mob, a lion shifter mob.

She thought she was hidden, but knew she couldn't fall in love and drag someone else into her troubles. Then a hyena were found her at work. The next day he was dead, and she was being accused of his murder. Without proof, the local police tried to hold her, but her dragon mate had a good lawyer. Two days later she is arrested for the murder of her ex roommate, and a Russian mob member. On the way to the jail the Sheriff's vehicle is attacked, by Russian lion shifters, but they attacked too close to the dragons home, and he toasts most of them, but his mate Catherine is badly shot. Will he lose his mate, will he ever find out all her secrets?
Profile Image for Ashante Williams.
2,065 reviews3 followers
July 17, 2021
This was a surprisingly good book. I have never read this author before but wanted to try the series. I love how it starts with a murder mystery. Catherine Archer is running for her life and trying to keep away from shifters. She lands in Blackstone where she meets Twins Matthew and Jason Lennox and the rest of the family. Matthew realizes she's his mate and sets on a mission to make her his. In the meantime Catherine is not having it and has one foot out the door at all times. This was a good start to the series because you get to meet all the family members of the Lennox family who are all shifters but shockingly not all dragons. I loved that… it was a blended shifter family. The story is really 🔥 HOT and also very intriguing.
Profile Image for Ruth.
348 reviews4 followers
May 10, 2023
Running away

Catherine Archer came home and found her roommate murdered and the brotherhood there. She was able to get away and text her friend to help her out.
She left LA and ended up in Blackstone. She was able to get a job as a bartender at the Den. While working she was hit on by Jason but she turned him down. Matthew came into the Den and seen her. He could not get her off his mind.
Matthew waited until she off from work and noticed guy hitting on her. The guy wouldn't leave her alone so Matthew broke it up. He offers to take her home, he then tells her he take her to dinner tomorrow.
Catherine pass comes back to cause problems for her. Matthew tells her she's his mate. Murder, cartel, family problems all rolled into one happily ever after.
Profile Image for Jo Smith.
695 reviews4 followers
December 24, 2017
I was gifted a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
- [ ] Alicia never fails to impress me with her stories. Each full with action, adventure and some hot love. I enjoy the family unity that Alicia’s stories take and The Blackstone Dragon Heir delivers and then some - in the form of twins. Opposite personalities with the same face. Only one person can tell them apart, not that the boys believed the story, their soulmates. Matthew the quieter more studious twin is the Dragon of this first encounter. Always true to her characters, this book left me satisfied and smiling! Can’t wait for the next instalment
587 reviews2 followers
December 21, 2018
Blackstone Mountain (1)

Catherine is on the run, she was in the wrong place at the wrong time, she witnessed her flatmate being murdered by members of the Chesnovak Brotherhood, now they're chasing her, she needed to move away fast. Matthew is a dragon shifter. His only interest is the family business, and now his mother is retiring as CEO and he was taking over. His parents have left to join friends on a trip of a lifetime and the rest of his family have dragged him out to celebrate. That's when he meets her, his Dragon is taking a lot of notice too saying, mine. This is shaping up to be a real good series, has an excellent well written story, so onto book 2
Sue P
Displaying 1 - 30 of 224 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.