What do you think?
Rate this book
Shifter Agents #3
Dragon's Luck
An undercover spy and a sexy dragon gambler team up in a high-stakes poker game in this standalone paranormal romance!
Jen Cho is a gecko shifter and infiltration expert for the Shifter Crimes Bureau. But this time she's in over her head—out of touch with her handler and head over heels for a sexy gambler who mistakenly thinks she's as much of a bad girl as he's a bad boy.
Ambrose "Lucky" Lucado has been playing in high-stakes games of chance since he was big enough to see over the table. But the sexy lizard shifter has a secret: he's not a lizard at all. He's a dragon, the rarest of all shifters, thought to be nothing more than a legend. And all dragons have special abilities that other shifters don't. Lucky can "push" his luck just a tiny bit, enough to ensure that he always wins at the gambling tables.
The problem is, the rest of Lucky's family have powers of their own. His much more powerful cousin Angel can twist people’s minds, making them do whatever he wants, from forgetting they’ve seen him to shooting themselves in the head. And now he’s set his sights on Jen.
Is "Lucky" Lucado lucky enough to protect both of them?
Jen Cho is a gecko shifter and infiltration expert for the Shifter Crimes Bureau. But this time she's in over her head—out of touch with her handler and head over heels for a sexy gambler who mistakenly thinks she's as much of a bad girl as he's a bad boy.
Ambrose "Lucky" Lucado has been playing in high-stakes games of chance since he was big enough to see over the table. But the sexy lizard shifter has a secret: he's not a lizard at all. He's a dragon, the rarest of all shifters, thought to be nothing more than a legend. And all dragons have special abilities that other shifters don't. Lucky can "push" his luck just a tiny bit, enough to ensure that he always wins at the gambling tables.
The problem is, the rest of Lucky's family have powers of their own. His much more powerful cousin Angel can twist people’s minds, making them do whatever he wants, from forgetting they’ve seen him to shooting themselves in the head. And now he’s set his sights on Jen.
Is "Lucky" Lucado lucky enough to protect both of them?
314 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 11, 2016
266 people are currently reading
129 people want to read
About the author
Lauren Esker
80 books77 followersLauren Esker writes romantic suspense and paranormal romance that’s just a little off the beaten path. Which isn’t surprising since she’s a lifelong Alaskan who is a little off the beaten path herself! (Literally and figuratively.) She also writes graphic novels and scifi/fantasy as Layla Lawlor, and m/m romance as Layla M. Wier.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
January 23, 2024
This series is so good! I loved Jen's story. This is an action packed book that ends in them loving each other but more happy for now with some hope for the future. Plus, there's huge hints to some adventures for the future. Not sure what part Jen will play in future books, but I can't wait to read.
The author has done a great job and ensuring each and every character has a distinct voice. No rinse and repeat. The sex scene in this book is so funny and so Jen. No one else could have a first time with a new partner in this way.
This was so fun and funny.
Safety deets
- no other women or men.
- no third act breakup.
- protection discussed a little but not used.
- happy for now ending.
The author has done a great job and ensuring each and every character has a distinct voice. No rinse and repeat. The sex scene in this book is so funny and so Jen. No one else could have a first time with a new partner in this way.
This was so fun and funny.
Safety deets
- no other women or men.
- no third act breakup.
- protection discussed a little but not used.
- happy for now ending.
Read
May 13, 2016I read this book in draft, and got sucked into it so hard that I read half the night, completely forgetting that I was supposed to be beta-reading for commentary.
I think it's easily the best yet, and I thoroughly enjoyed the previous Shifter Agent books, the first of which started off with a bang, and was light on romance, the second of which began slowly and developed the romance thoroughly before the suspense kicked in.
In this one, the romantic elements and the suspense run neck and neck as Jen Cho, the gecko shifter, runs into Lucky, a professional gambler who is out for the biggest score of a lifetime--or so it appears.
They sense shifters in the other, but that doesn't really mitigate the trust issues. If anything, it complicates them, especially when Lucky is forced to claim Jen as his girlfriend as the floating gambling den they'd thought an overnight trip suddenly takes a sinister turn when they are given an offer they cannot refuse.
The stakes ramp up, secrets get uncovered, and all kinds of crazy happen, meanwhile the two banter deliciously as they prowl around each other warily, drawn every closer until they
I loved the dimension to the characters, loved the resolution--and was intrigued by the single thread left dangling, promising even bigger stakes to come. I can hardly wait. Lauren Esker is easily one of my top three paranormal romance writers.
I think it's easily the best yet, and I thoroughly enjoyed the previous Shifter Agent books, the first of which started off with a bang, and was light on romance, the second of which began slowly and developed the romance thoroughly before the suspense kicked in.
In this one, the romantic elements and the suspense run neck and neck as Jen Cho, the gecko shifter, runs into Lucky, a professional gambler who is out for the biggest score of a lifetime--or so it appears.
They sense shifters in the other, but that doesn't really mitigate the trust issues. If anything, it complicates them, especially when Lucky is forced to claim Jen as his girlfriend as the floating gambling den they'd thought an overnight trip suddenly takes a sinister turn when they are given an offer they cannot refuse.
The stakes ramp up, secrets get uncovered, and all kinds of crazy happen, meanwhile the two banter deliciously as they prowl around each other warily, drawn every closer until they
I loved the dimension to the characters, loved the resolution--and was intrigued by the single thread left dangling, promising even bigger stakes to come. I can hardly wait. Lauren Esker is easily one of my top three paranormal romance writers.
April 1, 2019
A gambler and a spy?
I liked this book more than I expected. The main characters are sympathetic, despite the hazy morality of some of them. There is a lot of action. The sex is pretty fun, too.
I liked this book more than I expected. The main characters are sympathetic, despite the hazy morality of some of them. There is a lot of action. The sex is pretty fun, too.
May 25, 2016
Fun read. Undercover agents, high stakes poker, impractical ship design and dragons! What more could you want?
September 21, 2018
Action paced shifter romance with special government operations to fast forward this story - like shifters or not this will keep you up.
This special operation mission has special crime buera agent men who on her toes. The agents in such are not just co-workers but extended family and definitely have each other's back. Being one of the few woman she not a girly girl and she can be kickass. She on a mission solo and Murphy law is not in her side. It seems luck not be on the lady side. She drawn into a high stakes gambling contest with tons of risk, complications an high stakes. A contestant the budget high stakes her heart is at risk and his name Lucky. I mean action you think okay coming to a close then more action, winding down hope more action..yes not a book to go read before bed or you'll blame me when you are up all night because there no pause to stop and set it down. Listen to me do not read before bed - you have been warned spots not my fault. Great twist and turns , definitely not as it seems not to judge a book by its cover all the cliches grab this story. Violence 3, sex2 shifter and magic - you'll love this alternative not cookie cutter shifter story. Not into shifters might be a challenge got shifters and more.
More opinions or reviews please check out my blog: my2centsbookreviews.com Thank you!
This special operation mission has special crime buera agent men who on her toes. The agents in such are not just co-workers but extended family and definitely have each other's back. Being one of the few woman she not a girly girl and she can be kickass. She on a mission solo and Murphy law is not in her side. It seems luck not be on the lady side. She drawn into a high stakes gambling contest with tons of risk, complications an high stakes. A contestant the budget high stakes her heart is at risk and his name Lucky. I mean action you think okay coming to a close then more action, winding down hope more action..yes not a book to go read before bed or you'll blame me when you are up all night because there no pause to stop and set it down. Listen to me do not read before bed - you have been warned spots not my fault. Great twist and turns , definitely not as it seems not to judge a book by its cover all the cliches grab this story. Violence 3, sex2 shifter and magic - you'll love this alternative not cookie cutter shifter story. Not into shifters might be a challenge got shifters and more.
More opinions or reviews please check out my blog: my2centsbookreviews.com Thank you!
April 30, 2024
I enjoyed the first two books in the 'Shifter Agents' series as they delved deeper than most into the science/magic of Shifting.
Sadly, that is not the case with “Dragon's Luck” - it's a bog standard, run-of-the-mill story.
Special (aka Shifter) Crimes Unit agent Jen Cho (Gecko Shifter) is investigating the source of a new drug called 'Dragon's Tears' which has amazing healing powers but is also highly addictive.
A poker tournament, aimed at the best players in the world, is being held onboard a ship and Jen smuggles herself aboard.
There she meets, and is immediately attracted to, Lucky Lucado (Dragon Shifter) who is one of the contestants.
They get up to all kinds of shenanigans, each one less interesting than the last as far as I was concerned.
The first two books were good fun but this one felt forced and formulaic.
I gave up after the halfway point.
If I were judging it compared to the other books in the series it would be a 2 Star – but on its own it a 3 Star.
3 Stars.
Sadly, that is not the case with “Dragon's Luck” - it's a bog standard, run-of-the-mill story.
Special (aka Shifter) Crimes Unit agent Jen Cho (Gecko Shifter) is investigating the source of a new drug called 'Dragon's Tears' which has amazing healing powers but is also highly addictive.
A poker tournament, aimed at the best players in the world, is being held onboard a ship and Jen smuggles herself aboard.
There she meets, and is immediately attracted to, Lucky Lucado (Dragon Shifter) who is one of the contestants.
They get up to all kinds of shenanigans, each one less interesting than the last as far as I was concerned.
The first two books were good fun but this one felt forced and formulaic.
I gave up after the halfway point.
If I were judging it compared to the other books in the series it would be a 2 Star – but on its own it a 3 Star.
3 Stars.
August 11, 2024
This was another solid instalment in the Shifter Agents series - this time we're following gecko shifter / SCD agent Jen Cho, and dragon shifter / gambler Ambrose 'Lucky' Lucado. Jen's investigating a new shifter drug called Dragon's Tears, and is crashing a high-stakes poker tournament to get to the source of it. Lucky, meanwhile, is competing in said tournament for... reasons of his own (and which would involve spoilers to go into).
This felt like a bit of a lighter read overall than instalments 1 and 2 in the series, although granted, #2 *started* light and fluffy, but gradually got hella darker as the book wore one. This one followed the same pattern, with an antagonist who basically felt like Kilgrave (from Jessica Jones) in draconic form, and all the unpleasantness that attracts - but it didn't feel as though it got as dark as #2 towards the end, and I'm not sure if I'm more relieved or disappointed by that.
It was a lot of fun to read though, and I'm looking forward to Book 4 and the various spinofff books after that.
This felt like a bit of a lighter read overall than instalments 1 and 2 in the series, although granted, #2 *started* light and fluffy, but gradually got hella darker as the book wore one. This one followed the same pattern, with an antagonist who basically felt like Kilgrave (from Jessica Jones) in draconic form, and all the unpleasantness that attracts - but it didn't feel as though it got as dark as #2 towards the end, and I'm not sure if I'm more relieved or disappointed by that.
It was a lot of fun to read though, and I'm looking forward to Book 4 and the various spinofff books after that.
September 16, 2018
Action packed shifter romance
This story moved fast from beginning to end! The breakneck pace keeps you focused on the action, but there is still a lot of character development, too. Jen has been a part of the previous stories, and Lucky is really something else! The problems are difficult , with a mind controlling dragon out to get them, but it doesn't seem as harsh to me as the previous 2 stories were. Maybe because it was more fantasy than realistic to me. It was a bit more fun, too. I can't wait to read the next one! The vivid characters make the series come alive. Start with book 1 of you want to get the full effect from this story! Enjoy!
This story moved fast from beginning to end! The breakneck pace keeps you focused on the action, but there is still a lot of character development, too. Jen has been a part of the previous stories, and Lucky is really something else! The problems are difficult , with a mind controlling dragon out to get them, but it doesn't seem as harsh to me as the previous 2 stories were. Maybe because it was more fantasy than realistic to me. It was a bit more fun, too. I can't wait to read the next one! The vivid characters make the series come alive. Start with book 1 of you want to get the full effect from this story! Enjoy!
September 15, 2025
Brilliant Series
Dragon’s Luck (Shifter Agents) by Lauren Esker. SCD agent and gekko shifter Jen is investigating a new drug on the streets called Dragons Tears. Her investigation takes her onto an enormous ship with a gambler called Lucky who is a dragon shifter and the prize for this game is Dragons Tears. On the monster boat is another dragon, Luckys cousin, who is a megalomaniac. He likes to make people do what they wouldn’t normally do. This causes a big fight with Lucky trying to stop his cousin murdering everyone and the fight takes place with them in dragon form which causes considerable damage.
Dragon’s Luck (Shifter Agents) by Lauren Esker. SCD agent and gekko shifter Jen is investigating a new drug on the streets called Dragons Tears. Her investigation takes her onto an enormous ship with a gambler called Lucky who is a dragon shifter and the prize for this game is Dragons Tears. On the monster boat is another dragon, Luckys cousin, who is a megalomaniac. He likes to make people do what they wouldn’t normally do. This causes a big fight with Lucky trying to stop his cousin murdering everyone and the fight takes place with them in dragon form which causes considerable damage.
February 17, 2024
Crime solving shifter mystery and romance. Action and adventure while finding the source of a weird drug. The personalities are grounded in reality and believable, but the window dressing and plot are OTT and bring you along for a fun ride.
The series is heading towards a big picture conspiracy between shifters and humans, but the standard crime solving novel with a pnr twist is the main appeal. Lots of creative twists in who the characters are and an extra steamy couple scenes keep the pages turning.
The series is heading towards a big picture conspiracy between shifters and humans, but the standard crime solving novel with a pnr twist is the main appeal. Lots of creative twists in who the characters are and an extra steamy couple scenes keep the pages turning.
April 2, 2024
Would be 4.5 stars but for the ending
Personal bias I find poker boring, so even though it's just the setting it loses that half star from poker's existence.
However the relationship between Jen and Lucky is fun from the start and the bad guys and secondary characters are very well done. When the story heats up, wow. Action all over the place. And an end with some interesting questions unanswered
Personal bias I find poker boring, so even though it's just the setting it loses that half star from poker's existence.
However the relationship between Jen and Lucky is fun from the start and the bad guys and secondary characters are very well done. When the story heats up, wow. Action all over the place. And an end with some interesting questions unanswered
November 29, 2025
Hard Luck
Lucky and Jenny were complete opposites. They met fom different sides of legality. She was an agent investigating a gambling ring with a unique and illicit top prize. Lucky was one of the gamblers determined to win that prize. Until he met Jenny. Confused by his feelings, he had no time to worry before all hell breaks loose and he realises that he doesn't want to lose Jenny. Which is all new for him
Lucky and Jenny were complete opposites. They met fom different sides of legality. She was an agent investigating a gambling ring with a unique and illicit top prize. Lucky was one of the gamblers determined to win that prize. Until he met Jenny. Confused by his feelings, he had no time to worry before all hell breaks loose and he realises that he doesn't want to lose Jenny. Which is all new for him
April 28, 2019
Lucky Gecko
This is the story of Lucky and Jen - a dragon and gecko shifter respectively. They meet at a high stakes, underground gambling tournament and both are hiding their true agendas. If they don't find a way to trust each other neither of them will get out of the game alive. This shifter world keeps expanding for the better.
This is the story of Lucky and Jen - a dragon and gecko shifter respectively. They meet at a high stakes, underground gambling tournament and both are hiding their true agendas. If they don't find a way to trust each other neither of them will get out of the game alive. This shifter world keeps expanding for the better.
September 13, 2019
Such an intense read. I could not put it down. The characters leapt off the pages into life in my mind. While this is a romance I was so captivated by the interactions between the dragon family as well as the others in the story. It was a very invigorating reading experience. I am out of breath and longing for the next book in this series. A bloody fantastic read from Ms. Esker.
October 7, 2019
Liked this one a lot, though the romance felt secondary to the rest of the investigation plot. I liked all of the ship-board action, but it felt like the wrap-of the romance between Jen and Lucky was shoehorned into the end, and it feels like a HFN, and maybe that "now" is a very short time! Hopefully they'll be involved in the next book and we get a more long-term resolution there.
October 31, 2022
Jen and lucky
Poor lucky, I did think he was a little stupid at the near end, he should of went with them and why didn't she just tell them it was Angel (after all he was the evil one) and that lucky teamed up to stop him because he was his evil cousin and running the drugs so now it's out of us. (Or maybe she did? It was not clear what details she gave)
Poor lucky, I did think he was a little stupid at the near end, he should of went with them and why didn't she just tell them it was Angel (after all he was the evil one) and that lucky teamed up to stop him because he was his evil cousin and running the drugs so now it's out of us. (Or maybe she did? It was not clear what details she gave)
August 31, 2025
Gecko to funny
The opening gecko scenes just to funny, but the story had everything humor, one liners, action, intrigue, danger and some causalities just what you’d expect with dragons, drugs and mob bosses. All the characters were great enjoying each addition to the SCB universe. On to next one.
The opening gecko scenes just to funny, but the story had everything humor, one liners, action, intrigue, danger and some causalities just what you’d expect with dragons, drugs and mob bosses. All the characters were great enjoying each addition to the SCB universe. On to next one.
June 21, 2017
When different lifestyles meet.
And here we thought homosexuality, relationships between people of different color and orientation would be major stumbling block. Well, what could happen between a Gecko and a Dragon, could be the stuff dreams are made of.
And here we thought homosexuality, relationships between people of different color and orientation would be major stumbling block. Well, what could happen between a Gecko and a Dragon, could be the stuff dreams are made of.
October 11, 2020
Review
Wow what suspense! The continual action has you nonstop reading.
I love the details of the settings and the development of each story in this series. It just keeps getting better!
Wow what suspense! The continual action has you nonstop reading.
I love the details of the settings and the development of each story in this series. It just keeps getting better!
May 5, 2024
Looking for dragons
What could be better than dragons, shifters galore and a true mate found whilst in the middle of the fight for your life against a crazy dragon. Especially when you're surrounded by humans who know nothing about shifters.
What could be better than dragons, shifters galore and a true mate found whilst in the middle of the fight for your life against a crazy dragon. Especially when you're surrounded by humans who know nothing about shifters.
July 21, 2025
I wish that it ended better.
I liked the book overall but I didn't care for the ending. I wish it was a better ending. It felt like there should be another book to continue it. That felt like a cliffhanger, which I really don't like.
I liked the book overall but I didn't care for the ending. I wish it was a better ending. It felt like there should be another book to continue it. That felt like a cliffhanger, which I really don't like.
November 23, 2018
Great
Absolutely love it can't wait to read next book I've been glued to this series since first book hope you all enjoy reading them as much as I have
Absolutely love it can't wait to read next book I've been glued to this series since first book hope you all enjoy reading them as much as I have
March 22, 2024
Dragon Years is the drug of choice
Jennifer sets out to find out who's making Dragon Tears. She goes undercover on a yacht and hitches a ride with a dragon shifter.
Jennifer sets out to find out who's making Dragon Tears. She goes undercover on a yacht and hitches a ride with a dragon shifter.
March 23, 2024
Again I found a good read in this book. I would not mind more stories in this series.
April 13, 2024
💜💜💜🔥🔥
This is definitely a great story. So many different scenarios melded together. Deception, danger, action, and intrigue throughout! Loved it!
This is definitely a great story. So many different scenarios melded together. Deception, danger, action, and intrigue throughout! Loved it!
June 5, 2024
Lots of luck
Lots of luck until a bad luck dragon cousin shows up to change the luck. I like Jen and was nice to see her find someone to love. Good read.
Lots of luck until a bad luck dragon cousin shows up to change the luck. I like Jen and was nice to see her find someone to love. Good read.
November 1, 2024
The Push
Dragon’s Luck is a riveting Lauren Esker novel. Jen Cho’s romance does not disappoint. I couldn’t put it down. Excellent!
Dragon’s Luck is a riveting Lauren Esker novel. Jen Cho’s romance does not disappoint. I couldn’t put it down. Excellent!
August 10, 2025
Interesting story and characters. I just didn't always connect with it for some reason.
December 3, 2025
Gamblers
Gamblers keep people away to keep themselves safe from being used. Lucky doesn't know how families work and how love can change a person.
Gamblers keep people away to keep themselves safe from being used. Lucky doesn't know how families work and how love can change a person.
August 6, 2025
Lauren has done it again this time with a dragon 🐉. Her writing style has made this series fun to read. You get it all with plenty of action, romance 🥰. Lauren’s characters come to life you will not be disappointed.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews