Dragon's Surrogate

by Sky Winters

Looking for a job? The Shifter Surrogate Service is hiring! And this playboy dragon shifter needs a baby—no strings attached.
Rocco
I want a baby, not a mate. I am far too good for just one girl. A relationship is too much hassle, and I need a way to carry on my shifter lineage. When Mystic matched the correct blood type, I thought she’d make the perfect surrogate. Only problem is, I didn’t expect to have feelings for her. And seeing my baby grown inside of her, only makes me want her more.

Mystic
I’ve had terrible luck with men. My last marriage ended with me in jail. But a handsome playboy offering me a large sum of money to be his surrogate… why not!? That’s just what I need to pull myself out of the gutter. Besides how hard could carrying a dragon in my belly really be? Except, I didn’t realize there would be so much more to this handsome playboy, and as his baby grows inside of me, these feelings only become stronger.

**This is a novella length 30,000 word, steamy shifter romance. For a limited time, I've included bonus stories.**

Genres: Romance, Paranormal, Dragons, Shapeshifters, Paranormal Romance, Contemporary

521 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 17, 2018

About the author

Sky Winters writes steamy shifter stories that explore the magic of romance and the wild.

She writes these sizzl'n and surreal tales for you, late at night, when the wolves are howling from her Northwestern home.

If riding on the back of a motorcycle with a werebear sounds like your thing, you best sign up for her email list! And grab a FREE copy of WOLF BABIES while you're at it! https://www.instafreebie.com/free/uRZkw

Reviews

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Only read the first story...

The blurb is about the first story in this book. There are several short story /novellas included. The first story was a decent shifter romance, with a good story line. Being shorter, there was not a ton of development for either the story or the characters, but is was still going along good despite that. Then toward the end there was this dom/sub stuff thrown in. I don't mind that in and of itself. I read all kinds of romances and don't mind kink. This just seemed gratuitous. It didn't really add to the story and as I said, was out of the blue and just seemed to be thrown in. That detracted from the story for me. Overall it was a decent read, but didn't leave me inspired to read any more of the stories in the book.

[Cleoblacktra · Rating 1 out of 5]

Good writing in the beginning but terrible execution overall. I felt like a robot reading it. The story was very mechanical and lacked any passion or realistic fluidity.

The schmexy times were arbitrary ... no build up and seemed rushed.
Very disappointed

[Linda Levine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the book. It starts off with Mystic losing it all to her unfaithful ex. She is offered the opportunity to be a surrogate and get a new start. She doesn't realize the dad is a dragon shifter. Rocco wants a child but not a mate. He lives a dangerous life and has many secrets to protect.

It is a good read and I enjoyed the romance between the two. It takes a little bit to heat up as he tries to keep it business like. There is some action and danger to add a little more excitement to the book.

I am voluntarily reviewing a copy I received.

[Leanne · Rating 2 out of 5]

The premise of this book is awesome. The execution is awful. The writing is simplistic and unimaginative, the characters have zero depth, and quite frankly it bored me.

The steamy scenes I could barely stand to read because I was cringing over word usage and just couldn’t not get past the bad writing to even try to get into it.

I hate slamming authors because I know their stories are part of them, but seriously, read more to expand your vocabulary. Read more to see how other authors write short stories that don’t sacrifice... well, everything.

[Lora · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like the story, I liked the plot, I liked Mystic because I truly got to know her through the book....but Rocco. I felt like his love for her was totally out of left field. I would have loved a dual point of view to be able to see where this love came from. It was like...he was ignoring her, then BAM...I love you baby. I have read a few other books from this author and felt the same way. I feel if she just had a dual POV, it would hopefully be all cleared up for me.

[Gale Albright · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book isn’t horrible just...kind of boring. I had really been looking forward to it and it just feels flat. Her husband/ex husband is a jackass, her ex boyfriend is a crazy stalker and her current dragon shifter baby daddy is kind of pompous. Plus she is kind of weird from the start. So...not bad, but not great either.

[Christine Karmelreads2665 W. · Rating 4 out of 5]

her second chance

This book was not bad but not to my taste. Because of things in the book that didn't appeal to me that's why I said it wasn't to my taste. The book seemed a little rushed in the beginning actually through out. To were areas that could have expanded on some of the subject matter but kept it really brief. There was some light play at the end of the book that for me just didn't seem to be a natural part of the story and that's why it wasn't to my taste. Again I can't give her a bad review because some of the information did not appeal to me.

[Mare · Rating 1 out of 5]

I don't have anything positive to say. the main character has a stripper name( Mystic)...odd. Cha 1-10 were boring. She's hired to be a surrogate and is mad Rocco is ignoring her....Why the plot never had them interacting. Then bam! "I love you"... Really? Just odd. Then the last chapter turns into a mini bdsm ...so unrealistic. Looks like my copy has 2 free books attached....Not gonna waste my time.

[Monica · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not very developed character wise or story. I couldn't connect with either character. Rocco is cold and emotionless even at the end. I didn't buy them as a couple in love at all. Mystic comes off spoiled and bitchy. What's with the dom/sub thing at the end? It's like the author threw it in just because. Made no sense from either character. Just didn't belong. This is a novella so I know it's going to lack a little but it just didn't work for me.

[Dee · Rating 2 out of 5]

Just kind of okay

First couple of chapters was going well. When after they kissed he kept telling her it shouldn't have happen. Next paragraph it seemed they were having sex. Jump to kidnapping then he says I love you, then the submissive sex part. It just kind of jumped around all over the place. Sorry to say I didn't even finish it.

[Brooklynnbank · Rating 2 out of 5]

Good base, but too flat

Its too flat. Like the writer picked up elements for good books and made sure she included them. There is no progression at all. Oh I need a kiss here so they kiss. No build up , oh he should apologize for kissing her here, so he does. Theres no depth to pull a reader in and keep them there. Its almost mechanical I couldnt even finish it.

[Stephanne88 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Maybe 3.5 stars

Didn’t like that we never saw Rocco’s point of view and the heroines point of view was not flattering of him. Felt there was not enough caring and love built between the two and then all of a sudden there is a fifty shades of grey scene. Complete at odds with other parts of the book. There were also grammar errors.

[Emma · Rating 3 out of 5]

better than the dragon daddy nanny book but still was very glossed over on areas that mattered and went into detail in areas that didnt werent much interactions between the two besides sex or cold shoulder stuff. and it seemed to be manufactured rather than natural i mean his feelings and goings on were never really explained and for a dude who smelt of ladies perfumes and when called on it randomly just sleeps with her or kisses her and then its never discussed i mean youd think there be more conversation about her past relationship or the fact that he was obviously with people while she was in is house with his child even after they kissed and seemed to be flirting felt disingenuous i mean it gets 3 stars because dragons and babies but if that werent a thing well i dont think id finish the book at all. thankfully they are short enough to read without feeling like ive wasted time but long enough to at least satisfy my romance/baby quota for the time being. which im glad for the stories while not in depth or made as the primary focus instead of sex are enjoyable and interesting i only wish they had more care more detail more fleshed out natural developments or at least some more relationship builds. its one thing if they were mates and instantly fell for eachother its another that they fo from months of cold shoulder rude strangers to i love you and random sex with no real build up or indication to eithers depth of attraction or genuine feelings besides oh he/she is hot lets bang and then go back to nothing.
i felt the ending while lovely was very brushed over i mean 6 months pregnant to im assuming at least 6 months post baby given her pre baby body and breastfeeding ending. thats nearly a year. it wouldve been nice to see more of the bonding after they decided to be together permanently maybe pickinf out baby clothes or decorating the nursery or something like her giving birth and picking a name which im not sure he even had i mean i just recall her saying their son and youd think it would flash forward and show their dragon style wedding or the proposal or maybe 5 years later and have them with multiple children the eldest talking etc maybe playing with todd or something cute. reading a bedtime story. it wouldve been nice to hear more about holly too i mean she felt like at least an important secondary character i mean her lifelong bff and she didnt exist pretty much as soon as she was knocked up i know she had an nda but i imagine some of that if not all could of been waivered given the fact that they were actually a couple now and no doubt having her basically sister know wouldnt of been a big deal. i know we got like a sentence of her towards the end but still she was such a great strong character as well the jail bonding scene was sweet and she totally had her back isk i feel like at the very least their shouldve been a visit or phone call talking about her pregnancy or relationship worries or something.
because im still a sucker for this type of book ill probably still read this author as a buffer between the fantasy adventure stuff with like murder crime etc to cushion the blow between them (theres onlt so much conflict a girl can stomach) but i wont be reading them for the quality more for the fluffy hea quick fix deal.

[Marsha Keeper Bookshelf · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reviewed at Shifter Haven

Dragon’s Surrogate was one of those stories that was equal parts enjoyable and frustrating for me, which is why it got the 3 star rating.

The enjoyable parts were Mystic’s initial introduction in the story – she really got a raw deal from her no good now former husband, and her sassy-ness and pure desperate guts got me solidly on her side right from the start. So much so that I completely understood her reasons for taking on the job of surrogate, she was desperate, she’d been taken to the cleaners by her ex and now was pretty much penniless and homeless thanks to his shenanigans And then we met Rocco…

I could never get enough of a feel for Rocco to hate him or to love him. He certainly comes off cold and indifferent at first, slightly warms up and then goes back to the cold shoulder.. I’ve been reading Shifter Romance for years so the insta-love is nothing new to me, in fact I sort of expect it in this genre… but this relationship went from tolerating each other to boom I’m in love with you. I’m sorry, I couldn’t stretch my imagination to buy it.

There’s danger, brought on by a move that any horror movie audience would have been yelling at Mystic not to do.. but she did and there were consequences. That brought on a few more explanations and what appears to be a quick wrapping up of the story. And then… I’m finding myself in a dom/sub scene that is totally out of the blue and it just doesn’t fit with the rest of the story. I just… no, it didn’t work for me.

On my Kindle this story ended at the 17% mark, there are two bonus stories that I did not read. This is why I don’t read everything by Sky Winters, and I mean no disrespect by this comment – I either love her story or I’m indifferent to it, the feelings I get from this author’s works are not consistent in my enjoyment. That is on me and the style of story that I personally enjoy. There is an audience that will love Dragon’s Surrogate, for me it was an okay read – I’m not certain yet if I will continue this series.

I read this title through my Kindle Unlimited Subscription.

[Aղցela W. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a short quick read with a few other books at the end of it. Mystic Jensen is having a bad day at her divorce hearing she is locked up for going off and cursing her ex out. Mystic is left with nothing she moves in with her best friend Holly who is also a lawyer while looking for a job she comes across an ad for a surrogate when she meets with the people she finds out that it pays a lot of money so she agrees to do it. Rocco is a dragon shifter who is also a rich playboy he wants a baby and not a mate. This book moved fast Mystic gets pregnant o the first try and when she moves into Rocco house he is very distant. Mystic tries her best to get along with him and when he kisses her she doesn't know what to think. When she is kidnapped she finds out that other shifters want to kill her baby and her. Mystic and Rocco have some pretty good sex she also finds out what he does for a living turns out he is from old money. This was a short quick read that I liked. This was my second time reading this author as I read book 2 first. This book was well written with no errors in grammar or spelling. I am looking forward to reading more from this author.

[MrsJoseph *grouchy* · Rating 1 out of 5]

From my omnibus review:

Basically, this was a pretty bad read. I was sick and it was there, so...

All of the stories have the same story line and the characters are close to being 100% interchangeable. I was flabbergasted when I saw the ratings for this one. Goes to show it takes all types for the world to go 'round. It also shows that GR ratings mean jack-all.

Here’s the formula: girl is shit broke. Boy is shit rich. Girl is in shit situation because of a fuckboy. Girl gets recruited to be a surrogate for a crapton of money IF she fits the necessary DNA profile AND she stays with the boy for the duration of the pregnancy. The relationship goes “from 0 to 100 real quick” and suddenly they are in love. The end.

This one was the worst one for me. The shit situation the girl was in was a douchebag divorce where she somehow signed a pre-nup BUT worked to put him through school - after which he dumps her and takes everything. 5 mins later, shes hooked up with ol' Rocco here. O_O

[Linda Lagrue · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Dragon's Surrogate” is a very interesting start to the new series Shifter's Surrogate Service. Once again Sky has written a book that is captivating, unusual and very difficult to put down. Rude, moody, wealthy, alpha playboy, Rocco wants an heir but without dealing with a troublesome wife. Mystic has hit bottom with a failed marriage, no place to live and no money. She applies to be a surrogate hoping the influx of money will give her a fresh start. Mystic becomes pregnant at the first attempt and moves into the mansion with Rocco. It's only nine or ten months of her life, so what could possibly go wrong? Neither Mystic or Rocco are ready for the feelings that develop between them. Can this be more than a job for Mystic? Will Rocco decide he wants more after all? This superbly written quick story is sure to keep you entertained to the end. One-click “Dragon's Surrogate” for an entertaining read.

[Leslie Sanchez · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun, feel-good story. I loved the way that Mystic was willing to work at just about anything to get her life back on track. After years of marriage, putting her ex through law school, it's her turn to finish her education. However, the scummy ex decides she's fulfilled her purpose and throws her to the curb without anything. No money, no house (she helped buy), not even the nice clothes she had or her jewelry. Being a surrogate was a whole new beginning for her. I could understand both of them not wanting a relationship, but spending so much time together while the hormones are in full force, something has to give. Throw in some danger and a dragon fight and you have a great story. I loved it, just wish 2 things. One, that the scuzzy ex at least got to see what he gave up and how much better her new man is. Two, that the story was longer. The others were good, but I've already read most of them. That is the only reason for just 4 stars.

[Kelly Fountain · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty good story. It has a little action towards the end that makes it even better. Mystic is strong and I like that. She is quick to stand up for herself and give sass back. I like how she and Rocco fall. It’s slow and there’s a few missteps but it’s good. What I didn’t like was the sex scenes at the end. First, it’s pretty much identical to the scene in Wolf’s Fake Bride. It didn’t fit into that story either. It just seemed to come out of the blue. There’s a time and place for submission and bdsm but it really didn’t fit into this story because there were no preludes to it in the rest of the book. I feel like it was thrown it to spice it up and it really didn’t need it. A regular hot and heavy scene would have been fine. Hence my 3 stars and that’s just my personal feelings on how it felt while reading it.

[Christina Luberts · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short read. Mystic was just divorced from her lawyer husband that she put through school. He toke everything and Mystic has nothing now staying with her Lawyer friend till she can find a job to get back on her feet. She sees and ad for a surrogate and can't pass up on the money. When she meets Rocco she is intrigued. Rocco is not looking for a relationship just wants a baby to carry out his legacy. What will happen? Will Rocco see her as more? Will Mystic be able to leave? The only complaint I had of the story is the ending were it turn to all submissive sex and really nothing else. .

[Dawn · Rating 2 out of 5]

Stopped at 84%

It’s a short story so I wasn’t expecting much. The main story was good enough that I could look past the bad editing. It had an ok flow but no real surprises. In my opinion, the book should have stopped when Holly came to visit after the baby is born. It was the perfect spot for a HEA. If it would have I would have given this book 3 stars.

The next chapter was an unnecessary poorly written D/S sex scene that didn’t add anything to the over all storyline. Don’t get me wrong, I love me some BDSM smut but it can’t just be randomly thrown in there just because. Hence why the 2 stars and the book being slammed in to the DNF pile.

[Susanne M. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good gone bad

Good story for a shifting romance. This at least settled the question of the right blood type. Spoiler: not consistent with explaining babies made by 2 shifters and 1 shifters with a human with a certain DNA. Where it took a nose dive is after the baby was born, and we never learn the lil tykes name, Rocco goes from vanilla to a Dominant. Then the biggie.....submission and humiliation are spouted in the same breath. So wrong! Was really disappointed in how the last two chapters played out! Proofreading had some glitches that need attention. No cheating or cliffhanger.

[Heather Hackett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mystic couldn't believe want had happened her Ex had left her with nothing but her clothes. While contemplating what to do next her friend reads an add for surrogate and while being a little tipsy she applies. Rocco a dragon shifter doesn't want the hassle of finding a mate so he's going for a surrogate to get a child. Though they both enter this as a business arrangement things are never that straight forward. There are a couple of surprises popping up along the way which only adds to the story. Good read.

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent Dragon love!!

I really liked this book!
We meet Mystic in court, where her unfaithful ex had just taken everything she has. No home, no car, no clothes, no job, no hope. Luckily she saw advertisement for surrogate mothers.
Rocco is a dragon shifter protecting all the history of his clan. He needs a baby to carry on his lineage.
Slow start because Rocco wants to keep it professional. Once they discovered they have great chemistry, can't keep them apart.
There is suspense & thrills to keep it a page turner!

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a NON-SPOILER REVIEW. Dragon's Surrogate by Sky Winters is book one in the Shifter Surrogate series. This is a fast paced, quick read that was pretty entertaining. I really enjoyed Mystic and Rocco's story. Despite being part of a series, this is a stand alone read with clear resolution. I was kind of hoping for more as there were a couple of characters that I would have loved to know more about. There are bonus books in with this story. I've read a couple of the bonus stories and they are definitely in keeping with Dragon's Surrogate.

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent contemporary dragon shifter romance. As a dragon he needs/wants a baby to make his parents happy that their line won’t end. He’s not interested in romance. She’s down on her luck yet chides to be his surrogate. Surprises occur along the way. Ashley and Colin each have their own issues yet come together for their future child. I received a complementary copy of this book (it’s part of the set: Shifter Surrogate Service) and chose to write a review. I look forward to reading future books by Ms. Winters.

[Courtney Arnold · Rating 2 out of 5]

So much potential

This book started off great, and the storyline had so much potential.
The characters fell flat for me and the romance was so rushed it was unconvincing.
If the world and the depth of the characters were explored more i feel like this would have been a hit on my radar. It just seemed like so many ideas were squashed together in the ending that things were almost unbelievable.
I am definitely not be opposed to trying this author again though. Like I said before, there is a lot of potential here but this particular story just didn't do it for me.

[Annette Drewett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delightful shifter tale with action, drama, romance and love. I enjoyed Mystic’s reaction and comments during her divorce hearing, I could understand her feelings and was really hoping that her ex would get his comeuppance. Mystic and Rocco are wonderful characters and I was very pleased with how their relationship ended up. I can’t wait to discover what Sky has in store for us next.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

[Jennifer · Rating 2 out of 5]

So this is one of those books where the story is over at like 25%. Which is too bad because it needed way more story to work. The romance is completely unbelievable. He stands her up for two dates, then gives her a great day, disappears for weeks afterwards and then the next time he shows up they are in love??? There is a tacked on steamy scene at the end that feels very unearned and is there for the sake of having it. The world building had some potential but was generically used.

[Pam Louis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun read

Mystic Jansen well now Carlton after her divorce to her lying cheating now ex husband. Who took everything thing. So seeing an ad to be a surrogate she sent it in. Little did she know she would be picked or the father would be a hot Dragon shifter named Rocco Belue.
Lots of drama and action. Two people fighting not to get attached. And there it slot of bonus material to. It was a fun read. Voluntarily review a copy and I honestly enjoyed it