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Darkwing Dragons #1

Dark Dragon's Mate

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Trish Waverly of the Silverlake pack is hiding a dark secret. Her wolf has gone rogue, overcome with a murderous rage that blanks out Trish’s consciousness when she Changes. If anyone finds out, she'll be imprisoned by the Shifter Council -- or even put down.

Her only hope is the Darkwing Dragon—Emon, the exiled prince of a lost Draken clan. His mental powers might be the one way to reach her wolf and heal her broken mind. But Emon is wild, dangerous and half-crazy, haunted by his dark past and suffering from an untreatable wound that’s a slow, painful death sentence.

Emon has retreated to his own world -- until it's invaded by an intriguing wolf he can't stay away from. He sees Trish as a shining light in his darkness, but his dragon recognizes -- and wants -- the out-of-control creature inside her. The Nightmare Wolf.

Prophecy says the Darkwing Dragon will be broken by the Nightmare Wolf -- but it doesn’t say what happens next.

Can two last-chance shifters put each other’s broken pieces back together, or will the prophecy end in total destruction?

267 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 25, 2019

1080 people are currently reading
707 people want to read

About the author

Anastasia Wilde

41 books388 followers

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5 stars
939 (56%)
4 stars
466 (27%)
3 stars
212 (12%)
2 stars
38 (2%)
1 star
16 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 145 reviews
Profile Image for AKA.
559 reviews1 follower
May 15, 2019
3 generous stars...

Honestly, I liked the premise of this book and it was free, so I gave it a try.

Good- h over 21 who isn't a virgin AND has a real career! Plus, she was never a damsel in distress.

H who isn't a slut, has a legit reason to be broody but never treats the h like crap on his shoe!

At different points they save EACH OTHER!

Dragons! That talk (telepathy but still)!

A bad guy that was smart!

Bad- The dialogue is hokey at best and cringy at worst. Seriously, adults using terms like boner and Lady parts is just sad.

The supporting cast were all one dimensional (but likable).

The little boy was too much.

Glitter sneakers.






Safe Completely. No virgins, no mentions of the past, no OW or OM.





Profile Image for Denise.
1,268 reviews5 followers
February 5, 2019
This is a NON-SPOILER REVIEW. Dark Dragon's Mate by Anastasia Wilde is Book 1 in the Darkwing Dragons spin-off series. We've met a bunch of these characters in the Silverlake Shifters series, but love that they are making an appearance in this series starter. Emon and Trish's story is a sexy romp. With lots of action, a compelling back story, spicy romance (Mature Readers Only please!) and a bit of intrigue, you'll find yourself hooked and loving it! I recommend this read to anyone who enjoys Deborah Cooke or Alyssa Day.


This honest and voluntary review was made possible by reading a copy through Bookfunnel.
Profile Image for Debra Johnson.
11k reviews179 followers
July 8, 2025
Surprisingly Good

4 solid Stars

I've had quite a few of this authors books on my shelf for years. My taste has greatly changed since then and I was worried about reading them.
I'm so glad I finally got a chance to read one.
Apparently somewhat out of order as this appears to be a spinoff of another series.
This one started out really good. Well paced and smooth writing.
A lot is going on or has happened before this one and I'm going to have to catch up on that.
Trish and Emon are really good characters and I loved reading this.
Good build up.
A few editing errors.
A couple areas that could have been better.
Some intrigue, action and steamy loving.
I'm definitely going to be reading more from this author.
Profile Image for T.A. Burke.
1,054 reviews25 followers
Read
December 10, 2023
DNF 65%. Interesting characters -- fun flirty banter -- but after the first sex, the subsequent times were flat.

The plot's mysteries are ignored so much that there's little imperative to solve them. And at 65% the long stretch of fluffy cuddly cuteness finally broke my interest.
Profile Image for Natalie.
4,806 reviews13 followers
February 9, 2019
Dark Dragon's Mate

This was just juicy and to die for. I loved everything about this book, from dark sexy, crazy Emon to his crazy wolf mate. I never suspected Grange was the traitor.
Profile Image for Nikki.
906 reviews82 followers
October 29, 2021

Rating and Review


Rating: 3.5 Stars

His dragon saw a nightmare. He saw a shining star, a bright beacon. He didn’t know how both those things could exist in one woman, but he wanted to find out.

I enjoyed this book a lot more once I started to take it less seriously. Certain aspects were OTT melodramatic, and whilst this usually annoys me—which it initially did—I grew to like it. This was due to the author’s surprising approach of acknowledging the irony in the situations.

The black dragon watched the black wolf, two pieces of the night. Nightmares together.

The characters also grew on me. Brock was too advanced for a six-year-old, but I didn’t mind because I adored him too much. Emon (MMC) was a sour-patch, hiding his sweet and caring soul behind his scary and grumpy exterior. And his dragon? He stole my heart with his threats of eating and crushing people (it’s not as violent as it seems). If this had been a more serious book, Trish (FMC) would be the queen of tstl, and whilst she could still be labeled as such, she meshed well with the story.

The antagonist…

Book Details


Title: Dark Dragon's Mate
(Darkwing Dragons #1)

POV(s): Multiple-Third Person
Interconnected Series: Yes
Standalone: Yes
Cliffhanger: No
HEA:
Genre(s): Paranormal Romance
Triggers:
Tags/Tropes:
❖ Affection-Starved-Hero
❖ Alpha-Male-Hero
❖ Cursed-Hero
❖ Dragon-Shifter-Hero
❖ Exiled-Prince-Hero (royalty)
❖ Heroine-Goes-to-Hero-for-Help
❖ Heroine-Has-Rogue-Wolf
❖ Humor/Funny
❖ Insta-Lust
❖ Pocket-Realm
❖ Sassy-Heroine
❖ Secret-Shady-Scientist
❖ Secretly-Sweet-Hero
❖ Tortured-Hero
❖ Wolf-Shifter-Heroine
865 reviews
January 15, 2022
2.5 stars

There were lots of references to people from other books that I didn't care about since I didn't read them. Trish was a jerk to her wolf. I didn't get the sense that she tried for a partnership. I skimmed toward the end. There wasn't a lot of development in the characters and therefore it didn't hold my interest.
Profile Image for Denise H.
1,051 reviews55 followers
February 5, 2019
If dragons and shifters are your thing then you will enjoy this read. Dark Dragon’s Mate is the first book in a new series by Anastasia Wilde and it is a great story. Though you do not have to read her previous shifter books (Silver Lake Shifters/Enforcers, Bad Bloods, and Wild Dragon series) to keep up with this new series, you would be missing out on exciting characters and a wonderful new world not to. Several of her characters from previous series cross over into this one and it might be helpful to some in understanding more of the backgrounds and dynamics of the different characters and some references made to be caught up on the other series.

The story is engaging, suspenseful and mysterious and filled with action, adventure, humor, and steamy romance. The chemistry and banter between Trish and Emon are great and their journey to their HEA is an emotional struggle full of angst, hesitance, longing, fear and the need to belong and be loved. I enjoyed the interaction between Emon’s dragon and Trish’s wolf, Layla, it was funny and sweet. The interaction between Trish and Emon’s dragon was amusing, as well, and I also enjoyed the dragon’s dry, snarky sense of humor. There are also plenty of suspenseful twists and turns to keep you guessing what is going on and who the bad guy is and what the outcome of all the characters will be. Overall, the storyline was complex and engrossing and the characters funny and likeable. I could not ask for more in a good read by Wilde. I really enjoyed the story and am looking forward to the next in the series.
*I received an ARC from the author and am voluntarily providing my honest review.
Profile Image for Jacqueline.
602 reviews17 followers
January 16, 2021
So, having worked my way through all of Anastasia Wilde's books and series in order, the thing I like most about the seperate series is that the characters are all connected and interact with each other. The theme running through all is that there are always groups or individuals who want to hunt shifters and torture and experiment on them for twisted and psychotic reasons. And in every book the principals fall in love and realise they are true mates. Sounds predictable, and I suppose it is, but if, like me, you read the all the books as a whole story, there's a lot more to them than that. I've loved each character as I've read their stories. There are thriller elements in every book, that I've enjoyed a lot, so not all romance and sex. The hero in this book, Emon, the Dark Wing Dragon in question, is the brother of Kira, mate of Flynn, legendary Alfa of the Bad Blood crew. The characters from the Sliverlake pack, of the first series are in Emon's castle, trying to help Emon and his sister in the aftermath of their evil guardian's experiments on them. I particularly love Brock, stepson of Noah, the Enforcer and son of his mate, Mina. He has the ability to see what's going on in people's minds and help to heal them. He's such a sweet little boy.
I only have one criticism of all of these books - the descriptions of the sexual attractions (panty melting, etc) and the repetitious graphic sex get a bit tedious. I don't have an aversion to sex scenes by any means, but - in each book I've skipped a page here and there to move the story on.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for DianaRaven.
1,309 reviews8 followers
February 19, 2023
DARK DRAGON'S ’s MATE is the first book in a new series by Anastasia Wilde.  It is well written with never a boring moment. The story will capture your imagination, filling it with suspense and mystery. There's plenty of action, adventure, humor, and, of course, steamy romance. It's not necessary to read her other series, but you will meet some characters from them, while at the same time meeting new ones.

The chemistry and banter between Trish and Emon are great and their journey to their steamy interactions is an emotional and funny ride.

Trish is not in control of her wolf - more like the wolf is in charge and takes control when she wants, killing what she wants. The two don't communicate at all and Trish has no idea what happens when her wolf is out. If she can't figure things out they will be imprisoned or put down. Trish’s wolf doesn't care, she just wants to be free, that is until she meets Emon’s dragon, a sarcastic, blood thirsty dragon with a sense of humor.  For some reason, the wolf connects with him.

Emon and his sister are all that remain of their kingdom. They were caged and  experimented on, leaving Mayah with nightmares and hallucinations.  Emon was infected with a toxin that is eating away at his body and even his magic can't heal him, its just a matter of time until he dies.

This is another five star story and I expect future installments will be just as great and a must read for anyone who loves paranormal romance.  

I received an advanced copy of Dark Dragon's Mate from the author and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for PepperP0t .
5,108 reviews86 followers
August 31, 2020
After the battle and rescue in Bad Blood Alpha, the darkwing dragon, Prince Emon is doing the best he can to maintain his sanity and help his sister, Mayah, regain her sanity before he dies from the knife wounds his torturer inflicted that won’t heal. But right now, a tasty morsel is knocking on his castle door.

Presumably part of the research team trying to help the dragon princess’ mental wounds, Trish Waverly is really hoping Emon can help contain her nearly rogue wolf before she’s imprisoned or killed by the shifter council. Looking around, Trish can’t stop smiling since Emon’s castle could substitute one of her gothic romance and horror novel covers.

Emon and Trish excite the issues they each have controlling their ‘beasts’, tracking time and reality as they fall on each other’s lips whenever they’re together. Meanwhile, Emon’s dragon warns him Trish’s wolf will be the death of him as Trish’s wolf demands that she bite and kill Emon while something sinister is happening in the castle.

To my taste, this outing didn’t flow as smoothly as I’d like. After a slow and murky start, Trish and Emon displayed some chemistry and had likable scenes, while the murkiness eased the pace did not. Overall, that made this read a bit of a disappointment.
Rating: 3.5stars
Profile Image for Jennifer.
277 reviews5 followers
August 18, 2021
This series is starting out with roar .

The broken ,half crazy prince and princess are living in their own little bubble between worlds. Trish came with the healers that came to help try to fix the Princess Mayah 's mind. Plagued with nightmares ,hallucination her brother Eron will do whatever it takes to save his sister. When Eron's dragon first sees Trish he knows the stories are true. The nightmare wolf will be the end of the nightmare dragon. Trish has a plan to get the dark wing dragon prince to like her enough to help her control her rogue wolf. She is losing control over her wolf and if the shifter council finds out they will put her down. Tristan is her friend but even he can't help her anymore. The drugs he sneaks her and fighting with her wolf aren't working anymore. Eron can't help himself when Trish is around him. He wants to touch and kiss her. Soon enough her lack of control over her wolf comes out. She attacks Tristan and almost kills him with a neck bite. Eron brings his sister princess Mayah to heal Tristan with her dragon healing powers. But they must hide Tristan from the other healers and researcher. Only the 4 of them can know Trish secret. There is a trader in the castle trying to steal the evil sorcerer research and wanting the Kings key to open portal to every world. Iron and Trish finally get their HEA. I can't wait to start the next book to see what happens with Mayah and her true mate.

500 reviews2 followers
February 23, 2023
Emon, the Darkwing Dragon (I thought Darkwing Duck EVERYTIME....Duck Tales anyone?), is dark but funny and sometimes he said things that made me swoon. The inner monologue with his dragon really made me giggle. The dragon's dry humor/murderiness really gave me Venom vibes if you've ever watched those movies. I found him absolutely delightful. He and Trish have great banter together and there is pretty much zero angst when it came to them being together. He is immediately there for her to help her with her Nightmare Wolf (amazing nickname) and is very understanding of the situation.

This was my first book by this author. I don't remember how I came across this book but I really liked it. There are a handful of characters in this book from previous series. It wasn't necessary to have read those books to understand and enjoy this one but I felt like I was missing out a bit when they referred to Silverlake etc. This book has steam, adventure, a bit of mystery, a hot dragon and don't forget that HEA.
I fully plan to read more by this author.

I really need to learn what the different tenses are called so that I can accurately state them but also see if a book isn't going to be my cup of tea. This book was in third person....past?....Idk. It wasn't first person but it was well written and I enjoyed it.
895 reviews
March 23, 2021
Dragons, Wolves, Bad Guys And Magic OVER 18 READING

Emon is the Darkwing prince or king but he and his sister Mayah had been used for experiments and now he has a opening that will not heal and she is having nightmares that may be killing her. He has agreed to let some healers come to his dimension from the Silverlake wolf pack to try and help his younger sister though one of the females a wolf shifter Trish has a few secrets of her own like she is a danger if she shifts because her wolf is uncontrollable and will not talk to her and if it was discovered on earth by the shifter council she would probably be put down. But he offers for her to stay there and he will help her with her wolf who will talk to his dragon. As they accept that they are true mates which he didn't know dragons could cross mate. But he gets some life messages from a very special six year old wolf who has special healing powers. This is a very good series and dies in with many of the series from this author as she allows people from one series to visit other series and I love that and realize how hard that must be.
3,122 reviews
January 15, 2024
Trish is a healer and wolf shifter and she is keeping a very big secret. She is not in sync with her wolf, it goes into a killing rage. She doesn’t remember what happens when she Changes and if the shifter council finds out they will terminate her. A team of researchers have went to another realm to help a dragon prince and princess. She hopes she can get the dragon prince to help her wolf.
Emon is the Darkwing Dragon prince and is grumpy and mean. He and his sister were held prisoner and experiments done to them. Emon’s powers aren’t as strong as they should be because of an oozing sore on his side. It won’t heal and the researchers from Earth are there to fix him and his sister.
Emon feels a connection to Trish and she is trying to figure out why his wound won’t heal. But someone or something is in the castle trying to steal some research papers. Can they find the thief before they complete their plan?

Great story with action, humor, and sex. Trish and Emon are having trouble with their animals and maybe what they need is each other. I love this series but this one is my favorite so far.
793 reviews6 followers
January 27, 2019
I don't know where to start. First, I'm a bit dragon obsessed. I'm also a huge fan of this author, I own and have loved every one of her books. That out of the way, this was an awesome way to kick off a new series. I could not put it down! There is no need to read any of the previous books, but it would be a shame not to. Now for my review. From the first sentence you will be hooked. Trish and Emon were both very intense characters. They were also likeable. I immediately wanted to root for their HEA. But nothing worth keeping is easy. Both had a difficult past that threatened to prevent moving forward. Their journey is full of action, suspense and a few twists. Of course it is a romance also. But it's a bit more than that. Both have to learn to love and be loved. That is the heart of their story. The secondary characters also played a part in setting up this new world. Hopefully there will be many more books to come. I recommend this to all PNR lovers. It really was an amazing read. This is my voluntary opinion of an advanced copy I received.
Profile Image for JodyL.
1,644 reviews5 followers
January 29, 2019
More exciting adventures in this world!

Emon and Trish, are the ultimate dark shifters. Emon was tortured for most of his life and has a toxin that was injected into him the continuously eats away at him inside and out with no way to heal. While Trish has a wolf that she cannot connect with and that kills whenever she forces her way out.
There are secrets happening in Emon's castle as well as possible ghosts and secret doorways. More Wyld Dragons are contained in this story too.
Can Trish and Emon heal each other or are they fated to continue as they are and die alone? I love the appearance of some of the characters from previous stories. Even though this could be read as a stand alone, I recommend going back and reading the other books written by this author.
I received a free copy of this book but I read it through KU and decided to give my honest opinion in a review.
Profile Image for Angela.
3,372 reviews33 followers
August 9, 2020
A terrific story

This was a fantastic story. I loved getting to read about previous characters from the Silverlake Pack series (which includes an adorable little cub!), finding out what happened to Emon after he was released from captivity, and how he finally got the HEA that he deserved.
I highly suggest that you read the Silverlake Shifters series first, and then read each series as it is listed at the end of the book, not what's recommended to read next. By reading the series' in the order that they were released (or how it's listed as "other books by the author" at the end of each book), you will have a better understanding of the characters, the different packs, the back stories of each couple, and how they are all connected with each other. It's obviously not necessary to read all of the series, but since they're all great stories, you won't be disappointed.
I would recommend this book, series, and great author.
Profile Image for Jamoz23.
5,333 reviews46 followers
January 29, 2019
A wonderfully enjoyable read.
I thoroughly enjoyed how this played out and the characters in this story. I knew most of them from previous books and it was great how the author wove this tale together.
I had to go back to reread Bad Blood Alpha before reading this.
Lots of drama, action and a great chemistry between Trish and Emon.
I loved the interaction between Layla and Emon’s dragon. So cute.
The red dragons will be needing their own story eventually, especially grumpy Zakerek.
Had a feeling about who the baddie turned out to be. What a pity as he seemed so nice. Would have liked to know his reasoning a bit more, was it purely for money. I didn’t feel that Ragnor had perverted him?
Hate that the big baddie got away to cause more problems.
I was kindly given this book to read by the author but read it through KU. This is my honest review.
Profile Image for Fran.
961 reviews10 followers
March 27, 2019
I completely loved this book! This is a new author for me but it will definitely not be the last time I read her though. The world was fascinating and the characters wonderful (I have not read any of the accompanying books but still enjoyed the characters that are highlighted elsewhere).

Trish a healer with a murderous wolf. Emon a poisoned dragon whose dragon was sarcastic and rude but wonderful comedic relief (bonus easily made friends with the murderous Layla). Brock that super insightful little boy. Mayah who is in need of purpose and healing. I loved them all. And I definitely plan to read all of their stories.

I also loved that the romance was not just between two broken individuals but also between two broken animals. A dragon and a wolf. No less hurting than their human counterparts. But they made a connection as well. I just plain loved them all.
204 reviews1 follower
March 31, 2021
Very nice read with an interesting cast of characters. I generally like this genre - as its great fun to see an author's take on the "rules" for shifters. I love a happy ending.

This was a splendid way to pass a rainy afternoon. If you like shifters, romance, intrigue with a bit of character study thrown in the mix - you will really enjoy this book.

Anastasia Wilde is a gifted writer and one whose work I will read again in the future. I don't like to read this type of genre too many in a row...it starts to get the same...boy meets girl, they fall in love, solve their differences and all is well in the end. I do like happy endings - even if they can be a little bloody with battles etc. They are more fun to read once in a while...kind of like enjoying jelly beans once in a while instead of all chocolate. (sacrilege, isn't it?)

You won't go wrong reading the book in any event.

Profile Image for Karen.
1,424 reviews2 followers
March 9, 2019
Emon and Trisha

This KU library selection is the opener for a new series in a large continuing storyline. Emon and his sister, Mayah, were rescued from an evil mage working with a lab that experiments on shifters. Ragnar kidnapped the dragons when they were children, raising them in isolation, then experimenting on them as they grew older. Now the two live in their ancestral castle and battle their nightmares and volatile dragons.
Trisha is a wolf shifter and healer who houses a rogue wolf, a killer. Her only hope for avoiding being put down by the enforcers is help from the Darkwing Dragon Prince. He is scary, powerful, and a loner. But he's the only one strong enough to tame She Wolf, if his dragon will allow it.
8 reviews
February 17, 2020
Black dragon meets nightmare wolf.

It was an ok read.

I liked that the main characters and the fact that their beast had separate identities. However, the dialogue between them just seem unbelievable.

The book was mostly from the H and h point of view until the last few chapters where we got a glimpse of the bad guy's POV. It was a little to late for me. I never really bought into it. It just felt like an afterthought at that point.

This is my second time reading work from this author and for the most part the books are enjoyable. The author is excellent with world building, however, I would have like the characters to have little more dept to them. They just felt one dimensional
Profile Image for Tracey.
28 reviews
February 1, 2019
This is book 1 in the Darkwing Dragons series. Although there is a connection to the authors other series they don’t need to be read to follow the storyline.

Trish is a wolf shifter, her wolf (Layla) is out of control, this leaves Trish having no memory of what's occurred when Layla takes over. Emon is a Darkwing dragon. He and his sister Mayah have been experimented on and tortured for a good portion of their life.

The story is very well written and engaging, Trish & Emon have wonderful senses of humour and I enjoyed every minute of their struggle to find their HEA.

As always Anastasia Wilde gives a brilliant read. It was great to see some of the characters from previous books. I absolutely adore Brock and hope we get to see him continue to grow in future books. I also enjoyed the interactions with the Red dragons and hope they play a part in future books.

I recommend this book to anyone who loves a good dragon story.

6,527 reviews27 followers
February 5, 2019
I loved the bad blood series so was super excited when I saw that this new series was out and I wasn't disappointed at all

Emon is infected with a toxin that continually eats away at him and there is nothing he can do to stop it as it is a product of the research that was done on him. Trish has a wolf inside that takes full control and kills whenever she shifts She is keeping it under control with drugs supplied by her friend Tristan but she is only one kill from been discovered and terminated. The legend says that a nightmare wolf will break the darkwing dragon but ill it also save both of these damaged shifters You will have to read to see if they get their HEA
1,000 reviews6 followers
February 14, 2019
Fun, fast read. You’ll need to plan to read in one sitting because you won’t want to stop until the end. This does work as a stand-alone so if you haven’t read her other books you’ll be okay. Several characters from other books are mentioned but not enough to impact the story. Trish has come to ask the dragon lord for help to control her rogue wolf. Emon, the dragon, has been weakened by poison but takes her in. Great characters and fun exchanges between the characters and their shifter sides. There’s a mystery to solve, fun secondary characters and good flow of the story. First in what looks to be a great series. (I voluntarily reviewed an ARC).
Profile Image for Zsa Zsa.
1,164 reviews1 follower
February 21, 2019
I enjoyed this book, which starts a new series, though characters from previous series do make appearances. Emon and Mayah are the last of their clan. They endured experimentation, torture, and isolation which has left left scars both mental and physical. Trish arrives in his kingdom, part of a group that hopes to help the siblings with their problems. Trish however holds a closely guarded secret, her wolf has gone rogue. She hopes that Emon holds the ability to aid her.
The two have chemistry as they grow closer. However their path to HEA is not smooth as a traitor / traitors have infiltrated Emon's stronghold. I enjoyed this story of two damaged souls coming together.
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