Her magic is running wild. Can he help her tame it before it destroys her?
Layla Price's magic has been unleashed. Set free during a confrontation with her enemy Hunter, her fury as the world's most dangerous Dragon-shifter knows no bounds.
But her power is a grave risk to her friends, and as Layla trains with the uncompromising Royal Siren Reginald Durant to tame her magics, she struggles to master her ability.
When her mate Adrian is framed for murder, she must go undercover - risking her life in a dangerous game to draw out her nemesis.
And when she finds Hunter, will her magic be controlled enough to finally take him down? Or will Reginald's training fail her - leaving her powerless against her enemy?
For the best experience, the books should be read in sequence.
I think this book is my favorite in the series so far...and that’s saying a lot because I didn’t think anything could surpass Dusk’s story. Sea Dragon’s Command turns up the heat factor and lightning-fast action scenes 1000%. I was in the edge of my seat through most of the book, not able to trust my own judgment on whom to trust, reading as fast as I could to see what happened next...and other times reading certain passages over and again...you know *ahem* for science. I didn’t think I would be able to like Reginald at all, to be honest, but reading his story and learning his history and seeing his rigid mask fall away made me love his pompously austere face. Can’t get enough. I cannot wait to read more. So much is happening right now! We still don’t have closure with Hunter (By the way, I really wish the members of the inner circle had some sort of code to make sure they aren’t being duped by Hunter. Like a nonsense phrase followed by Spock’s live long and prosper hand or something. But I digress), we now have the crimson circle to contend with and it’s mysterious and elusive members, magical binds and combined powers galore, dragon fights and espionage. Whew! Love, love, love!
This SUPER spicy, reverse-harem paranormal romance is a MUST READ! If you fancy yourself a romance reader, you have not LIVED if you have not read Ava Ward’s series THE ROYAL DRAGON SHIFTERS OF MOROCCO! OMW this series is absolutely phenomenal! It is the most romantic, suspense-filled paranormal/urban fantasy I have read in a long while. In fact, THE ROYAL DRAGON SHIFTERS OF MOROCCO is so complex and so compelling, the author has divided into multiple novels because Ava Ward knows her readers need a bit of time to catch their breaths and live in the real world before jumping back into the marvelous world Ward has created. SEA DRAGON’S COMMAND is the third novel in the series about THE ROYAL DRAGON SHIFTERS OF MOROCCO and it just may be my favorite novel so far in this series. Ward’s prose is eloquently descriptive and easily read, so her readers can focus on the stupendous characters upon which the series is based. The lead female, Layla, was raised in a human world and was totally unaware there was a Twilight World and shifters of many kinds. Then in a short span of time her magic manifests, she finds out she is a dragon shifter, and the man she is falling in-lust/love with isn’t whom she thought he was. Add to that she has to move into a world she does not know and then has all sorts of expectations put upon her that she either doesn’t understand or can’t control. However, it happens, the JOY of Layla’s successes and the harm of her barely controlled magics have the pendulum of her acceptance into the Twilight Realm, swinging wildly between a warm welcome, fear, and passion. I have loved every minute of each book in the series as each has been better than the last one – which is every reader’s dream. So, now I look forward to the fourth book with bated breath. While each book stands on its own merit and could be read separately without reading the rest, I would suggest that for the best understanding and investment that readers begin with the first book in the series: THE ROYAL DRAGON’S BIND, and then read the second book, THE CRYSTAL DRAGON’S COMMAND. If you don’t want to do that, start your reading with SEA DRAGON’S COMMAND! You won’t be sorry. The plots within each of the novels in this series are just as compelling, the characters just as realistic – or as realistic as a shifter can be – and easy to root for that happily ever after. I voluntarily read a copy of SEA DRAGON’S COMMAND and this is my voluntary and HONEST review. SEA DRAGON’S COMMAND has earned a 5+STAR recommendation, and I wish I could give out more! Truly, I can say this again! If you fancy yourself a romance reader, you have not LIVED if you have not read Ava Ward’s series THE ROYAL DRAGON SHIFTERS OF MOROCCO! Get your copy of SEA DRAGON’S COMMAND today. Happy pages! 😉
Being a courtesan in Ava Ward’s Twilight Realm is a way to gain respect and power, which will protect both Layla herself, her lovers and the hotel. This is central to the novel, but Ms. Ward needs to trust the readers to catch that. Emphasizing this point by repeatng it too often ruins the subtlety and intricacy of it. The word ‘dominant’ is also overused throughout the book. It’s unfortunate that Reginald’s training resembles more a Dominant training a submissive to accept the control the submissive craves, rather than a mentor trying to get his protegé to wise up in order to control and protect both herself and the things she cares about. There are two things that really bother me about the D/s angle. In a Dominant-submissive relationship, Layla would be able to negotiate in order to get what she needs and wants. Consent from both parties would be explicitly given. You cannot convince me that Reginald is not aware of these things. They are what make a dynamic like this function He is Head Courtier, for goodness sakes! The word ‘dominant’ is generally overused in the book, especially since that is not what Reginald’ and Layla’s relationship should be about. Perhaps the author is trying to show that Reginald is making a mistake treating her like she is his submissive? The second major beef I have, is that the idea that all or most women have a submissive side to them, that just needs a ‘true’ dominant’s skills to reveal and satisfy that side creeps out between the lines. This is insulting and anti-feminist, but also a trap that is easy to fall into. While I am sure Ms. Ward is interested in showing Layla’s development into a strong, self-aware woman, this pernicious nonsense undermines her intentions. Why doesn’t Reginald just lay out the direction things should take and why for Layla, or at least try harder to do so? I suppose a great deal of the storyline would disappear, if the conflict between Layla and Reginald was solved so easily and efficiently. On the other hand, her own confict between her convictions and nature and her attraction to the dominant in Reginald, as well as his conflict between his feelings for her and his need to put distance between them, might be enough to sustain the tension and still motivate their deep attraction and need for each other, personally and in terms of the battle against Hunter. Still, the story swept me away, made me care about the protagonists even more than I did after the first two books (witness my mounting my D/s hobby-horse on their behalf) and seduced me quite thoroughly. Brava, Ms. Ward!
This series is so interesting, I can't put it down. Just when I think things are going to continue as usual, something else gets thrown in. I will say though that my one big issue with this series is Adrian. For whatever reason, the author continues to keep him at bay and now at the end of this book, he's run off in hiding and before he and Layla can do much of anything relationship-wise. It's frustrating and annoying I think. Coming off of the last book, I was surprised that Reginald and Layla hadn't done much together besides platonic instruction at the beginning of this one but they make up for it in a major way with a passionate intimate scene later in the book and after another dragon bind. Yep, Reginald made the cut. Getting to know him better in this book, he's endearing and much different than he appeared to be outwardly thus far. Speaking of which, the first intimate scene between Layla and Dusk was a bit of a letdown for many reasons. It was too placid and controlled, although they're supposed to be extremely arduous, it's one and done and "I can't possibly take any more after that" even though they have all night, and then right after it's over Dusk talks about how he's unable to be exclusive with Layla. Talk about something to bring the mood down to the very bottom. I don't mind the conversation or even clearing that up between them but the timing was crap. Well before then would have been much better or maybe after a couple of days or something. After two books of build up with no conclusion, it finally happens in this book and it was not what I expected so was disappointed.
Layla finally learns control over her magic and dragon which come at a good time. Hunter though. Hunter is dangerous. He kills King Arini, dead dead. No Phoenix regeneration this time as they fought in his no longer protected Aviary, Hunter beheading him which is something the Phoenix cannot regenerate from. That was sad but also really sad was that Sylvania died in this book as well. I really didn't understand why the Hunter killed her if he's trying to get at Layla, I'd have thought he would go after one of her bound men. She wasn't a big role in the series but Reginald was really broken up by her death. Sylvania is killed on hotel premises while Dusk and Layla indulged in their private time in a place where he's unreachable even by the crystal security thing. Adrian is framed but good thing the investigators come in and immediately jump on his case but look at the facts. Inter-something with the angels, but can't remember their names.
Reginald shifts for the first time in this book to his siren form. He's the biggest and baddest of the bound men so far. Both Layla and Dusk partially shift and Adrian goes full dragon. With all of the other stuff that's gone wrong at the hotel, Adrian is out as Hotel Head. Side note, I don't understand why Layla and crew don't do something so that she can try her first shift somewhere so that she won't face death if she does it by mistake on hotel grounds. Just a thought. With the timeline winding, it also doesn't seem like a good time for her friends to visit from Seattle but the time is coming. My guess is they'll get to the hotel and get caught in the crossfire somehow. Particularly now that no security measure seems to be good enough to keep Hunter out, bringing vulnerable human friends into the mix spells trouble but we'll see.
More to come it seems for Leyla as a Courtesan, a role she's much more eager at taking on now that she'll be posing as a double agent. Layla got the reason she needs so that she doesn't feel like a prostitute for taking Assignations. She's struggled with herself but I'd have preferred that she accept it for what it was rather than having a convenient excuse. We'll see what the next one brings but I wouldn't be surprised if Hunter turns out to be a bond mate at this point.
This third book in the series is as good as the first two. In my previous reviews I’ve raved about how beautifully Ava Ward writes about magic, place and emotion. But in this book, her plot writing abilities shine through even more strongly than previously.
There are several strands to the plot in this book, magic, romance, murder and politics. Layla has been working on her magic and controlling her power, but as yet it’s not tamed. Her relationships with Dusk and Adrian have been put on hold as Reginald starts to train Layla as a Courtesan. It is during this training that, despite Layla’s resentment at being forced to take this path, we see glimmers of the real Reginald beneath his manners and elegance.
During the week long stay of the Owners of the Red Letter Hotel Paris we are introduced to Bastian, Reginald’s bitter and angry brother. His snarling fury at Bastian for shutting himself away as a Courtier, rather than fighting battles with his clan, knows no bounds and he rips away Reginald’s control of Layla during a ball in front of the Owners, making it difficult for Layla and Adrian to control their power.
We learn much in the aftermath of this confrontation about Reginald’s past and the depth of his character hidden beneath his control. His control snaps at the death of a loved one, a murder set up to make Adrian look like the guilty party. This is the second strand in the plot, the murder, and dealing with the police arm of the High Council. In order to clear Adrian, Layla has to go and seek out some answers, outside of the hotel.
We hear so much more of the story behind their enemy’s motivations, during this book, and why they seek out Layla, even in the midst of insanity. The information Layla gathers feeds into the overarching storyline.
We also find out a bit more about the politics of the Red Hotel and it’s owners. We see how politics manipulates every move that is made within the hotel. This strand of the plot is very clever and very interesting to read. It feeds into the overarching story in a big way, but is still feels like a separate strand from the magic and romance. I’ve a feeling in the future, that all the strands might bind together like the separate powers of Layla’s Dragon Binds.
Once again Ava Ward has written a riveting and passion filled book, where magic and romance weave tightly within plot lines that thrill and intrigue.
I really want to read the next book in the series. I hope I don’t have to wait for long!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
The first two books in this series had me spellbound and this one had just the same effect. The hours disappeared as the world around me slipped away and I became completely immersed in the Twilight Realm peopled with the inhabitants of the beautiful, decadent, opulent, very slightly intimidating Red Letter Hotel. Ava Ward has created an amazing world for this series, full of strong, fierce, otherworldly characters of many different races that leap off the page. The language is rich and sensual, the places magical, the emotions always running high and enough intrigue, mystery and passion to keep you turning the pages long into the night. This series is like nothing else I have ever read and I can't get enough of Layla and her colleagues at the Red Letter Hotel. The Hotel is a character in its own right in this series and this book sees some pivotal moments for Layla, the Heads of Departments, and the fate of the Hotel itself. New characters are introduced, and once again it is difficult to tell just exactly what drives these additions and where they stand. Nothing is what it seems, no-one is easy to read, danger and deception just around the corner at every turn. Whilst I had no difficulty understanding the story and keeping track of the characters, I have absolutely no idea where Ava is going to take the story next and that is marvellous. I am so looking forward to finding out what happens to these already beloved characters next. The story continues from the previous book and although you can read it as a standalone, the over-arcing story is so good it deserves to be read in order. The characters develop with every experience they go through, friendships are formed and strengthened, passion and love grows, mysteries abound, some secrets are gradually revealed whilst more are kept, and there is danger circling the main characters. So much happens in each book. plots threads weaving through like an elaborate tapestry full of vivid colours and patterns, just like the Hotel and its staff and guests.
In this the 3rd book in the Red Letter Hotel paranormal romance series, Layla has been confronted by the Hunter and her magic has been unleashed. Now she has no control over this massive force which could endanger everyone's life so she has been taken in hand by the Royal Siren himself, the head courtier of the hotel, Reginald Durant. His tough regime of total control over Layla nearly drives her crazy, and her enforced celibacy especially from her two bound lovers, Adrian and Dusk throws them all overboard. This is an action filled novel, which turns very dark at times, and in which our bad ass heroine, shows how strong she can be when defending her love ones. Hunter the void-shadow who is a perfect mimic is so ancient, totally insane and highly dangerous and is out to use Layla's binding powers and will let no one stand in his way! However Layla and her trio of bonded lovers are a force to watch out for, as they encapsulate all the elements of fire, wind, sea and air and once she took control of her magic she could bind all of them together as one massive force. She is out for retribution and to keep safe her trio of lovers, but will she be strong enough to see this through to its end? This series just becomes more gripping and sizzling hot as we read further into it and I cannot wait for the next book!
Oh where to start......Well I loved this whole series, I could not put it down.
The whole concept of the Red Letter Hotels is fantastic and unique. A hotel that caters to any needs of the elite supernatural community and that the courtesans are one of the higher ranking employees was a nice touch.
I think the world development of the series as a whole was particularly amazing. In the series it takes you to many places and each one is well developed that you can see it in your minds eye.
I did want to smack Adrian when I found out he tricked her and originally had not the greatest intentions. I absolutely loved that the author did not just have Layla forgive him just because of this mystical bond that he had to work for her and actually open up to win her love. Yes the bond was there pushing and pulling them together but it was not the sole thing to their relationship.
I did enjoy that each book focused on 1 of Layla's men more so than the others so there was great details and background into each. And it was a great twist that her bff that she almost killed turned out to be a dragon...But that he did not end up as one of her final mates. I thought that was awesome. It was a twist I did not see coming.
All in all amazing series and would recommend over and over.
As I've mentioned in my other reviews, Ms. Ward's writing is a joy to read and this series is the best escape I've had in quite awhile. Reginald, the courtier at the Red Letter Hotel, now has her under his tutelage. He seems to be the only one who can help her control her desires. He is quite the jerk and seems cruel to Layla but he has his reasons albeit not good ones. Things are falling apart at the hotel in so many ways and it has to be stopped. Ardian is at the center of it all. Can it be stopped, will they be able to repair all that damage that is done or start anew. Dusk has a plan, and Layla has to leave the protection of the hotel to find answers. There is so much mystery and suspense this time. We learn Reginald truths. Hunter returns. Is Layla strong enough to deal with him? And don't forget the passion, the steamy interludes in all this action was also a surprise because of who's she with and who she is not with. One last thing, funny, Ms. Wards play on words is great and a little added relife when needed. A great continuation in the series. I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
####READ THIS BOOK#### AVA WARD!!! What a spellbinding book ! And I'm so pleased to have read this next installment to ROYAL DRAGON SHIFTERS OF MOROCCO!! This is the 3rd book in the series and wow! Layla Price's journey just keeps you so engrossed and completely enthralled it's a complete joy to read! Dragons, magic, love , lust, anger, rage, sorrow, all the emotions are interwoven to take you on this ride of discovery, as Layla starts to come into her own self awareness and the beginnings of who / what she is. And we haven't seen the tip of the iceberg ! This woman is going to badass when every thing comes together for her ! And i can't wait for book 4 to come out! Honestly , o don't want this series to end as it just keeps getting better and better with present characters and the new ones we meet along the way! I love it! Hell, I'm loving this whole series and saying that it deserves a 10 star rating in my opinion! Well done , Ava Ward! Keep 'em coming! You have a fan here!ava-ward
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Best of the Three! I received an ARC of "Sea Dragon's Command" from Ms. Ward, and this is my honest opinion. When I reviewed the first book in the series, I saw its potential but wasn't completely sold. My opinion about the second book was colored by the fact that I absolutely HATED the ending. (This is actually a good thing, because I was becoming invested in Layla and what happening to her. :-) )But I am now officially a fan--book three is fantastic! The multiple twists and turns in the plot kept me guessing. The many action scenes were vivid and dynamic. And there is no one like Ava Ward when it comes to describing the totally imaginary--non-human creatures, worlds, stage-setting, and hot supernatural sex. Best of all, by the end of this book, the relationships between Layla and her men have finally matured, Layla has come into her own, and there's a set-up for some real excitement to come.
Over all story - 4 Main Character - 4 Sexiness - 5 Love interest - 5 Over all rating - 4.5
The story ended way to fast for me because I was so caught up in the story. So many things happen left and right that I could not put the book down. I was so happy with the MC development in this book compared to the last two. She is now coming to terms on who and what she is. I also liked how we are seeing that kick as bartender attitude again. As for the love interest in this book I was happy that the guys are coming to an understanding that they have share and support her. I just hope the next guy has some feather wings. That would be very interesting. As for the over all I really enjoyed the book and like where this headed and can’t wait for the next book.
Fan-freaking-tastic! Whilst the series is essentially a RH storyline it is mind blowingly complex and layered. The characters and world building are truly phenomenal. It’s incredibly well written, so much so that the reader is transported into this other world to experience it all with/ as the main characters.
Every good story needs a “bad guy(s)” (where gender is irrelevant) and this one has plenty to choose from. It’s an ongoing series and really does need to be read in the correct order. Book 2 ended with Layla stuck in the awkward position of having to become a Courtesan in training with Reginald the Head Courtier as her partner.
It’s explosive to say the very least. It’s not one that you’ll want to miss out on. Each new book is a credit to the series and for me making the very rare move to my “must buy” list.
That was awesome! The continuation of The Red Letter Hotel romance series hits the ground running never missing a beat. Layla, maturing in her feminine greatness, increases her bound mates and strengthens her circle to a solid force to be reckoned with. Birth of self, death to others, epic battles, scorching romance, a love hate relationship with a void shadow lunatic and new angel friends are just some of the things in book #3 Sea Dragon's Command. Oh the tale Ms. Ward is weaving. There's romance, mystery, magical power, fantastic creatures with human sides you can't help but connect to and a multilayered Twilight realm all developed and twined together to produce multiple story lines of deliciousness. Can't wait to see what happens next. ~Queen Nuba~
The third book in this spicy reverse harem paranormal romance. A stunning series - prepare to be dazzled as it is quite unlike anything else around. Well written, with a good plot and storyline, it has romance, suspense, intrigue and mystery. Heat radiates from the story that sizzles with passion and is in short a wholly addictive read. The vivid and colourful characters are strong, likeable and well developed. The Author has used the richness of her imagination to create and amazing world that takes the reader on a wondrous ride in the paranormal. I look forward to the next book in the series. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
Sea Dragon’s Command is a great addition to the series. I feel like each book carries you through an individual plot, but builds nicely with the rest. This book allows us to see more about the Sirens, which were mentioned in the last books, but I didn’t see it coming. A new powerful lineage or two to learn about, a deeper learning of her bonds/bindings, the true test of the matriarch, a framed murder, the government agents, fallen angels, oh, and still the bad guy lurking around. Captivating, and I really appreciate how Ms. Ward shares such a deep world with us. While I recommend reading this series in order, you should read this book.
I’ve been invested in this series since I first read the first book, I’ve been so interested in dusks story line in book 2 and Adrian’s in book 1 I didn’t think that this one would surpass them but boy was I surprised ! Ms Ward has a way to weave a story with twists you don’t expect or really see coming until they happen, and the way she words every interaction is almost magic. She really knows how to amp up the story as well as the intimacy without being extremely overwhelming, and her work keeps you coming back for more over and over
A page turner throughout. Filled with emotions, sexual tension and magical adventures. Layla is caught in a tangle of passion and emotions that are hard for her to control. Reginald shows Layla a part of him that she never suspected. Hunter is still creating havoc for everyone. Everything is going crazy, the last things that you would think about. Adrian and Dusk have finally come to an agreement to Layla’s surprise. Everyone must come together to rid the evil lurking in the shadows. Can’t wait for the next book.
it was just too much I struggled through the first 2 books because it seemed like there was something to work with and intriguing. Our heroine attracts men like bees to honey. She's a powerful Royal Dragon Bind but after months of being the Hotel and open to her magic, no one has taught her how to sheild herself against unwelcome magic/mate testing. She has yet to have sex with Adrian even though they're all passion and when it looks like it will finally finally happen, it doesn't. I couldn't take any more of her sassy comebacks. I was done.
Wow. I needed a cold shower after some of the scenes in that book. Totally enthralled with this series. Layla is slowly gaining control of her dragon thanks to Head Courtier Reginald Durante’s training, even if it is driving her crazy. As always the writing is descriptive and the world where the Red Letter Hotel of Paris is located is fully formed. I for one can not wait or the next book. Highly recommend.
Love the twists and turns and the delicious dynamics as each new partner is introduced to the bind...am crossing my finger that wings will also embrace their unity. Interested in how the fight to unravel Hunters tyranny unfolds and to discover just who is calling the shots. Great books with lots of potential, a captivating heroine and a bevy of exotic and sensual males.
I am so excited to find out what happens next! This is a crazy journey and this is a fantastic place to explore in a story. It’s definitely a whole new world to explore with each person you meet being so different. Thank you so much for such an amazing gift to see through your eyes how different a world could be on a parallel plain.
Ava has created a wonder-full, decadent and delicious world full of gorgeous men and women. Bringing together a mental picture from Ava’s words as a pleasure and once which grows with each book in the series. These books are among the few that I re-read - not because of salacious sex but because of sensational stories! I would definitely recommend.
This is the third book in the Series „ Royal Dragon Shifters of Morocco „. It is not only getting steamier, but also more dangerous for Lyla and her Binds. Reginald, who appeard so cold and strict in the first two books, shows another side of him which I quite liked, but my favourite is still Dusk!
I cannot get enough of this series. Layla and her dragons give me the chills. Ava Ward’s writing draws you into the story you feel as though you are with the characters. I can picture the opulence of the Twilight World and the richness of each and every character you are introduced to. I don’t want it to end.
Wonderful story that kept me riveted to my kindle. This author's technique and style was fantastic. The characters came alive for me. I do enjoyed the fight & love scenes so much. The book was a kaleidoscope of woven details that turned it into a great book. Kudos to the Author.😇
This series just keeps getting better and better! Sea Dragon’s Command brings the HEAT! We get some action in and out of the bedroom! We continue to learn more about Hunter and the Twilight Realm. Layla continues to work on her magical abilities and navigate through her relationships. Layla’s dragon and I have the same taste in men hahaha! I can’t wait for the next installment!
Ms Ward is amazing at world building. The first couple of chapters addressed what the second book ended on and then the story blew up from there. I had things that needed to be done today, but I kept telling myself one more chapter until suddenly, I had finished the book. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
First the story line is so good I am having such a hard time putting it down. What is upsetting is the author spends a good amount of time building up a character(s), makes you really like the character then kills them off.. makes me weary in the other series. Otherwise it is such a good read.