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Tahoe Dragon Mates #1
The Dragon's Choice
After Jose Santos's younger sister secretly enters them both into the yearly dragon lottery and they get selected, he begrudgingly agrees to participate. It means picking a human female from a giant room full of them and staying around just long enough to get her pregnant. However, when his dragon notices one female who keeps hiding behind a book, Jose has a new plan—win his fated mate, no matter what it takes.
Victoria Lewis prefers being home with a book and away from large crowds. But she desperately wants to study dragon-shifters at close range, so she musters up her courage to enter the dragon lottery. When she's selected as one of the potential candidates, she decides to accept her spot. After all, it's not as if the dragon-shifter will pick her—an introverted bookworm who prefers jeans and sweats to skirts or fancy clothes. Well, until he's standing right in front of her with flashing eyes and says he wants her.
As Jose tries to win his fated female, trouble stirs inside his clan. Will he be able to keep his mate with him forever? Or will the American Department of Dragon Affairs whisk her away to some other clan to protect her?
NOTE: This is a quick, steamy standalone story about fated mates and sexy dragon-shifters near Lake Tahoe in the USA. You don't have to read all my other dragon books to enjoy this one!
Victoria Lewis prefers being home with a book and away from large crowds. But she desperately wants to study dragon-shifters at close range, so she musters up her courage to enter the dragon lottery. When she's selected as one of the potential candidates, she decides to accept her spot. After all, it's not as if the dragon-shifter will pick her—an introverted bookworm who prefers jeans and sweats to skirts or fancy clothes. Well, until he's standing right in front of her with flashing eyes and says he wants her.
As Jose tries to win his fated female, trouble stirs inside his clan. Will he be able to keep his mate with him forever? Or will the American Department of Dragon Affairs whisk her away to some other clan to protect her?
NOTE: This is a quick, steamy standalone story about fated mates and sexy dragon-shifters near Lake Tahoe in the USA. You don't have to read all my other dragon books to enjoy this one!
180 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 27, 2020
383 people are currently reading
507 people want to read
About the author
Jessie Donovan
96 books1,255 followersJessie Donovan has sold over half a million books, has given away hundreds of thousands more to readers for free, and has even hit the NY Times and USA Today bestseller lists. She is best known for her dragon-shifter series, but also writes about magic users, aliens, and even has a crazy romantic comedy series set in Scotland. When not reading a book, attempting to tame her yard, or traipsing around some foreign country on a shoestring, she can often be found interacting with her readers on Facebook. She lives near Seattle, where, yes, it rains a lot but it also makes everything green.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
November 22, 2022
This has potential
But geez, this reads like an oral story told by a teen who is making it all up as they go.
It lacks refining and is not at all a completely fleshed out story. The random dropping of information was disorienting.
The idea behind this story, a mating lottery for dragons, was amazing. But the story was not told well, the characters were the least relatable characters, and worst of all the female character felt…off. It was almost like social anxiety mixed with something else but then boom weird sex vixen but also not really. Ugh
But geez, this reads like an oral story told by a teen who is making it all up as they go.
It lacks refining and is not at all a completely fleshed out story. The random dropping of information was disorienting.
The idea behind this story, a mating lottery for dragons, was amazing. But the story was not told well, the characters were the least relatable characters, and worst of all the female character felt…off. It was almost like social anxiety mixed with something else but then boom weird sex vixen but also not really. Ugh
March 4, 2020
I love Jessie Donovan's Dragonshifer books, but this was my least favorite. The beginning 50% of the book is sex or sex talk. They sleep together within hours of meeting and didn't get to know each other at all beforehand. Was just a total turnoff for me. I didn't like that the book started this way. I want to get to know characters before they get together and there was none of that. And not much is learned of the characters at all during the other 50%. Had it been a full novel, I would hope there would be a lot more of the characters getting to know each other. But it's a novella. An okay quick read on a lazy day.
February 28, 2020
Tahoe dragon clan!
I loved that we finally get an American dragon clan story from the author. I wished it was in a different state but I can't complain about that. I wasn't expecting the way things are handled there though. The way they had dragons interacting with humans etc. It also gave me Charlene Hartnady vibes which was unexpected but welcomed.
Character breakdown;
Tori: she was me! Everything from being am introvert to being curious about dragons. She was lovely and very dirty lol.
Jose: I liked him he was not all that much alpha as I thought he be. But I especially loved that he was Hispanic!! Yes please! Thank you!!
Favorite Quote: "She smiled. That just made things more interesting. A competition between you two? Does that mean I'm the final judge?" " Don't encourage him, " he said with a grunt.
I am looking forward towards seeing how the author will write this series. But I am also very curious about the clan leader and his future mate more than I am about Gabby.
I loved that we finally get an American dragon clan story from the author. I wished it was in a different state but I can't complain about that. I wasn't expecting the way things are handled there though. The way they had dragons interacting with humans etc. It also gave me Charlene Hartnady vibes which was unexpected but welcomed.
Character breakdown;
Tori: she was me! Everything from being am introvert to being curious about dragons. She was lovely and very dirty lol.
Jose: I liked him he was not all that much alpha as I thought he be. But I especially loved that he was Hispanic!! Yes please! Thank you!!
Favorite Quote: "She smiled. That just made things more interesting. A competition between you two? Does that mean I'm the final judge?" " Don't encourage him, " he said with a grunt.
I am looking forward towards seeing how the author will write this series. But I am also very curious about the clan leader and his future mate more than I am about Gabby.
September 12, 2022
Cute…
The story was a light hearted romp into a new dragon verse. Most of the character development happened off the page and the big scare really wasn’t that dramatic. Overall, a quick read and very little depth.
The story was a light hearted romp into a new dragon verse. Most of the character development happened off the page and the big scare really wasn’t that dramatic. Overall, a quick read and very little depth.
April 4, 2020
Love! Love! Love!!
This is Jose and Tori’s story and if you love dragon shifters and love stories that end in a happily ever after then you don’t want to miss this one!! Love all of Jessie Donovan’s dragon shifter series!!
This is Jose and Tori’s story and if you love dragon shifters and love stories that end in a happily ever after then you don’t want to miss this one!! Love all of Jessie Donovan’s dragon shifter series!!
April 5, 2023
This is a novella I got as an Amazon Kindle deal. I like JD stories about dragon shifters, but her stories started getting too similar. She's switched it up by profiling the American dragon shifters at Lake Tahoe.
Still, her plot is very similar to her other books. The novella length keeps it from getting in depth. The dragon shifter & his human meet, have sex & fall in love almost instantly. There's the problem, which is solved "behind the scenes". Then, a HEA epilogue. I'm not sure yet whether I'm going on with the series.
Still, her plot is very similar to her other books. The novella length keeps it from getting in depth. The dragon shifter & his human meet, have sex & fall in love almost instantly. There's the problem, which is solved "behind the scenes". Then, a HEA epilogue. I'm not sure yet whether I'm going on with the series.
February 18, 2020
Not gonna lie Jose's ego is kinda big, "he chuckled as he watched for her reaction. "Maybe something along the lines that was the best tongue effing of my life?" Jose's woman is really the apple in his eye, "yes, but that's not important." He kissed the top of her head. "After today, I'm taking more time off." I liked this book, I loved Jose.
October 9, 2024
Surprisingly Good.
While this was as short as a novella, I really liked it, though I felt it was rushed because of it being so short. This was the introduction to the American dragon shifters and while I enjoyed this book, it does not even come close the the amazing StoneFire or Lochguard dragon clans in Britain and Scotland. For starts the American dragon affairs are WAY to controlling and need to be taken down a peg or two.
This was well written, character were good, storyline was good though again, it would have been better if the book was longer. I think this was a great start to the spin off series but I think if all the books in this spin off series is short novella lengths, it is more of a serial novella collection than a series. That being said I still like it and would recommend reading this.
Jose and Victoria get mated at the end of the book and they get their happily ever after. It was a short, simple and good book. I would definitely read it again and recommend it.
While this was as short as a novella, I really liked it, though I felt it was rushed because of it being so short. This was the introduction to the American dragon shifters and while I enjoyed this book, it does not even come close the the amazing StoneFire or Lochguard dragon clans in Britain and Scotland. For starts the American dragon affairs are WAY to controlling and need to be taken down a peg or two.
This was well written, character were good, storyline was good though again, it would have been better if the book was longer. I think this was a great start to the spin off series but I think if all the books in this spin off series is short novella lengths, it is more of a serial novella collection than a series. That being said I still like it and would recommend reading this.
Jose and Victoria get mated at the end of the book and they get their happily ever after. It was a short, simple and good book. I would definitely read it again and recommend it.
June 10, 2020
Great characters!
This book has a good story but for me it's the characters that make it better. I think my issues with the story are that there's a lot missing, she wasn't really prepared for this so what happens to her home while she's there? She may not stay so still needs her home! She pretty much disappears after the choosing, what about her family? I think it wouldn't have taken much to give us the answers.
Anyway, the characters are fun. Her attitude just makes me laugh! There are laughs and smiles and steam, a lot of it all. Hope you enjoy it!
This book has a good story but for me it's the characters that make it better. I think my issues with the story are that there's a lot missing, she wasn't really prepared for this so what happens to her home while she's there? She may not stay so still needs her home! She pretty much disappears after the choosing, what about her family? I think it wouldn't have taken much to give us the answers.
Anyway, the characters are fun. Her attitude just makes me laugh! There are laughs and smiles and steam, a lot of it all. Hope you enjoy it!
February 27, 2020
Another awesome start of a new series
Another awesome series! I love the new culture of this book, Its different then the other dragon series. Jose and Tori are the first Dragon and Human True Mates of the clan. This book is a Awesome start to a New Series . The First Dragon Clan in the USA that we will get to see the different and silimarly of all the Clans. Already pre-order the next book.
Another awesome series! I love the new culture of this book, Its different then the other dragon series. Jose and Tori are the first Dragon and Human True Mates of the clan. This book is a Awesome start to a New Series . The First Dragon Clan in the USA that we will get to see the different and silimarly of all the Clans. Already pre-order the next book.
February 28, 2020
From across the room
The author has brought her dragons to America, and I absolutely loved it. From the way she used the lottery to the attempts to show their displeasure, she was really able to capture the American way with each part of this book. This book is super steamy and super short with just that hint of excitement to keep the story interesting. I really enjoyed this newest venture to bring us dragons and I can’t wait to see what happens next.
The author has brought her dragons to America, and I absolutely loved it. From the way she used the lottery to the attempts to show their displeasure, she was really able to capture the American way with each part of this book. This book is super steamy and super short with just that hint of excitement to keep the story interesting. I really enjoyed this newest venture to bring us dragons and I can’t wait to see what happens next.
July 5, 2022
The ending just skipped forward 8 months.
So the ending was kind of the letdown It skipped forward basically through her whole pregnancy we didn't find out if the clan ended up accepting humans and we didn't find out if his sister found her mate it didn't mention anything about Victoria's family coming to stay or the best friend coming to live there or her getting any human friends there it left a lot of stuff out.
So the ending was kind of the letdown It skipped forward basically through her whole pregnancy we didn't find out if the clan ended up accepting humans and we didn't find out if his sister found her mate it didn't mention anything about Victoria's family coming to stay or the best friend coming to live there or her getting any human friends there it left a lot of stuff out.
August 14, 2022
I bought this book the day it released and it had been sitting in my tbr list ever since. My reading challenge topic this month is a novella, so it seemed the perfect time to start working through the series.
Whilst I didn't enjoy the American dragons as much as the British ones, I did like seeing how things were different for them.
It was nice to see one if the lotteries in progress, and I hope I get to see more or the characters in future.
Whilst I didn't enjoy the American dragons as much as the British ones, I did like seeing how things were different for them.
It was nice to see one if the lotteries in progress, and I hope I get to see more or the characters in future.
April 8, 2024
Freaking Awesome!
I literally devoured this entire book in hours! After reading the procedure UK Dragon Series this was definitely a bit different in the way things happened with the lottery n such. But a Really Great partnership between Jose & Tori! And Jose's family sound hilariously wonderful! Interested in reading future Sister's story, and very much so Wes's! All in all a great book!
I literally devoured this entire book in hours! After reading the procedure UK Dragon Series this was definitely a bit different in the way things happened with the lottery n such. But a Really Great partnership between Jose & Tori! And Jose's family sound hilariously wonderful! Interested in reading future Sister's story, and very much so Wes's! All in all a great book!
April 30, 2025
Brilliant Series
The Dragon’s Choice (Tahoe Dragons Mates Book 1) by Jessie Donovan. Jose is entered into the dragon lottery by his sister. Victoria wants to find out about dragons. Jose picks Victoria and as soon as they kiss sets off the mate frenzy. Victoria is Jose’s true mate but instead of running Victoria says bring it on. Unfortunately some dragons don’t want humans living with them and threaten Victoria’s life.
The Dragon’s Choice (Tahoe Dragons Mates Book 1) by Jessie Donovan. Jose is entered into the dragon lottery by his sister. Victoria wants to find out about dragons. Jose picks Victoria and as soon as they kiss sets off the mate frenzy. Victoria is Jose’s true mate but instead of running Victoria says bring it on. Unfortunately some dragons don’t want humans living with them and threaten Victoria’s life.
August 20, 2020
I enjoyed this one.
There are detailed sexual scenes, but the story is more about the characters who are very attractive. Fun conversations are sprinkled throughout out. Dragonhood questions keep the story lively, and the hint of future stories grabbed me (so much that I immediately bought the next 2.)
There are detailed sexual scenes, but the story is more about the characters who are very attractive. Fun conversations are sprinkled throughout out. Dragonhood questions keep the story lively, and the hint of future stories grabbed me (so much that I immediately bought the next 2.)
January 24, 2022
Jose and Tori
What a amazing short story 😍! As I read, I could feel the love the 2 main characters had for each other. That's how well written and creative the story seemed to me. Although I've read quite a few on Ms Donovan's series, this one truly touched my heart. Since I don't do spoilers, all that's left to say is...on to bk 2. 🤩
What a amazing short story 😍! As I read, I could feel the love the 2 main characters had for each other. That's how well written and creative the story seemed to me. Although I've read quite a few on Ms Donovan's series, this one truly touched my heart. Since I don't do spoilers, all that's left to say is...on to bk 2. 🤩
September 20, 2022
DNF at 20%
This book has literally no plot, just sex. I was intrigued at the idea of a lottery for dragons, but the whole thing was ruined by the main characters not even getting to know each other. And the dragon has an utterly filthy mouth - I struggled to read it. This book feels like a teenager attempting to write a romance and shoving every single filthy word into it in the process.
This book has literally no plot, just sex. I was intrigued at the idea of a lottery for dragons, but the whole thing was ruined by the main characters not even getting to know each other. And the dragon has an utterly filthy mouth - I struggled to read it. This book feels like a teenager attempting to write a romance and shoving every single filthy word into it in the process.
July 8, 2024
Dragon smut book. I actually skip over sex scenes, for personal reasons, so I was a little disappointed that the first sign of really any complication/conflict appears 75% in. I did like how devoted the guy was. Usually if they are big and strong they are a grump or a tool, so the character was refreshing.
February 28, 2020
Fab spin off series
Jessie is a fab author and this is just another credit to her... I have read all her books and this is another additional series but short look forward to the next book
Jessie is a fab author and this is just another credit to her... I have read all her books and this is another additional series but short look forward to the next book
February 29, 2020
Short but Great!
Love this entire series. This new series is short but flows within the dragon world. I love the characters, the excitement and how it all comes together. I hope there will be more to come in all the series.
Love this entire series. This new series is short but flows within the dragon world. I love the characters, the excitement and how it all comes together. I hope there will be more to come in all the series.
March 1, 2020
Tori & Jose
Thoroughly enjoyed reading Tori & Jose's story very much. I love reading a happy ever after story it makes my day. Eagerly waiting for the next book in this series. Thank you for writing this story.
Thoroughly enjoyed reading Tori & Jose's story very much. I love reading a happy ever after story it makes my day. Eagerly waiting for the next book in this series. Thank you for writing this story.
April 1, 2020
Anticlimactic
I took me a few days to actually get through this... It wasn't for me, I found it too drawn out, cringy, and predictable. The characters and their romance were flat, flat, flat! They did not hold my interest.
I took me a few days to actually get through this... It wasn't for me, I found it too drawn out, cringy, and predictable. The characters and their romance were flat, flat, flat! They did not hold my interest.
July 23, 2020
There in America Too🐉🐉!!!
Curiosity is everywhere. Finding your soul mate while indulging your curiosity is bound to bring out some conflict. Because some one will always have a difficult time with change.
Curiosity is everywhere. Finding your soul mate while indulging your curiosity is bound to bring out some conflict. Because some one will always have a difficult time with change.
August 11, 2020
New beginnings
Wow!, This was amazing. A opening into the lives of the American dragons. You can’t imagine the traditions of these dragons and how they differ from their European cousin.
Wow!, This was amazing. A opening into the lives of the American dragons. You can’t imagine the traditions of these dragons and how they differ from their European cousin.
September 2, 2020
Honor
Hot dragon willing to take a human. To have a child of his own. Wow. He definitely hit the lottery. He gets both. And then the three words . He never thought he would hear. Happy reading
Hot dragon willing to take a human. To have a child of his own. Wow. He definitely hit the lottery. He gets both. And then the three words . He never thought he would hear. Happy reading
October 16, 2020
New dragon adventures
I enjoyed this different view of dragon adventures. The US ADDA seem to be pains in the bootie. I hope this series follows he same line as Stonefire and Lochgaurd because I enjoyed their fight for equality.
I enjoyed this different view of dragon adventures. The US ADDA seem to be pains in the bootie. I hope this series follows he same line as Stonefire and Lochgaurd because I enjoyed their fight for equality.
April 13, 2021
Just ok
I love the Stonefire and lochgaurd series so I was a little disappointed with this one. It felt rushed and not as full as the other series'. Also used the word funding a little to much for my tastes.
I love the Stonefire and lochgaurd series so I was a little disappointed with this one. It felt rushed and not as full as the other series'. Also used the word funding a little to much for my tastes.
October 6, 2021
Victoria is curious about dragons and does not think there is any way she would be chosen. Jose is choosing for his sister's sake, but when glimpse of Victoria is all he needs. A good start, but a very short read.
April 25, 2022
Amusing, Protective, Dragons
I did enjoy this story about Jose and Tori. These dragon shifters are amusing when they talk to their dragons. I love how protective they are of their human/mate. From a Fan... Pam James
I did enjoy this story about Jose and Tori. These dragon shifters are amusing when they talk to their dragons. I love how protective they are of their human/mate. From a Fan... Pam James
Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews