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The Dragon Elite #1
Power Play
Can an average man end up landing one of the hottest, and wealthiest dragons in Denver?
Naga Industries wasn't Calvin's first choice of a place to intern. It wasn't even his tenth. But when every other internship spot is taken, he finds himself at the mercy of Draeke Lindwyrm and he's way over his head.
Draeke doesn't want an intern, but his go-to man is threatening to revolt if he doesn't get them both some help. Calvin is everything Draeke doesn't like in men. He's too young, too average, never on time, doesn't dress well, and worst of all Calvin is human, which makes things complicated between them when he becomes a pawn in a power play with the world’s dragon elite.
The Lindwyrm family controls a vast fortune built over centuries of life and manipulation of humans and other shifters. How can a simple human like Calvin hope to exist in a world he never dreamed existed until he’s dropped into it with no hope of a soft landing?
If you enjoy stories of an average man trying to fit into a billionaire’s life, this is a story for you. If you like a bit of action in your love stories, give this series a try. Power can be a very enticing adventure, come and go along.
Naga Industries wasn't Calvin's first choice of a place to intern. It wasn't even his tenth. But when every other internship spot is taken, he finds himself at the mercy of Draeke Lindwyrm and he's way over his head.
Draeke doesn't want an intern, but his go-to man is threatening to revolt if he doesn't get them both some help. Calvin is everything Draeke doesn't like in men. He's too young, too average, never on time, doesn't dress well, and worst of all Calvin is human, which makes things complicated between them when he becomes a pawn in a power play with the world’s dragon elite.
The Lindwyrm family controls a vast fortune built over centuries of life and manipulation of humans and other shifters. How can a simple human like Calvin hope to exist in a world he never dreamed existed until he’s dropped into it with no hope of a soft landing?
If you enjoy stories of an average man trying to fit into a billionaire’s life, this is a story for you. If you like a bit of action in your love stories, give this series a try. Power can be a very enticing adventure, come and go along.
86 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1017
16 people are currently reading
27 people want to read
About the author
A.J. Marcus
132 books34 followersA.J. Marcus grew up in Texas. He’s always had a fascination with cowboys, comic books and the great outdoors. He started writing in high school and at times spent more time writing than he did reading, and he’s a voracious reader. Maybe it was growing up in Texas, but his love of rugged men showed up even before he realized what was going on. He likes his men manly, hard, tough and caring, men with hearts, and other parts, as big as Texas.
A.J. currently lives near Colorado Springs, Colorado with his loving partner and several horses. The men here are still men.
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/AJ-Marc...
A.J. currently lives near Colorado Springs, Colorado with his loving partner and several horses. The men here are still men.
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/AJ-Marc...
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
April 17, 2017
The second book from Melissa Taggart, continues the story of Jason and Lindsey, they are married now and he is such a great care taker and man. Helps Lindsey, with everything she needs but when his art take off he needs to be away more often, giving a bit of tention to their relationship. But, then Lindsay find out she is pregnant. Happy, but worried about the future. you get drawn into their lives, hoping beyond hope they make it.
March 30, 2017
I know it's not a good idea to start off my review with a long quote, but to be honest, after I read this, I knew I was Team Drake, all the way.
“Hello, sir, I’m—” Draeke looked away from his screens to fix him with a withering glare. “Calvin Moore, average grades, average intelligence, fairly average overall. Your paladin isn’t so bad, but you lack a finesse, which gives away your need to be the best and also to seek out the approval of others. I know who you are, and I know you didn’t want to be here, but you needed an internship and I, unfortunately, need an intern at times."
See? Right? Yep, Drake was working for me on all cylinders, and Calvin pretty much had me from the first sentence. Anyone who is starting a new internship with mismatched socks, no tie, not enough sleep, and no jelly for his PBJ, had me wanting to protect and mother him. I guess it's pretty obvious why I chose this novella from its blurb, huh?
Naga Enterprises runs the world, or so Arach tells Calvin on his first day. Apparently they have their fingers in a lot of different communications pies, plus some other projects "just for fun". Calvin has no idea he's working with dragons since in this world, they aren't known. The dragons are immortal and have been running the world since the beginning of time. It's obvious very quickly that the dragons are behind most everything occurring in the world's political and financial markets. The power behind the throne, so to speak, or who a number of people believe the Koch brothers are.
I wasn't particularly surprised that the author didn't take too long before Calvin is put in a dangerous position and discovers the existence of paranormals - shifters, to be exact. Draeke has Calvin accompany him to Shanghai as the head of their Eastern office has been murdered and Draeke needs to investigate. Calvin is somewhat confused by this, but when their limos get attacked by tiger shifters and Calvin is taken, Draeke is one pissed-off serpent. So to speak. *grins*
A super fun and exciting tale, and I'm definitely looking forward to more. If you like unique shifters, dominant and cranky dragons, the men who worm their way into their hearts, and some hot, sexy action, then I highly recommend this novella.
NOTE: This book was provided by Extasy Books for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews
“Hello, sir, I’m—” Draeke looked away from his screens to fix him with a withering glare. “Calvin Moore, average grades, average intelligence, fairly average overall. Your paladin isn’t so bad, but you lack a finesse, which gives away your need to be the best and also to seek out the approval of others. I know who you are, and I know you didn’t want to be here, but you needed an internship and I, unfortunately, need an intern at times."
See? Right? Yep, Drake was working for me on all cylinders, and Calvin pretty much had me from the first sentence. Anyone who is starting a new internship with mismatched socks, no tie, not enough sleep, and no jelly for his PBJ, had me wanting to protect and mother him. I guess it's pretty obvious why I chose this novella from its blurb, huh?
Naga Enterprises runs the world, or so Arach tells Calvin on his first day. Apparently they have their fingers in a lot of different communications pies, plus some other projects "just for fun". Calvin has no idea he's working with dragons since in this world, they aren't known. The dragons are immortal and have been running the world since the beginning of time. It's obvious very quickly that the dragons are behind most everything occurring in the world's political and financial markets. The power behind the throne, so to speak, or who a number of people believe the Koch brothers are.
I wasn't particularly surprised that the author didn't take too long before Calvin is put in a dangerous position and discovers the existence of paranormals - shifters, to be exact. Draeke has Calvin accompany him to Shanghai as the head of their Eastern office has been murdered and Draeke needs to investigate. Calvin is somewhat confused by this, but when their limos get attacked by tiger shifters and Calvin is taken, Draeke is one pissed-off serpent. So to speak. *grins*
A super fun and exciting tale, and I'm definitely looking forward to more. If you like unique shifters, dominant and cranky dragons, the men who worm their way into their hearts, and some hot, sexy action, then I highly recommend this novella.
NOTE: This book was provided by Extasy Books for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews
April 14, 2017
It has been one year since Lindsey and Jason started their relationship. Jason’s art has become very popular and he is spending more and more time away promoting it. This is starting to put a strain on their marriage. Than an unexpected pregnancy adds to the stress. This is going to be a true test of Lindsey and Jason’s marriage and family. Will it bring them together or break them apart?
It is so easy to get into this story. Jason has become a very popular artist and is now in high demand. That has him working long hours and appeasing to potential buyers. It’s so hard to be happy for him while at the same time feeling for Lindsey as she is feeling left behind. Add in a surprise baby and it just broke my heart for Lindsey. I could see both sides of this one and was almost torn apart just reading the book. I was hoping that this would ultimately pull them closer together and make a strong family but I was also dreading the worst too.
This is a great addition to Canvas of the Heart. Melissa Taggart does a great job drawing you into the story and giving you the full range of emotions. I definitely recommend checking out this book.
I received Canvas of the Soul for free from Maria Vikers and Melissa Taggart for free. This has in no way influenced my opinion of this book.
It is so easy to get into this story. Jason has become a very popular artist and is now in high demand. That has him working long hours and appeasing to potential buyers. It’s so hard to be happy for him while at the same time feeling for Lindsey as she is feeling left behind. Add in a surprise baby and it just broke my heart for Lindsey. I could see both sides of this one and was almost torn apart just reading the book. I was hoping that this would ultimately pull them closer together and make a strong family but I was also dreading the worst too.
This is a great addition to Canvas of the Heart. Melissa Taggart does a great job drawing you into the story and giving you the full range of emotions. I definitely recommend checking out this book.
I received Canvas of the Soul for free from Maria Vikers and Melissa Taggart for free. This has in no way influenced my opinion of this book.
July 1, 2021
Story premise is good but writing is blah
I like dragon stories and the main plot of this is okay but there are holes that make it less enjoyable. For example, our main character is injured more than his kind normally are, but there's zero mention of his recovery. The story just moved on and he's better. Plus, early in the book the father is made out to be the mastermind behind the murder, but later in the book its another group.and the father is supportive. The romance part was also too quick, and just suddenly happened at the end with no real mention of how or why. Probably won't read the rest of the series. I liked the supporting characters, but that really just will leave me disappointed when the story is written like this one. Needs better betas, because the bones are there.
I like dragon stories and the main plot of this is okay but there are holes that make it less enjoyable. For example, our main character is injured more than his kind normally are, but there's zero mention of his recovery. The story just moved on and he's better. Plus, early in the book the father is made out to be the mastermind behind the murder, but later in the book its another group.and the father is supportive. The romance part was also too quick, and just suddenly happened at the end with no real mention of how or why. Probably won't read the rest of the series. I liked the supporting characters, but that really just will leave me disappointed when the story is written like this one. Needs better betas, because the bones are there.
November 1, 2017
Again struggling with her mother to let her be the parent, Lindsey faces a fairly common postpartum issue and has to teach herself and her family that she can be a good mother. Jason and Lindsey have their own marital issues that they do work through. I love this series!
May 24, 2017
A Joyfully Jay review.
3.5 stars
Power Play isn’t a bad book. I liked it, but I didn’t love it. The concept is great. A human intern for the most powerful man/dragon in the world (and I mean that literally) is a fun idea, and while I don’t think the story misses any sort of mark, it just didn’t move me.
Let me start with Calvin and Draeke. I had a bit of a time liking them at first. Calvin was a procrastinator and a little slobbish (is that a word?). Who doesn’t wear a tie on their first day of work at a huge company? Draeke was rather rude and catty. He kept referring to Calvin as average, and humans in general as if they were nuisances. It felt more than just arrogance. We’ve all encountered stories where the boss MC appears that way, but the average thing kind of rubbed me the wrong way. I didn’t start to care about them until after the kidnapping. Once that started rolling, I warmed to them. When they finally get together, it was quick…almost unbelievable. However, considering this is a dragon shifter book, suspending believability is not really a problem. They don’t have sex until the last chapters of the story, and that’s fine. When it was finally time, it was romantic and erotic. It worked well with those characters and their situation.
Read Kenna’s review in its entirety here.
3.5 stars
Power Play isn’t a bad book. I liked it, but I didn’t love it. The concept is great. A human intern for the most powerful man/dragon in the world (and I mean that literally) is a fun idea, and while I don’t think the story misses any sort of mark, it just didn’t move me.
Let me start with Calvin and Draeke. I had a bit of a time liking them at first. Calvin was a procrastinator and a little slobbish (is that a word?). Who doesn’t wear a tie on their first day of work at a huge company? Draeke was rather rude and catty. He kept referring to Calvin as average, and humans in general as if they were nuisances. It felt more than just arrogance. We’ve all encountered stories where the boss MC appears that way, but the average thing kind of rubbed me the wrong way. I didn’t start to care about them until after the kidnapping. Once that started rolling, I warmed to them. When they finally get together, it was quick…almost unbelievable. However, considering this is a dragon shifter book, suspending believability is not really a problem. They don’t have sex until the last chapters of the story, and that’s fine. When it was finally time, it was romantic and erotic. It worked well with those characters and their situation.
Read Kenna’s review in its entirety here.
June 3, 2021
Ok, but this had the potential to be so much better
Drake was too callous to make his change of heart believable, and Calvin did have enough respect for himself to capture Drake’s interest. I also thought Calvin seemed particularly dim when confronted with the reality of shifters.
Drake was too callous to make his change of heart believable, and Calvin did have enough respect for himself to capture Drake’s interest. I also thought Calvin seemed particularly dim when confronted with the reality of shifters.
May 22, 2021
I thought this was a solid shifter story full of action and mayham. Draeke and Calvin got off on the wrong foot but I was amused when Draeke was actually attracted to Calvin because he was just an average human. Love the secretary Arach--hope he gets his own story.
August 24, 2021
Unimpressive
A short storyline with no character or plot development and an unimpressive ending. Decent preview but the rest of the storyline fails to deliver anything significant.
Best left on the shelf.
A short storyline with no character or plot development and an unimpressive ending. Decent preview but the rest of the storyline fails to deliver anything significant.
Best left on the shelf.
February 2, 2024
Le doy tres estrellas, por el buen engagement y la propuesta interesante que tiene. Ahora, más allá de eso, no podría. El desarollo de la relación es básico por lo menos y tampoco tiene mucho que destacar la historia por si sola.
Es entretenida, sí. Amé al panda 🐼. Y prefiero rescatar eso jaja.
Es entretenida, sí. Amé al panda 🐼. Y prefiero rescatar eso jaja.
May 25, 2017
It's kind of like expecting spicy meatballs and getting meatloaf. Unsophisticated writing and clumsy grammar. A story with exciting potential was instead very pedestrian.
June 29, 2021
Quick light escape - enjoyed.
dnf
September 6, 2021I can't finish this. To hear characters that I'm supposed to like talk so cavalierly talk of the evil of colonialism and dictatorships, I jus can't.
April 17, 2017
I volunteered to read an ARC of this book for an honest review for United Indie Book Blog - This story was a true romance. The writing style was great with a great flow and character development. There was implied sexual encounters, so this book is definitely PG 13 worthy. This is a story of two people who find love and do everything they can to keep that love at all costs. The main female character is Lindsey who was born with Cerebral Palsy. She is essentially wheel chair bound. She has managed to develop her own sense of independence with driving, working and getting married to a man who truly loves her. Without giving spoilers away, there is a wrench thrown in their happy life which both must decide how to handle it and not jeopardize their relationship. I enjoyed this book.
April 24, 2017
This story was a true romance. The writing style was great with a great flow and character development. There was implied sexual encounters, so this book is definitely PG 13 worthy. This is a story of two people who find love and do everything they can to keep that love at all costs. The main female character is Lindsey who was born with Cerebral Palsy. She is essentially wheel chair bound. She has managed to develop her own sense of independence with driving, working and getting married to a man who truly loves her. Without giving spoilers away, there is a wrench thrown in their happy life which both must decide how to handle it and not jeopardize their relationship. I enjoyed this book.
review by Ann
review by Ann
May 5, 2017
Canvas of the soul
This is the book after Canvas of the heart, we rejoin Jason and Lindsey after ending of first book.
I still loved Jason and Lindsey's relationship, it shows no matter what you can find true love. They are still married, and the gallery is going well, and it is still thriving. Lindsey still works in the bookstore.
This book has its ups and downs, and the relationship has rollercoaster of a ride for a while. But it is still very well written and enjoyable.
WTMO
This is the book after Canvas of the heart, we rejoin Jason and Lindsey after ending of first book.
I still loved Jason and Lindsey's relationship, it shows no matter what you can find true love. They are still married, and the gallery is going well, and it is still thriving. Lindsey still works in the bookstore.
This book has its ups and downs, and the relationship has rollercoaster of a ride for a while. But it is still very well written and enjoyable.
WTMO
March 28, 2017
Power Play (Dragon Elite Book 1)
This was really good I Liked it I can't wait to read more and I hope it's soon .....I will be watching for it ..
This was really good I Liked it I can't wait to read more and I hope it's soon .....I will be watching for it ..
April 2, 2017
Awesome start to a new series! Loved Draeke and Calvin together, I'm hoping the next book is Arach's story.
April 14, 2017
I don't know what it was that the author was aiming for in writing this, but I'm hoping that what was published wasn't it. There's a level of contempt, ignorance and almost approval of some of the worst things in history that is disquieting.
There's a very obvious dehumanization on the part of the non human species towards humanity that speaks of systemic racism and embedded cruelty that Draeke is obviously very comfortable continuing, even right up until the end he treats Calvin as much a pet as he does a lover.
This doesn't read to me as a romance book, but as an attempt by somebody who doesn't understand romance to write one, The budding romance between the two MC's doesn't seem like one of two people who believe that they are equal but more like the start of an abusive relationship between one extremely manipulative partner and the other two vulnerable, naive and blind to leave it.
Also, and this is a personal peeve of mine, no pilot in existence with any sort of brain in their skull would disobey a traffic controller's order to do anything. at the very least they would lose their pilot's license, most likely they would crash into another plane and kill both themselves and everybody on board the other plane.
There's a very obvious dehumanization on the part of the non human species towards humanity that speaks of systemic racism and embedded cruelty that Draeke is obviously very comfortable continuing, even right up until the end he treats Calvin as much a pet as he does a lover.
This doesn't read to me as a romance book, but as an attempt by somebody who doesn't understand romance to write one, The budding romance between the two MC's doesn't seem like one of two people who believe that they are equal but more like the start of an abusive relationship between one extremely manipulative partner and the other two vulnerable, naive and blind to leave it.
Also, and this is a personal peeve of mine, no pilot in existence with any sort of brain in their skull would disobey a traffic controller's order to do anything. at the very least they would lose their pilot's license, most likely they would crash into another plane and kill both themselves and everybody on board the other plane.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews