Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book
Rate this book
A dragon who can’t get away from his past

Dragon Guard Stein has been watching his mate from afar for a very long time, but refuses to claim her. It hadn’t been difficult to ignore Lady Vera at first. She’d been a spoiled, vain, and selfish brat who pushed and clawed at anyone who got in the way of what she wanted and so no matter how his dragon felt, he decided not to pursue her.

However, in the last few years, he’s seen her change and blossom into a kind, selfless woman. Still, she was a highborn lady out of his reach, and certainly not for the likes of someone like him with a terrible past he could never get away from. She deserves better, and he could never give her what she wants, so he vows to keep his distance.

A lady who’s taking control of her own future

Lady Vera Solveigson always thought she knew what she wanted — the best of everything, even if that meant bullying and hurting anyone who tried to stop her. But in the last few years, she’d realized what a terrible person she was and sought to mend her ways. And now she’s decided she knows what she really wants — to adopt the daughter of her heart, Lisbet, so she can finally have a family of her own.

She’s prepared to do what it takes to fight for her family, but knows there are many obstacles along her way, including a certain broody Dragon Guard who doesn’t believe that she’s changed, who still sees her as who she was, and not what she’s made herself into.

When Lady Vera’s life is threatened, Stein’s instinct to protect spurs him into action, bringing them closer than ever. However, the sins of his past continue to haunt him and prevent him from claiming Vera as his mate. Can he overcome his own fears and insecurities to win her heart or will he forever be wanting Vera from afar?

Dragon Guard Protector is a full-length steamy standalone fantasy paranormal romance featuring a stoic dragon shifter hero, a former villainess-turned-heroine, plus action, passion, and a HEA guaranteed to satisfy you!

205 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 23, 2022

303 people are currently reading
87 people want to read

About the author

Alicia Montgomery

100 books1,036 followers

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
535 (68%)
4 stars
187 (23%)
3 stars
51 (6%)
2 stars
7 (<1%)
1 star
2 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
Profile Image for Lori Ritondale.
396 reviews5 followers
March 26, 2022
good story!

Great read! Glad to see Stein and Vera found love in each other. I almost wished they had married to help the little girl sooner and navigated that relationship. It been nice to read their glow up, whether than imagine it.
Profile Image for Jamoz23.
5,367 reviews46 followers
March 20, 2022
Going to be in the minority about this book of two damaged souls that are meant to be together.
I liked the overall story and the ending is intriguing but Stein’s stubbornness went on too long for me.
I just didn’t get that strong feeling that these two had finally clicked into place.
Like everyone else I’ve wanted Stein’s story since we first met him.
Sad to say I found him a coward, (and I thought this before Stein even called himself one).
First in not claiming Vera as his mate, then in not being honest about ALL of his childhood nightmare once mated.
His reticence in talking about his past caused Vera harm by making her fall back into her programmed thinking that she wasn’t enough.
Yes, his family roots are rotten and his fathers’ family name criminally known.
His abusive childhood was abhorrent and the loss of his mother traumatic. To then be put with a nasty and mean grandparent who threw his bad blood lineage at him constantly would have been harrowing.
But he had worked himself up through the ranks to be one of the Queens Dragon Guard and a master trainer. Where was his pride in his accomplishments?
Vera was once a completely viperous, self-indulged woman/child. But she grew and changed, pushing off the grasping and greedy programming her mother had indoctrinated her with as a child.
He acknowledged Vera had changed, so why couldn’t he? Why did he not understand he could also change earlier than he did?
I think what upset me the most was that Stein had no real friends who knew about him. No friends to discuss his past and present with.
He was an island of aloneness.
Vera has grown and matured, unfortunately she still does not know how to say what she wants or needs.
I was glad that she was more proactive and fiercely supportive of Stein when visiting that odious grandfather.
A pity the king cannot do something about his grandfather’s promises/threats.
This is my honest review of this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Viper Spaulding.
3,149 reviews25 followers
March 19, 2022
The wait is finally over!

Have you been waiting for Stein's story, too? Since the first book in this exciting series, I've been enamored with his character and could hardly wait for his story! And wow, was it worth the wait! And that cover! Stein looks exactly how I'd imagined him from the earlier books.

As we saw in the earlier books, Stein has known for years that Vera is his mate, but he had REASONS why he wouldn't act on that knowledge. Despite his fierce attraction to her and the inescapable pull of the mate pairing, he soldiered on, denying himself what his dragon wanted most all in the name of duty.

Vera has also spent the past three years being inexplicably drawn to the taciturn Dragon Guard, never realizing that his aloof treatment of her wasn't because he didn't want her, but because he did. Too much. Now that she's spending so much time with her royal friends, she's running into him far too often for her own comfort.

Then Vera is mistaken for the princess and Stein gets caught up in her kidnapping, and the story shifts dramatically at this point. I loved the way he handled this situation, despite the odds stacked against him. And I adored the scene at the church, in front of the king, no less! It was perfect, even if they still had a ways to go to cement their bond.

Each book in this series is a standalone romance, while also giving us an ongoing storyline about the malevolent Knights who are threatening the royal family. Just as we're basking in Stein and Vera's HEA, we're hit with the newest development that will kickstart the next story. If you love shifters and growly heroes, this is the book for you. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
Profile Image for Jessica Fowler.
388 reviews2 followers
July 12, 2025
My take on this entire series is "not really bad but not good either." Unfortunately, the majority of the books is just vague melodramatic fluffle surrounding little bits of love story; a lot of running around and hints of action without much action on page.
Stein and Vera happen to be my least favorite of the series. Vera apparently experienced a personality transplant midway through their acquaintance where Stein tries to play Peter Pan (stuck in his childhood with the frontal lobe to match his inner child). As stand alone characters outside of this book, both are fine and interesting. In their own story though, they are annoying whiney and lacking in communication skills. In fairness to this couple, the entire series is plagued with miscommunication trope in the worst possible way. As the series goes on the writing becomes more stilted. I'm not certain if the author is writing in English as a second language or if this is just poorly contrived formality but it's uncomfortable to read.
If you're jumping in for mindless low thought entertainment, ehh you might be ok. Overall the series failed to capture my attention most of the time and did not give me true reading satisfaction. I don't hate it but would have stopped probably after book 2 if I had anything better on my tbr.
42 reviews
March 19, 2022
I highly recommend this book! If, like me, you have followed along from the beginning of this series (and Sibil’s book), you will be so pleased to FINALLY get Stein and Vera’s story…and it doesn’t disappoint. This was one of the more emotional books in my opinion. We get to read about the back stories of both characters. I like that it didn’t gloss over the fact Vera was not a great person in the beginning but it did feel very natural for her to grow as a person and not just a 180° turn out of nowhere. The author did a great job touching on the awkwardness between them which, to me, stayed true to their characters and the past they have had between the two of them. Overall, this was a great book and I can’t wait to read the next one!

I received an ARC copy but all opinions expressed in this review are my own.
438 reviews
March 23, 2022
Stein is a dragon guard in turmoil. For years he’s tried to ignore the fact that lady Vera is his mate. They both have shadows dominating their past. While Vera has been working hard to become a better person, Stein still deems he isn’t worthy of Vera and is adamant he won’t claim her as his mate. Vera has her own wishes and desires. If Stein won’t claim her, she must find another way to get what she wants. If he doesn’t find the courage to put his past behind him, lead with his heart rather than is head, he is in danger of losing Vera forever. Although Stein is driven, focused and protective, when it comes to matters of the heart he is a mess. At times I wanted to shake him to get his act together and do the right thing for Vera. That said though their story is emotional, dramatic and one that was definitely worth the wait.
Profile Image for Vallene Boddington.
820 reviews35 followers
March 30, 2022
Love her books, specially her dragons

A big fan of her Blackstone mountain series and Northern Isle series is a continuation of those stories.

Dragons need I say more...

Stein, a fan favourite, finally got to read his story and how heartbreaking his back story. He definitely deserves his happily ever after.
Vera is our baddy turn good, and Steins fated mate that he stayed away for 6 years. Until now. It was a wonderful reading her chance and growth. Vera has become a favourite of mine.
The only off-putting part was Alyx. Her childishness was very irritating, and I found myself putting the book down for a breather.
Stein and Vera's book was sweet, and it always great catching up with all the dragons and their mates.
I can't wait for Thoralfs book. Another favourite character that deserves his happily ever after.
Profile Image for Lexee Toste.
2,823 reviews19 followers
April 1, 2022
I really enjoyed this story. It was entertaining and I loved watching these two characters grow. Vera has changed her ways and truly sought to become a better person. Not everyone believes that she has truly changed so she is still dealing with that while trying to adopt Lisbet and then someone comes after her. Stein has known that Vera is his mate but for multiple reasons had decided to not claim her and just watch from afar, until someone comes after her. This puts them in close proximity and forces them to deal with some things and of course things take off from there. I loved watching them interact and open up to each other as they grew and changed. They had to overcome the obstacles standing in their way, including themselves lol. I really enjoyed this story and found it an entertaining and fun read in this series.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
794 reviews6 followers
March 17, 2022
This was such an emotional read. Although he has been in every book since the beginning, Stein has always been a bit of a mystery. Turns out there's a reason why he is a bit rough around the edges. It is also heartbreaking. Vera has grown so much since we met her. But there is a lot more to their story. This couple was so well matched. They have the ability to heal each other and find their HEA. It just might take some bending on both of their sides. A truly wonderful addition to the series. Once again Ms. Montgomery, you rock! This is my honest opinion of an advanced copy I received.
1,807 reviews11 followers
March 19, 2022
Stein and Lady Vera's story is simply beautiful. These two both had unhappy childhoods which have shaped them into the people they have become. While Lady Vera has managed to turn her life around and become a better person Stein is still struggling with the voice in his head that says he is unworthy. Stein is very growly on the outside but he is fiercely protective and he fights for what is right. This story has lots of emotions and quite a few twists. I can't wait to see what Thoralf has discovered.
Profile Image for Raina.
4,208 reviews34 followers
March 25, 2022
Another amazing story by Ms. Montgomery. The story is filled with magic, romance and shifters. The stories and series do connect but all can easily be read alone but they are so good you will want to keep reading them. I love dragons and Stein definitely lives up to the grumpy dragon stereotype. He refuses to let go of his past so he can have the future he deserves. Vera is a human and hasn’t always been the nicest person. But she now is a woman that deserves all the love she wants. Too bad the man she seems unable to forget is a stubborn dragon.
963 reviews2 followers
March 29, 2022
Six years

Stein first saw Lady Vera 6 years ago and she's a spoiled brat used to getting whatever she wants. She has her eyes set on Prince Aleksei but the fates have other plans for him. During an attack 3 years ago Vera and Stein rescue a little girl, Lisbeth together. Vera fell in love with the child and now wants to adopt her. She learns she has to be married to adopt. Stein won't follow his dragon's demand to claim his mate. Both are too proud to admit what they feel for each other.
Profile Image for Diane Selander- maglioli.
740 reviews1 follower
December 21, 2022
Dragon Guard Protector

This is Stein's story of his refusal to accept the fact he is not the gutter rat he was called as a child when he helped his father rob and steal and in the end watched his father murder his mother. Now as a Dragon Guard he is still haunted by the memories of his misdeeds. When he meets his fated mate he does everything in his power to ignore those feelings since he feels unworthy of a mate and happiness. Can they find their way to each other or will they live unhappy forever. What a great story.
Profile Image for Merry One Maria.
2,356 reviews10 followers
February 24, 2024
Stein can talk!

This is book five of the series and I am reading all the books. This book features the instructor Stein. He has been hiding his past for a while. He didn’t want anyone to know about the things he was forced to do. So when he discovered that Lady Vera was his mate, he had to deny it. Unfortunately for Stein, he now was being assigned to protection duties for Princess Alyx and Lady Vera. His dragon was screaming at Stein all the time and he could no longer deny the mate calling. There is a happy ending. Read On!
1,129 reviews16 followers
March 18, 2022
This another wonderful book in the Dragon Guard series. Stein in mean moody and magnificent, He has been pining over Vera for six long frustrating years, convinced theat he is not good enogh for her. Vera has worked had to become a better person and does not understand why Stein dislikes her so much. This is a great story with two engaging leads.
I received an ARC in return for an honest review
Profile Image for Melissa.
647 reviews1 follower
March 19, 2022
This book was a long time coming and it did not disappoint. The build up for Vera and Stein has been going since we first met the dragon guard. Seeing them antagonistic to each other in previous books made the tenderness they eventually have for each other that much sweeter. I also loved seeing how Vera had grown since we met her way back when.
I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book.
Profile Image for Charmaine Nouwen.
5,468 reviews23 followers
March 23, 2022
Another amazing book by the author.;A long time coming.. a story that filled with romance,heartfelt,steam,action and entertaining..A dragon guard whos broken and a woman who is spoiled but lost and found herself and become a hero to a young girl who help her to become a better person..Great addition to the series,well done!! its worth the wait!! I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Mary .
823 reviews56 followers
April 3, 2022
If you are looking for a redemption story with your FMC, this book is it! Vera will have your heart twist and turn as you realize all she has endured. I loved watching this young character bloom into a woman capable of loving others first.
Stein's background was such a shock. I love when Alicia surprises us with their backstories. Stein grew up in a family situation that will bring tears to your eyes.
This second chance, redemption story had me swooning. I would highly recommend it.
10 reviews
April 20, 2022
An epic story comes full circle

Finally! After seeing the interplay between Stein and Vera that began in The Blackstone She-Dragon, we finally learn their whole stories and who they really are. Seeing their characters evolve over all the books and move from avoidance to acceptance and love has been a wonderful experience. There is definitely more to each of them than meets the eye! Their love story is definitely one for the ages.
Profile Image for Angela Griffin.
1,705 reviews5 followers
July 7, 2022
Emotional

VeraSteinThoralfThe similarities in Vera's and Stein's childhoods are surprising; these characters are certainly more sympathetic after the reveals. This story isn't as action-driven as others in the series due to the time spent on emotional issues, but it's a good read, nonetheless. I'm eager to learn what Thoralf discovered and what role Lady Willa plays in the final installment of the series.
2,723 reviews7 followers
July 23, 2022
Vera and Stein

Stein knew the Vera was his mate but he refused to accept it as she was always acting as a spoiled brat needing everything her way or else. Then she finally did realize how she was acting and treating everyone and changed her ways. Stein saved everyone in the last air raid and Vera saved a young girl she decided she wanted to adopt but she had to be married so Stein said that he would marry her to help but they also fell in love. Good book!
Profile Image for Anja.
1,269 reviews8 followers
March 18, 2022
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. Well, Stein and Vera - seems like they can't stand each other but are drawn to one another nevertheless. So, when The Knights strike again and capture someone by accident, all bets are off. And maybe, just maybe they come to their senses in time - before it's too late.
The story of the Northern Isles continues and it's just great.
Profile Image for Lory.
3,273 reviews33 followers
March 18, 2022
Another enjoyable and entertaining read. There's so much I want to say about this book but I can't without giving out any spoilers I will say this much though I really liked Stein. Can't wait for the next book in this series. As always my reviews are totally voluntarily and no monetary compensation was received and the opinions I have expressed are completely my own.
2 reviews
March 19, 2022
I could not put this down! This instalment gives such good insight into Steins past but also leaves me counting down the days until the next release! What I love about Alicia’s books is that she always remembers to let you catch a glimpse of all the characters you have grown to love in the rest of the series- so much to enjoy and look forward to!
Profile Image for Rebecca Stigers.
1,356 reviews1 follower
March 23, 2022
I've waited a long time for this story!! Stein has suffered so much in his life...Vera became a wonderful person after her mother died! They both had a bad lot with their parent's.. But Vera's father was wonderful to her.. And Stein's mother tried to protect him. He fought against his dragon to keep away from Vera, his mate! She couldn't understand what she felt for him and wanted to dislike him... But no can do!! Finally the grumpiest Dragon Guard was smiling! Loved this.
Profile Image for Vivian Chrisman.
2,811 reviews4 followers
March 23, 2022
This story has been a long time coming. The relationship between Stein and Lady Vera has been building since book one. During that time, Vera has had a major "attitude adjustment". Unfortunately Stein still feels unworthy of her. Great read! I received an Advance Reader's Copy of this book which I am voluntarily reviewing.
1,500 reviews5 followers
March 24, 2022
Worth the wait! Alicia Montgomery has written another wonderful story in this amazing series! This is Vera and Stein's story and it was worth the wait. So many emotions from the beginning until the very end! I was glued until the very end. You will want to read this series and you will not be disappointed! I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book and this is my unbiased review!
Profile Image for Zsa Zsa.
1,167 reviews1 follower
March 25, 2022
From the early beginnings of the series I have wanted to know more about Vera and Stein. This books delivers insight to both of these characters, adding nuance to their journey individually and as a couple. There is emotion, growth and love finally allowing Stein and Vera to get a much deserved HEA. Characters from the series also making appearances in this story.
455 reviews1 follower
March 26, 2022
Dragon Guard Protector by Alicia Montgomery

Stein is a dragon who is the mate of Vera who is human. This book is number 5 in series of books. The storyline is great and along with strong characters. There's kidnapping, fighting. Vera and Stein are two of the stubborn individuals to fall in love.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.