What do you think?
Rate this book
Stonefire Dragons Universe #3
Finding Dragon's Court
To the world, Dr. Maximilian Holbrook projects himself as a chatty buffoon. It ensures everyone underestimates him, especially when it comes to his rivals. And it's worked, too, until an Australian dragon-shifter starts outsmarting him. That she's a woman doesn't matter to him. No, he'll do whatever it takes to find the legendary Dragon's Court, even if it means chaining her up to keep her out of the way.
Dr. Lavinia Walker overcame her past to become one of the best dragon-shifter archaeologists in Australia. So much so, she manages to snag a rare visa to excavate in the UK. It's been a life-long dream to discover the ruins of Queen Alviva's descendants and to finally shed light on what the dragons did once the Romans left Britain. She's so close to locating it but has one problem—a human male who’s as determined as she is. When he plays dirty, she does too.
However, when a kiss changes their lives, Max and Lavinia have to decide if they are more to each other than mere rivals. As they race against the clock to solve the last clue, will they be able to work together? Or are they both too stubborn to give up and risk any chance of a future with each other?
Dr. Lavinia Walker overcame her past to become one of the best dragon-shifter archaeologists in Australia. So much so, she manages to snag a rare visa to excavate in the UK. It's been a life-long dream to discover the ruins of Queen Alviva's descendants and to finally shed light on what the dragons did once the Romans left Britain. She's so close to locating it but has one problem—a human male who’s as determined as she is. When he plays dirty, she does too.
However, when a kiss changes their lives, Max and Lavinia have to decide if they are more to each other than mere rivals. As they race against the clock to solve the last clue, will they be able to work together? Or are they both too stubborn to give up and risk any chance of a future with each other?
114 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 27, 2022
103 people are currently reading
64 people want to read
About the author
Jessie Donovan
96 books1,254 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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
November 2, 2022
A much better outcome for Max
I didn’t know what to expect when it came to this book. But my, my how impressed I am!
Character breakdown;
Lavinia: I did not know if I was going to like her or not but she was pretty cool. A smart, clever and fun character. I liked her backstory and how great she was with Max’s personality. I also loved that she was a aboriginal, that was awesome to include.
Max: I always loved Max since first meeting him many books ago, but I was hesitant about his story. At first I was sure I wasn’t going to like the “real” him because the persona he put out was the charm that made me love him best. I like how discombobulated he was and how he still manage to outwit others. Wasn’t a big fan of some of his actions here but he grew on me. Will still remember him for the character I loved back then though.
I do wonder the significance of the dragon’s court finding and what it would do for the dragons from this point forward.
Great book, good steam levels and plenty of silliness and laughter. Definitely recommend.
I didn’t know what to expect when it came to this book. But my, my how impressed I am!
Character breakdown;
Lavinia: I did not know if I was going to like her or not but she was pretty cool. A smart, clever and fun character. I liked her backstory and how great she was with Max’s personality. I also loved that she was a aboriginal, that was awesome to include.
Max: I always loved Max since first meeting him many books ago, but I was hesitant about his story. At first I was sure I wasn’t going to like the “real” him because the persona he put out was the charm that made me love him best. I like how discombobulated he was and how he still manage to outwit others. Wasn’t a big fan of some of his actions here but he grew on me. Will still remember him for the character I loved back then though.
I do wonder the significance of the dragon’s court finding and what it would do for the dragons from this point forward.
Great book, good steam levels and plenty of silliness and laughter. Definitely recommend.
October 26, 2022
This is a riveting read that is great characters and wonderful scenario you’ll enjoy
This is a simply wonderful read and as you read all about the characters you will be blown away by this wonderful book, Dr Maximilian Holbrook is quite a character and he is very good at using his levity and tomfoolery to lighten moments. Australian dragon shifter is very clever and she is continually doing her best to outsmart him and he wants to claim her.
Dr Lavinia Walker has a past and she has become an expert in her field, she is a dragon archaeologist based in Australia and she has been given a very rare opportunity to visit and work in the UK. She has many dreams and aspirations but to actually have a chance to prove the ruins of Queen Alviva’s decendants is a great honour, unfortunately it seems that her efforts are being tarnished and she is not sure who it is or why so is having to do her job and investigate as well.
When she meets Maximilian Holbrook, she had been a little enamoured by his charisma and experience and also there was something else, then when they had shared a kiss it is obvious that they are in fact mates, who would have thought her dragon would find this human male so appealing but she most definitely does, and she finds him pretty awesome as well.
This is a truly wonderful read it is filled with lots of action and intrigue and I know that like me you will have to read this book in one sitting to discover the outcome.
I assure you that you will love every moment of this book it is simply a fantastic read.
I voluntarily received and review an Advanced Reader Copy
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and look forward to reading any future publications; keep up all the great writing.
I assure you that you will love every moment of this book it is simply a fantastic read.
I voluntarily received and review an Advanced Reader Copy
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and look forward to reading any future publications; keep up all the great writing.
This is a simply wonderful read and as you read all about the characters you will be blown away by this wonderful book, Dr Maximilian Holbrook is quite a character and he is very good at using his levity and tomfoolery to lighten moments. Australian dragon shifter is very clever and she is continually doing her best to outsmart him and he wants to claim her.
Dr Lavinia Walker has a past and she has become an expert in her field, she is a dragon archaeologist based in Australia and she has been given a very rare opportunity to visit and work in the UK. She has many dreams and aspirations but to actually have a chance to prove the ruins of Queen Alviva’s decendants is a great honour, unfortunately it seems that her efforts are being tarnished and she is not sure who it is or why so is having to do her job and investigate as well.
When she meets Maximilian Holbrook, she had been a little enamoured by his charisma and experience and also there was something else, then when they had shared a kiss it is obvious that they are in fact mates, who would have thought her dragon would find this human male so appealing but she most definitely does, and she finds him pretty awesome as well.
This is a truly wonderful read it is filled with lots of action and intrigue and I know that like me you will have to read this book in one sitting to discover the outcome.
I assure you that you will love every moment of this book it is simply a fantastic read.
I voluntarily received and review an Advanced Reader Copy
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and look forward to reading any future publications; keep up all the great writing.
I assure you that you will love every moment of this book it is simply a fantastic read.
I voluntarily received and review an Advanced Reader Copy
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and look forward to reading any future publications; keep up all the great writing.
October 20, 2022
Finding Dragons Court Stonefire Dragon Universe Book 3
Jessie Donovan
Love the fact Jessie Donovan is not afraid to tell a story about a character that was first seen before in her stories, in fact more than one book. Dr Maximilian Holbrook, human, is an avid and determined and well studied, archaeologist. Dr Lavinia Walker, dragon, is also an avid and determined archaeologist! Problem is they are both trying to find the same treasure! The legend of Queen Alviva’s Court was first mentioned in the “The Dragon's Memory” when Emma and Logan Lamont went scurrying about looking for a geocache. Come to find out, the legend is not a myth, but based on something true! Now the two stalwart adversaries are trying to outdo each other, looking for a “key” to the Courts location.
Both Lavinia and Max would give their eye-teeth to get a hold of this “key”, even committing hijinks to get it! One thing leads to another and finally, the two meet. Each time they get together, someone gets the better of the other, then mysteriously vanishes! One would think this is a high stakes chess match between the two! Only a kiss, ending in a mate claim frenzy, stops the feud! Once the frenzy is over, knowing they will have a child together, does the pair decide a “truce” is warranted. Warily, they begin to get to know the other, not totally trusting each other. Oh, the attraction is there, but their history and acute wariness brought about through each difficult life journey, make them imagine no way can this ever work out! Slowly, they find likes, similarities and then friendship. Seeing the map detailing where the Queens Court is likely to be, yields a celebratory kiss. True mates they are, but can they actually make it work? That’s the question that actually reading the story yourself, will give you! I was given an ARC but the Review is totally mine and freely given!
Jessie Donovan
Love the fact Jessie Donovan is not afraid to tell a story about a character that was first seen before in her stories, in fact more than one book. Dr Maximilian Holbrook, human, is an avid and determined and well studied, archaeologist. Dr Lavinia Walker, dragon, is also an avid and determined archaeologist! Problem is they are both trying to find the same treasure! The legend of Queen Alviva’s Court was first mentioned in the “The Dragon's Memory” when Emma and Logan Lamont went scurrying about looking for a geocache. Come to find out, the legend is not a myth, but based on something true! Now the two stalwart adversaries are trying to outdo each other, looking for a “key” to the Courts location.
Both Lavinia and Max would give their eye-teeth to get a hold of this “key”, even committing hijinks to get it! One thing leads to another and finally, the two meet. Each time they get together, someone gets the better of the other, then mysteriously vanishes! One would think this is a high stakes chess match between the two! Only a kiss, ending in a mate claim frenzy, stops the feud! Once the frenzy is over, knowing they will have a child together, does the pair decide a “truce” is warranted. Warily, they begin to get to know the other, not totally trusting each other. Oh, the attraction is there, but their history and acute wariness brought about through each difficult life journey, make them imagine no way can this ever work out! Slowly, they find likes, similarities and then friendship. Seeing the map detailing where the Queens Court is likely to be, yields a celebratory kiss. True mates they are, but can they actually make it work? That’s the question that actually reading the story yourself, will give you! I was given an ARC but the Review is totally mine and freely given!
October 27, 2022
Finding Dragon Court
Queen Alviva and her descendants build an elaborate Court/Castle during the Roman occupation of British soil. She ruled over all of England until the Norman Conquest in 1066. How did they live and thrive?
These are the questions that two renowned archeologists want to know. Each wants to discover the Castle/Court, grounds and information on how they lived. This would be a discovery of a lifetime. There are many legends but to prove it would make a huge difference to any career. Imagine the treasures to discover and catalog!
Dr. Max Holbrook has been looking for this site for a long time. This is an intelligent and driven man. Many people underestimate him. He acts like an eccentric distracted archeologist. In reality he sometimes works for his brother Antony for a secret British spy group gathering information. This find would be a culmination of years of work.
Dr. Lavinia Walker is an Australian Dragon Shifter. A golden dragon that fascinates Max. She too is driven to find Queen Alviva’s Court. She obtained a rare visa to work. She is staying on Clan Skyhunter grounds in Southern England. She wants to discover the ruins and if she does, she can stay and uncover the wealth of information. She has to discover the key before the solstice and outwit that foolish human, Max Holbrook.
While trying to be the first to discover they each try to subdue one another. Then one kiss changes everything. What can this mean to two rivals? Can they work together? What will they find? What treasure is the greatest?
Another great look at Dragons and their history. A sweet love story with two unexpected participants.
Queen Alviva and her descendants build an elaborate Court/Castle during the Roman occupation of British soil. She ruled over all of England until the Norman Conquest in 1066. How did they live and thrive?
These are the questions that two renowned archeologists want to know. Each wants to discover the Castle/Court, grounds and information on how they lived. This would be a discovery of a lifetime. There are many legends but to prove it would make a huge difference to any career. Imagine the treasures to discover and catalog!
Dr. Max Holbrook has been looking for this site for a long time. This is an intelligent and driven man. Many people underestimate him. He acts like an eccentric distracted archeologist. In reality he sometimes works for his brother Antony for a secret British spy group gathering information. This find would be a culmination of years of work.
Dr. Lavinia Walker is an Australian Dragon Shifter. A golden dragon that fascinates Max. She too is driven to find Queen Alviva’s Court. She obtained a rare visa to work. She is staying on Clan Skyhunter grounds in Southern England. She wants to discover the ruins and if she does, she can stay and uncover the wealth of information. She has to discover the key before the solstice and outwit that foolish human, Max Holbrook.
While trying to be the first to discover they each try to subdue one another. Then one kiss changes everything. What can this mean to two rivals? Can they work together? What will they find? What treasure is the greatest?
Another great look at Dragons and their history. A sweet love story with two unexpected participants.
November 4, 2022
The beginning was off putting with him drugging her unconscious, then drugging her again a few days later and chaining her up, intending to keep her chained up for three weeks while he goes to search for the mythical historical Dragons’ Court. They are archeologists. It’s not like they were from different government agencies trying to stop one government from doing something bad. It was one person trying to stop another from succeeding at their work. I nearly returned the book at that point as I was so disgusted. Normal people don’t go around drugging and kidnapping their professional competitors! However, I have liked Jesse Donovan’s dragon-shifter books in the past, so I gave it a chance. Beyond them having sex, finding out they are true mates and then two weeks later discovering the next clue to finding Dragons Court, not much happened in this book. We learn a little about her dad and what a scum bag he was. Rather than just having her tell the story to Max of how she got her dad arrested, the story could have been made better by making that happen NOW. Have her find out now about what her dad is doing now and set up the sting, etc. I felt not much happened at all in this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 4, 2022
Max and Lavinia are direct competitors for archeological finds. Their passion to win at all costs crosses over into their personal lives in this next book in the series.
It’s definitely a case of opposites attract. Max is a chameleon. He knows how to hide in plain sight. Lavinia is more of a what you see is what you get kind of woman. She doesn’t play games like Max and is very upfront about what she wants.
I enjoyed how they like to challenge each other. They both have been so dedicated to work that it didn’t leave much time for play. When their passion ignites, the heat they generate is very intense.
There really hasn’t been this kind of dynamic in any of the other stories so it’s a nice change of pace.
I really enjoyed the epilogue and I’m looking forward to learning more about his brother.
While I would recommend reading the whole series, you can definitely still enjoy the story if you have not read the other books.
I am voluntarily reviewing a copy I received.
It’s definitely a case of opposites attract. Max is a chameleon. He knows how to hide in plain sight. Lavinia is more of a what you see is what you get kind of woman. She doesn’t play games like Max and is very upfront about what she wants.
I enjoyed how they like to challenge each other. They both have been so dedicated to work that it didn’t leave much time for play. When their passion ignites, the heat they generate is very intense.
There really hasn’t been this kind of dynamic in any of the other stories so it’s a nice change of pace.
I really enjoyed the epilogue and I’m looking forward to learning more about his brother.
While I would recommend reading the whole series, you can definitely still enjoy the story if you have not read the other books.
I am voluntarily reviewing a copy I received.
November 9, 2022
I usually bitch when I read any book less than 100 pgs when they expect a person 2 pay 2.99- 3.00!! That's not worth it paying a big amount 4 less than 100 pgs. But this book is a little less than 100 pgs but it held soooo much more info than most books I read that's short on pgs. They may started out as 2 people trying 2 out do each other and c who can do everything the fastest and b the best but things changed unexpectedly between them 4 the better. But he will prove and do whatever it takes 2 prove whatever he says is the truth. Should she believe hm or believe what happened in her past that might happen again and again? Read it and find out. It was exciting and fun book. I loved it!!
October 29, 2022
This is the next book in this series and features Max and Liviana who are hunting the same treasure. Both Max and human and Lavinia, a dragon shifter are sneaky and will do anything to be the first to find the Dragon’s Court but an unexpected kiss changes everything. Will these two be able to work together or will their mistrust tear them apart. I enjoyed the snark that these two have with each other and how they both show their strengths and weaknesses to find a common goal.
I received a copy of this book for a honest review.
I received a copy of this book for a honest review.
October 27, 2022
Max & Lavinia
Neither is interested in romance. Both have a goal and it's the same. A long-sought artifact. What will they do to find it--first? Anything!
She's an Aussie, the first dragon to be allowed in the country but for how long. Their competition is sometimes funny and sometimes serious, but their real feelings could lead them to a place neither dreamed. He's a determined human.
A different dragon story from the author with secrets, mystery, danger, and heat. Enjoy.
Neither is interested in romance. Both have a goal and it's the same. A long-sought artifact. What will they do to find it--first? Anything!
She's an Aussie, the first dragon to be allowed in the country but for how long. Their competition is sometimes funny and sometimes serious, but their real feelings could lead them to a place neither dreamed. He's a determined human.
A different dragon story from the author with secrets, mystery, danger, and heat. Enjoy.
January 6, 2024
This was such a fun novella in the Stonefire Universe! Lavinia and Max's rivalry to be the first to find the Dragon Court is a great enemies to lovers story. Both are archaeologists and are determined to find the court first, no matter what it takes. That may or may not include knocking the other unconscious or handcuffing them to a bed. Their rivalry is a ton of fun to read. Neither are afraid to play dirty. And that may be the very thing that changes their futures forever. One kiss and the game changes. Now it is up to them to decide if perhaps that there is just a bit more to their relationship than rivals. They'll have to work together and be vulnerable to one another to get the future they both have always wanted. Definitely a fun story! And an excellent addition to this world.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
April 22, 2025
Brilliant Series
Finding Dragons Court (Stonefire Dragons Universe Book 3) by Jessie Donovan. Max and dragon shifter Lavinia are archaeologists and rivals. On the verge of the archeological find of their careers Lavinia accidentally kissed Max and starts a mating frenzy. As usual it ended when Lavinia became pregnant but she had always been let down in any relationship she had, including her mum and dad so it took a while for Lavinia to believe Max would not leave her.
Finding Dragons Court (Stonefire Dragons Universe Book 3) by Jessie Donovan. Max and dragon shifter Lavinia are archaeologists and rivals. On the verge of the archeological find of their careers Lavinia accidentally kissed Max and starts a mating frenzy. As usual it ended when Lavinia became pregnant but she had always been let down in any relationship she had, including her mum and dad so it took a while for Lavinia to believe Max would not leave her.
October 30, 2025
dragon court
I really enjoyed reading Finding Dragons court book 3 of Stonefire dragons universe by Jessie Donovan. It’s very thorough storyline telling the story of an Australian dragon connection with an English human. I really like on how the dragon mate ship occurs which is so much different yet better than other shifters. I loved on how the ending was which slightly introduces another part of the Stonefire Dragon Universe
I really enjoyed reading Finding Dragons court book 3 of Stonefire dragons universe by Jessie Donovan. It’s very thorough storyline telling the story of an Australian dragon connection with an English human. I really like on how the dragon mate ship occurs which is so much different yet better than other shifters. I loved on how the ending was which slightly introduces another part of the Stonefire Dragon Universe
December 12, 2022
Sweet novella! Loved that Max gets a mate, and that she is a dragon! No more needing to find tricky ways to persuade dragons for rides now. Lavinia is smart enough to give Max a run for his money, or in this case, his artifact. These two are a perfect match! Love this series, and the twists and turns the series takes. Looking forward to more!
November 4, 2022
Competitive
When Lavinia and Max compete to find the Queen's Court ruins things take a turn. The kiss they share sets off the frenzy and changes their view points of each other. It also changes their lives.
This was a cute short story.
When Lavinia and Max compete to find the Queen's Court ruins things take a turn. The kiss they share sets off the frenzy and changes their view points of each other. It also changes their lives.
This was a cute short story.
November 14, 2022
Very good
I always love all the books from this series. This one was no different and really enjoyed Lavinia and Max's story. The epilogue was also a very nice scene. Definitely recommended and look forward to one of the clan books.
I always love all the books from this series. This one was no different and really enjoyed Lavinia and Max's story. The epilogue was also a very nice scene. Definitely recommended and look forward to one of the clan books.
August 4, 2023
Not what I expected
While I did enjoy the book it was not what I expected from the series. There was no adventure no true bad guy or major problem they had to overcome like most books in the series. Looking forward to reading about Iris and Antony hopefully soon
While I did enjoy the book it was not what I expected from the series. There was no adventure no true bad guy or major problem they had to overcome like most books in the series. Looking forward to reading about Iris and Antony hopefully soon
April 15, 2024
Sizzling unexpected and full of adventure.
Max and Lavinia started out as rivals trying to beat eachother to find the dragons court, but after a chance kiss reveals they are true mates, everything changes.
Max and Lavinia started out as rivals trying to beat eachother to find the dragons court, but after a chance kiss reveals they are true mates, everything changes.
February 5, 2025
Love Max's Character
Finding Dragon's Court is book 3 of Stonefire Dragons Universe series. Max is one of my favorite characters in the series. He's funny, witty, smart, handsome and deeply layered. His story will have you reading straight through the day.
Finding Dragon's Court is book 3 of Stonefire Dragons Universe series. Max is one of my favorite characters in the series. He's funny, witty, smart, handsome and deeply layered. His story will have you reading straight through the day.
October 29, 2022
Always enjoy this author's books.
December 30, 2022
Rivals
Another great story. The characters have the perfect combination of strength and curiosity. This is the perfect story to start the Antony and Iris saga. Lol
Another great story. The characters have the perfect combination of strength and curiosity. This is the perfect story to start the Antony and Iris saga. Lol
January 19, 2023
Lavinia & Max
Thoroughly enjoyed Lavinia & Max's story very much. I love reading a happy ever after story it makes my day. Thank you for writing this story.
Thoroughly enjoyed Lavinia & Max's story very much. I love reading a happy ever after story it makes my day. Thank you for writing this story.
February 28, 2023
Great book
Loved the book I think anyone who loves dragons would like it can't wait for next book. Jessie Donovan is great.
Loved the book I think anyone who loves dragons would like it can't wait for next book. Jessie Donovan is great.
March 29, 2023
love this series
It’s a fast read and a sweet adventurous love story. I love to read of the different dragon clans with all the fated mates.
It’s a fast read and a sweet adventurous love story. I love to read of the different dragon clans with all the fated mates.
October 7, 2023
Max is awesome! As is Lavinia!
I'm so glad I finally got to read Max's book! I think I missed Iris and Antony's though! So I need to read it. Can't wait! Love these characters.
I'm so glad I finally got to read Max's book! I think I missed Iris and Antony's though! So I need to read it. Can't wait! Love these characters.
February 4, 2024
I like jessie donovan books!
June 23, 2024
😁
Oh I hope there is one on Antony I loved this book too which honestly I haven't found one I didn't like except that I wish it was longer lol. Off to more
Oh I hope there is one on Antony I loved this book too which honestly I haven't found one I didn't like except that I wish it was longer lol. Off to more
July 26, 2024
Good read
Liked getting to see the various sides of Max and but more of his Spy brother Anthony. A easy fast read with fun humor.
Liked getting to see the various sides of Max and but more of his Spy brother Anthony. A easy fast read with fun humor.
September 24, 2025
Competitors
They spent many years competing with each other. With love they now work together doing what they both love amazing.
They spent many years competing with each other. With love they now work together doing what they both love amazing.
November 3, 2022
I didn't know what to expect when I started reading this story. Let me tell you I was taken by complete surprise it was such a great read. But I do wonder the significance of the dragon's court and what it would do for the rest of the dragon from this point forward. Looking forward to the next book in this great series. As always my reviews are totally voluntarily and no monetary compensation was received and the opinions I have expressed are completely my own.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews