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The Dragon's Dedication
Cricket
I met my husband at the wedding reception for my ex-boyfriend and my boss. I’ve only known Maverick for hours, yet I have a shiny gold ring on my finger. That’s Las Vegas for you. An annulment would be the prudent idea, but Maverick makes it so easy to stay. So easy to say yes and run to some small town in the woods with him. I didn’t know how much my decision would change my life.
Maverick
I plan to keep my new wife. Nothing ever felt so right, but between her overprotective brother and the fact that I’m a dragon shifter, it’s going to be hard not only to just to stay married, but get her to mate me. And when I tell her what I am, I can’t let her go. Keeping Cricket is my only option. But when I bring her home, there’s someone who’s not happy about our Vegas wedding.
I met my husband at the wedding reception for my ex-boyfriend and my boss. I’ve only known Maverick for hours, yet I have a shiny gold ring on my finger. That’s Las Vegas for you. An annulment would be the prudent idea, but Maverick makes it so easy to stay. So easy to say yes and run to some small town in the woods with him. I didn’t know how much my decision would change my life.
Maverick
I plan to keep my new wife. Nothing ever felt so right, but between her overprotective brother and the fact that I’m a dragon shifter, it’s going to be hard not only to just to stay married, but get her to mate me. And when I tell her what I am, I can’t let her go. Keeping Cricket is my only option. But when I bring her home, there’s someone who’s not happy about our Vegas wedding.
190 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 19, 2023
147 people are currently reading
151 people want to read
About the author
Marie Johnston
100 books1,058 followersMarie Johnston is an award-winning, best-selling paranormal and contemporary romance writer. She grew up in the upper Midwest and planned to go to college for English. Didn't happen. She started college in accounting and was awful! Grabbing her inner science geek by the pocket protector, she changed to microbiology and medical technology where her only writing involved scientific articles and procedures.
Eventually, she left full-time work for full-time baby raising but kept thinking, "one day, I'd like to write a book." Finally, before any more time passed, Marie decided to buckle down and write. She loves it!
Eventually, she left full-time work for full-time baby raising but kept thinking, "one day, I'd like to write a book." Finally, before any more time passed, Marie decided to buckle down and write. She loves it!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
January 20, 2023
Cricket is attending the wedding and reception for her boss and her ex and is in the process of leaving because the noise is giving her a migraine. She slams right into Maverick. They hit it off and end up married before the night is over. He is the twin brother of Memphis the leader of their dragon clan. He takes her home with him and it creates all kinds of chaos. Then her brother Vaughn shows up; he basically raised her after their parents died. They need to convince everyone that they are serious and want to be mated. He is the older Peridot brother and is doing everything he can to protect her and her brother. Light reading and more information into this part of the series.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
January 19, 2025
This paranormal romance is the middle book in a trilogy. Cricket is trying to quietly leave the wedding of her ex and her boss when she literally runs into Maverick Peridot. Maverick is in Las Vegas to get over the surprise mating of his ex immediately after dumping him.
Cricket was born and bred in Las Vegas. After her parents' deaths when she was eleven, she was raised by her older brother who is now a driven pediatrician who is still very close with her.
After a whirlwind courtship, Cricker finds herself married to Maverick. He hasn't yet mentioned that he is a dragon shifter who has to return to his small town in Minnesota where the rest of his clan and his two siblings live.
She needs to accept his secret and officially become his mate or one of them will have to die. She agrees to go home with him even though she knows she will miss her brother. And, once she sees him shift, she will keep his secret since his shifting is just one more intriguing part of the man she has fallen in love with. But there is someone in the town who doesn't want their mating to go on. This being has her own vision of the future and a mated and happy Maverick isn't part of it.
Matters come to a head and Maverick's sister has to battle this other person to the death. Unfortunately, this is the moment that Cricket's brother arrives in town to check up on his sister's happiness. Now he is in the position of having to mate or die.
This was a light and entertaining romance. I liked both main characters and am interested in reading the other two books in the trilogy to find out Maverick's brother and sister's stories.
Cricket was born and bred in Las Vegas. After her parents' deaths when she was eleven, she was raised by her older brother who is now a driven pediatrician who is still very close with her.
After a whirlwind courtship, Cricker finds herself married to Maverick. He hasn't yet mentioned that he is a dragon shifter who has to return to his small town in Minnesota where the rest of his clan and his two siblings live.
She needs to accept his secret and officially become his mate or one of them will have to die. She agrees to go home with him even though she knows she will miss her brother. And, once she sees him shift, she will keep his secret since his shifting is just one more intriguing part of the man she has fallen in love with. But there is someone in the town who doesn't want their mating to go on. This being has her own vision of the future and a mated and happy Maverick isn't part of it.
Matters come to a head and Maverick's sister has to battle this other person to the death. Unfortunately, this is the moment that Cricket's brother arrives in town to check up on his sister's happiness. Now he is in the position of having to mate or die.
This was a light and entertaining romance. I liked both main characters and am interested in reading the other two books in the trilogy to find out Maverick's brother and sister's stories.
January 21, 2023
This was such a fun and entertaining story of what stays in Vegas....doesn't actually stay there. Lol! Cricket is at a wedding for her ex and her boss when she bumps into Maverick. He helps her out and then they implement a plan to enjoy the rest of the reception, since he also understands the trouble with exes. What follows is a Vegas wedding and the dating afterwards to see if they're a good match...which he knows they are ;P Expect fab chemistry, an entertaining plot for interesting characters, drama and action to fully captivate you when you dive into this baby ;D I loved the ending and I can't wait for the next book.
December 15, 2023
Maverick Peridot goes to Vegas to get away from some of the chaos in his small town. He meets Cricket and what happens in Vegas doesn’t stay in Vegas. Cricket is attending the wedding of her ex-boyfriend and her boss. She literally bumps into Maverick and doesn’t understand the connection that she feels.
Marie Johnston has created a dynamic and engaging storyline with these dragon shifters. This is the third grouping of dragons, and I can’t get enough. Maverick has been floundering a little bit because he was in an extremely toxic relationship for years. He is still trying to overcome the emotions and turmoil that created in him. Which makes him pretty insecure in a lot of ways while he and Cricket figure out how to move forward and together after Vegas.
Cricket is still feeling a little lost after losing her boyfriend, but realizes that she has been a little lost for a lot of her life. And meeting Maverick changes everything.
When he reveals his truth to her it goes smoothly, but there are some things that happen that don’t go as smooth.
PoP: 36%
Marie Johnston has created a dynamic and engaging storyline with these dragon shifters. This is the third grouping of dragons, and I can’t get enough. Maverick has been floundering a little bit because he was in an extremely toxic relationship for years. He is still trying to overcome the emotions and turmoil that created in him. Which makes him pretty insecure in a lot of ways while he and Cricket figure out how to move forward and together after Vegas.
Cricket is still feeling a little lost after losing her boyfriend, but realizes that she has been a little lost for a lot of her life. And meeting Maverick changes everything.
When he reveals his truth to her it goes smoothly, but there are some things that happen that don’t go as smooth.
PoP: 36%
January 17, 2023
This is Maverick and Cricket's story. Cricket's new to the series, but we know Maverick as being part of the Peridot ruling family. His younger brother is Levi, and Maverick's older twin sister is Memphis. She's also the leader of their clan.
Maverick has run away to Las Vegas to get away from his latest (and last breakup) with Astra, another dragon shifter he had been dating on and off in a very tumultuous relationship since they were teens. She found her mate in the last book. I'm hoping at some point that we might get a novella telling her and her Mates (I can't remember his name at the moment) story as well. They both intrigued me.
Cricket is there for the wedding of her ex-boyfriend and her boss. Both could be considered on the rebound, but there's more to it for them. There's a definite bond and immediate attraction to each other. Cricket wakes up the next day, after spending a drunken evening with Maverick, to find a wedding band on her finger. Things move rather quickly from there. Cricket's older, protective brother Vaughn takes the news of her marriage and moving away rather badly.
The minute Vaughn was introduced I just knew that his mate was going to be Memphis. I'm so excited that I was proven right on that point! I'm assuming their book will be next. Please Marie, make it so.
Cricket has a rather sudden introduction to the world of dragons before Maverick can tell her. They definitely have a rocky start, but as usual with this series, things work out for the mated couple.
Marie always writes strong female leads and Cricket is no different. I loved the interactions, and sexual tension, between her and Maverick. Another quick lighthearted read in a fun series. You could probably read this as a standalone, but where's the fun in that?
Maverick has run away to Las Vegas to get away from his latest (and last breakup) with Astra, another dragon shifter he had been dating on and off in a very tumultuous relationship since they were teens. She found her mate in the last book. I'm hoping at some point that we might get a novella telling her and her Mates (I can't remember his name at the moment) story as well. They both intrigued me.
Cricket is there for the wedding of her ex-boyfriend and her boss. Both could be considered on the rebound, but there's more to it for them. There's a definite bond and immediate attraction to each other. Cricket wakes up the next day, after spending a drunken evening with Maverick, to find a wedding band on her finger. Things move rather quickly from there. Cricket's older, protective brother Vaughn takes the news of her marriage and moving away rather badly.
The minute Vaughn was introduced I just knew that his mate was going to be Memphis. I'm so excited that I was proven right on that point! I'm assuming their book will be next. Please Marie, make it so.
Cricket has a rather sudden introduction to the world of dragons before Maverick can tell her. They definitely have a rocky start, but as usual with this series, things work out for the mated couple.
Marie always writes strong female leads and Cricket is no different. I loved the interactions, and sexual tension, between her and Maverick. Another quick lighthearted read in a fun series. You could probably read this as a standalone, but where's the fun in that?
March 29, 2024
"The Dragon's Dedication" is a delightful dragon shifter romance novella that takes a refreshingly light-hearted approach to the genre. While the concept of fated mates takes a backseat, the narrative beautifully nods to serendipity and coincidence.
In this charming tale, Maverick, the supportive brother in a dragon shifter ruling family, crosses paths with Cricket, who is trapped in a life she despises. Their instant attraction is hindered by emotional baggage from past relationships, but as they navigate their feelings, their connection deepens.
Maverick's willingness to sacrifice for love, even at the cost of his own secrets, is both endearing and compelling. And Cricket's journey from caution to openness is portrayed with honesty and depth.
As their relationship blossoms, the story unfolds with steamy romance and moments of sacrifice that underscore the power of love and loyalty. The tension escalates when secrets are revealed to the wrong person, adding an element of suspense to the narrative.
What sets this book apart is its ability to balance heartfelt moments with steamy romance, making it a perfect palate cleanser for readers seeking a lighter read. While it may not be the next great American novel, "The Dragon's Dedication" offers an engaging storyline filled with love, sacrifice, and redemption.
Additionally, the portrayal of Astra as a nuanced character rather than a stereotypical villain adds depth to the narrative and challenges common tropes in romance literature. Overall, this novella is a delightful escape into a world of love and dragons.
In this charming tale, Maverick, the supportive brother in a dragon shifter ruling family, crosses paths with Cricket, who is trapped in a life she despises. Their instant attraction is hindered by emotional baggage from past relationships, but as they navigate their feelings, their connection deepens.
Maverick's willingness to sacrifice for love, even at the cost of his own secrets, is both endearing and compelling. And Cricket's journey from caution to openness is portrayed with honesty and depth.
As their relationship blossoms, the story unfolds with steamy romance and moments of sacrifice that underscore the power of love and loyalty. The tension escalates when secrets are revealed to the wrong person, adding an element of suspense to the narrative.
What sets this book apart is its ability to balance heartfelt moments with steamy romance, making it a perfect palate cleanser for readers seeking a lighter read. While it may not be the next great American novel, "The Dragon's Dedication" offers an engaging storyline filled with love, sacrifice, and redemption.
Additionally, the portrayal of Astra as a nuanced character rather than a stereotypical villain adds depth to the narrative and challenges common tropes in romance literature. Overall, this novella is a delightful escape into a world of love and dragons.
May 12, 2023
I can't get enough of these shifters book by Marie.
So this one was just as brilliant.
I loved how Maverick went to Vegas to escape his thoughts and trouble only to find his mate.
Their Vegas style wedding might have been unintentional but now Maverick has found his mate in Cricket, he is determined to convince her to stay.
Only problem is she doesn't know he is a Shifter.
Not only this but there is someone trying to destroy everything and trouble follows them back to his home town.
Loved Cricket's strong fierce character.
Will Cricket escape when she finds out he is a Shifter?
Who is trying to destroy them?
Can this marriage become real?
An excellent Read which was captivating, drama, actions, humour, emotional, love and hot spice.
Can't wait for the next book. I've been waiting for Memphis story since the last series.
So this one was just as brilliant.
I loved how Maverick went to Vegas to escape his thoughts and trouble only to find his mate.
Their Vegas style wedding might have been unintentional but now Maverick has found his mate in Cricket, he is determined to convince her to stay.
Only problem is she doesn't know he is a Shifter.
Not only this but there is someone trying to destroy everything and trouble follows them back to his home town.
Loved Cricket's strong fierce character.
Will Cricket escape when she finds out he is a Shifter?
Who is trying to destroy them?
Can this marriage become real?
An excellent Read which was captivating, drama, actions, humour, emotional, love and hot spice.
Can't wait for the next book. I've been waiting for Memphis story since the last series.
January 19, 2023
I really enjoyed this story! I might say its one of my favorites in the series. It easily held my interest and the bantering keeps me engaged. Their attraction to each other just flows over me as it rolls off the pages. While I loved getting to know more of Maverick..Cricket stole the show for me. She really takes a chance and reaches for the stars. The way she just rolls with everything is amazing. I loved her relationship with her brother!
This one we get to see a bit more of the life in Peridot Falls with Memphis and Levi. I liked the interaction between these brothers and sister. There is a little sneak in here about the next book in the series. I look forward to reading about Memphis.
This one we get to see a bit more of the life in Peridot Falls with Memphis and Levi. I liked the interaction between these brothers and sister. There is a little sneak in here about the next book in the series. I look forward to reading about Memphis.
January 18, 2023
This time What Happens in Vegas Does Not Stay There!!
Cricket is in Vegas attending the wedding of her prior boyfriend of 5 years and her boss - how insulting! Dragon-shifter Maverick is also licking his relationship wounds in Vegas - and seeing Cricket’s upset (and detecting she is his fated mate) he not only rescues her, he marries her.
Now to get around her mis-trusting heart, explain that he is a dragon, and must live in Peridot Falls.
A protective brother, and strict dragon laws add to the difficulties. I enjoy these dragon stories very much!
***** I am voluntarily leaving my honest review of this book *****
Cricket is in Vegas attending the wedding of her prior boyfriend of 5 years and her boss - how insulting! Dragon-shifter Maverick is also licking his relationship wounds in Vegas - and seeing Cricket’s upset (and detecting she is his fated mate) he not only rescues her, he marries her.
Now to get around her mis-trusting heart, explain that he is a dragon, and must live in Peridot Falls.
A protective brother, and strict dragon laws add to the difficulties. I enjoy these dragon stories very much!
***** I am voluntarily leaving my honest review of this book *****
January 19, 2023
This is the second story for the Peridot dragons, focusing on Maverick and Cricket's story. Maverick has run to Las Vegas to escape his troubles and instead found his mate. However he still needs to tell her about his shifter side, so he takes her back home. Unfortunately, Cricket's older brother Vaughn follows her to town and the complications grow from there.
This series always provides a strong female lead and whilst Cricket might have seemed softer at first, she is no different. I loved the strength of the characters, their interactions, and the chemistry they have.
A fabulous, fun and feisty read. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
This series always provides a strong female lead and whilst Cricket might have seemed softer at first, she is no different. I loved the strength of the characters, their interactions, and the chemistry they have.
A fabulous, fun and feisty read. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
January 20, 2023
The next Peridot sibling finds love with a twist
While at his brother’s mating in Vegas, Maverick literally runs into Cricket. She’s escaping her ex’s wedding where she’s developed one of her migraines. After healing her, Maverick decides to spend the night out on the town with her. And it isn’t Vegas if you don’t do something stupid, like get married.
Now all Maverick needs to is convince her that their marriage is a good thing while her over protective brother tries to convince her to get an annulment. Can he persuade her to move to Peridot Falls? What about her brother? Twists and turns ensue.
While at his brother’s mating in Vegas, Maverick literally runs into Cricket. She’s escaping her ex’s wedding where she’s developed one of her migraines. After healing her, Maverick decides to spend the night out on the town with her. And it isn’t Vegas if you don’t do something stupid, like get married.
Now all Maverick needs to is convince her that their marriage is a good thing while her over protective brother tries to convince her to get an annulment. Can he persuade her to move to Peridot Falls? What about her brother? Twists and turns ensue.
January 19, 2023
Fun series - really enjoyed Maverick's story.
This is an entertaining series. I enjoyed Maverick's story even more than Levi's. Maverick meets Cricket and he just knows she's the one. Even after being burned by his ex who he thought would be his mate.
Cricket is drawn to Maverick too, but it will be complicated when the human Cricket learns about the dragon shifter, Maverick. There are some tense moments as she fully realizes what it will be like to live in Peridot Falls.
While I was able to figure out the ending - I am very intrigued for Memphis's story!
I voluntarily requested and read an advance reader copy.
This is an entertaining series. I enjoyed Maverick's story even more than Levi's. Maverick meets Cricket and he just knows she's the one. Even after being burned by his ex who he thought would be his mate.
Cricket is drawn to Maverick too, but it will be complicated when the human Cricket learns about the dragon shifter, Maverick. There are some tense moments as she fully realizes what it will be like to live in Peridot Falls.
While I was able to figure out the ending - I am very intrigued for Memphis's story!
I voluntarily requested and read an advance reader copy.
January 19, 2023
Not everything stays in Vegas. Cricket and Maverick agree to wait three days before making a decision about an annulment. During that time, she concludes that she wants to go to Peridot Falls. He has a huge secret - and a even bigger catch-22 about revealing it. I enjoyed reading this book. I love Cricket's closeness to her brother, even if he is overprotective at times. And Maverick instills so much trust in Cricket, even after her poor experience with her last relationship. I received an advance copy of the book, and this is my honest review.
January 19, 2023
This story is about Maverick and Cricket. I will say, I honestly enjoyed reading about Maverick and Cricket's journey so much. It's a fast paced love, steamy scenes with that alpha/dragon passion, even though Cricket is human she feels a connection to Maverick. Marie captures you at the beginning and draws you into their story...it has all the feels of a great read..action, family drama, tragic events, over protective siblings, you won't believe the ending!!😉 I didn't see that one happening?!!
I received this as an ARC and voluntarily giving my review.
I received this as an ARC and voluntarily giving my review.
January 22, 2023
HEA
Standalone, but read series in order to avoid spoilers, interconnected characters with other series
Shifter
*over 18 readers only *
Trigger warnings
Violence
He ran to Vagas to get away from his ex getting mated and his brother falling in love. He found his forever. But she has an overprotective brother that ends up following her. How will she handle the fact her love is a dragon? Or that breaking dragon law equals death? And who will save her brother when shows up unannounced and discovers the truth?
Standalone, but read series in order to avoid spoilers, interconnected characters with other series
Shifter
*over 18 readers only *
Trigger warnings
Violence
He ran to Vagas to get away from his ex getting mated and his brother falling in love. He found his forever. But she has an overprotective brother that ends up following her. How will she handle the fact her love is a dragon? Or that breaking dragon law equals death? And who will save her brother when shows up unannounced and discovers the truth?
November 20, 2023
Short dragon romance book, 2nd in the triology. This was the book that got me interested in the series but I have to say.. it was the worst one. The MC's automatic "fated" pull and chemistry was 100% all sexual. Most of the first 2/3 of the book was based off of sexual attraction only and then randomly they turn into feelings? It was very wierd and was not romantic. I think the possessiveness of the MMC was totally off base of the desired effect too with him immediatly thinking of his needs instead of any of hers. It just wasn't good.
January 9, 2025
3.75 ⭐️ This was a cute dragon shifter story. It wasn’t a masterpiece but it was an easy read that I enjoyed. The spicy scenes were really well done and Maverick the shifter was like a golden retriever puppy with so much smooth charisma! Cricket the MFC was likeable and she seemed like she needed her life to be shaken up a little and that’s exactly what happened. What happens in Vegas doesn’t stay in Vegas apparently!
I found the ending to be a little predictable but this didn’t make me enjoy this any less. I’m looking forward to the next book about the siblings of the main characters.
I found the ending to be a little predictable but this didn’t make me enjoy this any less. I’m looking forward to the next book about the siblings of the main characters.
January 22, 2023
I love this series of Dragon shifter stories and this is another fine addition, a Vegas quicky-wedding turned into a fun and dramatic segue into Memphis's story towards the end and I am sooo looking forward to that book. Although Maverick and Cricket are fated, that is clear from the moment they met they do have a whole relationship journey to get through and we are lucky enough to sit on the sidelines and watch it happen, swoon.
January 11, 2023
I knew Maverick's story would be special and I wasn't disappointed. There was a wee bit of predictability, but it was a necessity in this case. The story has some interesting, amazing, and sassy characters that fuel the drama throughout the book. After what we've seen Maverick go through in past books, I think you'll enjoy his tale with Cricket.
January 2, 2025
Needs imagery
The characters need to feel more real and to be described better. The dragon's abilities are expected and weak. What the dragon possesses is boring. The imagery is almost not there at all. Overall it's a book that I was sorry I read because I could have spent the time reading something better.
The characters need to feel more real and to be described better. The dragon's abilities are expected and weak. What the dragon possesses is boring. The imagery is almost not there at all. Overall it's a book that I was sorry I read because I could have spent the time reading something better.
January 17, 2025
What the heck was this?! Got so convoluted and confusing; jumping from one issue to another. ALL these characters were vile and plain dumb. Her brother is the most selfish and inconsiderate human I’ve ever read with all the trouble he caused just by breathing. Ending felt dangled you off a cliff without technically being a “cliffhanger”. So sorry I picked this up and wasted my time.
January 20, 2023
Ahh, Vegas. The city of lights and love and second chances. Maverick and Cricket both have rebounds and ex's in common but it's their hope and dreams of happiness that bring them together. Family may have their doubts, but their intensity and passion far outweigh any negativity.
January 22, 2023
Adored this emotionally thrilling journey from hey we just meet but let get married it's Vegas after all to so much more journey. An edge of your seat action packed adventure filled with mystery, danger and so may witty and engaging charters. A great read from beginning to end.
September 10, 2023
Awesome book to read!
This one had me on the edge of my seat for a little while. I really do love the creative world that the author built for this series. I immediately fell in love with the characters. Each book has been hard to put down, and this one did not disappoint.
This one had me on the edge of my seat for a little while. I really do love the creative world that the author built for this series. I immediately fell in love with the characters. Each book has been hard to put down, and this one did not disappoint.
January 16, 2024
The Dragon's Dedication
Maverick was a dragon with a big heart. His ex made sure she stomped all over it.He had to get away and went to Vegas and literally was run into by Cricket. Little did either know that they were destined to be together.Read this series it's great.
Maverick was a dragon with a big heart. His ex made sure she stomped all over it.He had to get away and went to Vegas and literally was run into by Cricket. Little did either know that they were destined to be together.Read this series it's great.
February 19, 2024
Great book series
I couldn't put the book down. I can't wait to read the third book to see what happens with Memphis and Vaughan. I hope they can get over their differences and be happy together.
I couldn't put the book down. I can't wait to read the third book to see what happens with Memphis and Vaughan. I hope they can get over their differences and be happy together.
July 12, 2024
I finished it but it was difficult as I didn't like the plot or characters. H had no power, autonomy or strength. To me the plot was silly, but clearly from the high ratings, it's just not the author for me.
April 27, 2025
Enjoyable
Enjoyable light read. Only slight ow/om drama, which was fine. The baddie made the story more exciting.
I felt for Memphis and Vaughn. I'm interested in seeing how they work out.
Enjoyable light read. Only slight ow/om drama, which was fine. The baddie made the story more exciting.
I felt for Memphis and Vaughn. I'm interested in seeing how they work out.
January 20, 2023
love
I keep saying this but this may be my favorite so far. I loved them so much and it was thoroughly as parable and hot! I can’t wait for Memphis’ and Vaughns book!!
I keep saying this but this may be my favorite so far. I loved them so much and it was thoroughly as parable and hot! I can’t wait for Memphis’ and Vaughns book!!
February 22, 2024
Cute read, enjoyed it
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews