Genre: Erotic Paranormal Romance Heat Level: 3 Word Count: 16, 850 ISBN: 978-0-3695-0692-4 Editor: Audrey Bobak Cover Artist: Jay Aheer

Destined Dragon by Laura M. Baird

Heat Level 3
$2.99
SKU 978-0-3695-0692-4
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Romance on the Go ®

Dragon shifter and Vegas businessman, Raibert McKade, has it all. Except for a mate. When no one holds his interest and casual hook-ups lose their appeal, he immerses himself in work, leaving no time for socializing. Until one morning, all his plans are rearranged when his mate literally runs into him.

Game designer, Layla Brantley, needs a drastic change, and a dream job in Vegas offers the perfect opportunity. Leaving behind parents who don’t support her and a deadbeat boyfriend who never appreciated her, she’s ready to make her life her own. She never expects to collide with a handsome man and discover he’s Raibert McKade, owner of The Mercury and host of the convention she’s attending. And she definitely doesn’t expect the man to show interest in her.

Raibert has his hands full with the captivating and curvy Layla, and he’d have it no other way. But will he convince her of her destiny, or will she walk away, leaving him to suffer loneliness for the rest of his days?

 

Excerpt:

“I’m glad you’re here,” he said, his voice sounding rough to his ears.

“You are? But you don’t even know me.”

“I hope to change that.”

“You do?” That wide-eye gaze returned, and her surprised confusion had him chuckling.

“Is it so hard to believe I’d be interested in finding out more about the lovely woman standing before me? The woman who develops games and quickly made an amazing impression on my niece?”

“I did?”

Raibert couldn’t contain his laugh. Nor could he stop from reaching out to touch her again, stroking her cheek and seeing it blossom with color at his touch. “Yes, Layla, you did.” He delighted when she leaned ever so slightly into his touch. His desire amped up, but now was not the time and here was not the place to act upon it. After dropping his hand, he gently laced his fingers with hers and instantly felt her tremor. “Layla, would you do me the honor of having dinner with me tonight?”

“You want to have dinner with me? Tonight?”

“Are you always in the habit of questioning everything asked of you?”

She cocked her head as her face morphed with concentration. “I suppose I do. And I guess I do find it hard to believe someone like you would be interested in someone like me.”

“Someone like me? I am simply a man interested in a beautiful, intriguing woman.”

Layla snorted. “Simply a man,” she murmured. “And me? Intriguing? I’m as plain Jane as they come. I—”

Raibert hauled her against him, cradling the back of her head with his free hand, uncaring of the scene he made. He squelched her shock by fusing his lips to hers, kissing her deeply. Her body stiffened, yet she moaned in his mouth, and as each second passed, she began surrendering herself to him. Holding her, possessing her in the kiss, Raibert craved so much more as his dragon spirit flared to life. Mastering control, he banked his lust and gentled the kiss. With his tongue, he soothed her plundered lips before pulling a breath away.

“You, Layla Brantley, are magnificent. Don’t ever doubt that.” With a final kiss on the tip of her nose, he released her after ensuring she was steady on her feet. “I’ll be back to escort you to dinner. Enjoy the remainder of your afternoon.”

With great effort, he stepped back and spun, walking away from the woman who had already unknowingly branded his soul.

Product Reviews

Score: 5 out of 5 (based on 36 ratings)
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4/5
" 'Layla. You are mine, and I am yours. Tell me you feel this, this desire, this connection between us.' "
Written by Aurora S on 29th Oct 2023

Raibert McKade, a dragon shifter and Vegas hotel owner, riding on the high of his life, is missing one thing. His mate. Meet Layla Brantley. A game designer, recently moved to Vegas, now on track to reinvent her life. And when they end up meeting by design,, their lives change forever. This is the first of Laura's works i've read and it won't be the last. I fell in love from the first page, from Layla's muttering to herself to Raibert being obsessed from the first glance. Each of them are badass in their own ways, and you can't help falling in love. And the way Raibert fell even more in love after Layla met Hannah? BROOO. If you love dragon shifters, fated mates and Vegas, you will love Destined Dragon. tropes // dragon shifter, fated mates, novella

4/5
The chemistry is off the charts
Written by Sandy K on 22nd Jan 2023

If you love instalove, fated mates type of books-then you will love this one! Raibert is a dragon shifter who comes across his fated mate, Layla in his hotel. From then off, the chemistry is off the charts and their connection is beautiful. My only drawback-this is one of those books that draws you, but it's so short that I was left wanting to know more about their story and background! So, it's super short and could definitely be made into a great regular length novel! Otherwise, I enjoyed everything else about it!

5/5
Layla & Raibert—To those who know the joy of loving your soul
Written by Ravenblackbird74 on 19th Nov 2022

mate, may that love always soar. I received a free advance reader copy and am voluntarily leaving a review. Although I’ve followed Laura for about a year, this is the first time that I’ve read one of her works. I’m not traditionally a fan of paranormal though I do enjoy a good sci-fi movie. However, I wanted to read this to support Laura and I’m so glad that I did! This was a quick and easy read, completely enjoyable. I hope you fall in love with Layla and Raibert the same way I did! They are fantastic together as Layla embraces her independence and Raibert puts aside his work to focus his attention on his true mate. I enjoyed Layla’s excitement and acceptance of Raibert’s dragon.

5/5
Layla & Raibert!!
Written by Wendy Livingstone on 19th Nov 2022

This is Raibert and Layla’s story. Raibert is a dragon shifter and businessman, while Layla is a games designer. This is a sweet story, which is fast paced and a quick read, with has undeniable chemistry, fated mates, intrigue, emotions, and love, which leads to a steamy and entertaining page tuner. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

5/5
Destined dragon romance
Written by Juliz on 19th Nov 2022

Destined dragon was an fantastic paranormal dragon gaming romance story with entertaining characters

5/5
Destined Dragon
Written by Amber Johnson on 2nd Nov 2022

Layla moved to Vegas because of her work and its there that she meets Raibert. Raibert is a dragon shifter, and he knows when he sees Layla that she's his mate. He wastes no time getting her to go out with him. Layla is stunned that he is interested in her. However, he hasn't shared his secret with her yet. Will she stay with him once she learns what he is? Can he convince her to give him a chance? This is a great story that will hook you in the first chapter. This is a well written and very entertaining story. Its a book that any book lover would enjoy.

4/5
It was very enjoyable
Written by Joy H on 2nd Nov 2022

This is a great romance between a dragon and a woman who doesn't want to follow the tradition of her family and home life. She gets out of there and into the world of Las Vegas, which is where the adventure begins. The love between the two main characters is very satisfying and has you rooting for both of them. Although dragons are kept secret, they interact with humans. One of the most common types of the dragon is Raibert, who is the owner of a hotel in Vegas. He is responsible for hosting CES, which is a major event in the city. When he saw a young woman named Layla, he immediately knew that she was his mate. She moved from nowhere to Vegas and assumed that he was just a rich guy who didn't care about her. She was working at CES when he started showing up, again and again, to "woo" her. The romance quickly escalated into a full-blown sexy and quick affair. If you're looking for a long-term relationship, this isn't it. The story ends with a lot of twists and turns. It was very enjoyable and I'm eager to see the rest of the world. Raibert is a dragon shifter and a Vegas businessman. He has everything that a man needs in life, except for a mate. When no one shows interest in him, he gets so consumed by his work that he rarely gets time to socialize. His plans are suddenly rearranged the following morning when his mate suddenly appears. After struggling with her past, game designer, Layla, is ready to start her life over. She has left behind her abusive parents and a deadbeat boyfriend, and she is excited to start working in Vegas. However, when she meets Raibert, the owner of The Mercury, she doesn't expect him to show interest in her. He has everything that he needs in life, except for a mate. With his hands full with the beautiful and talented Layla, he can't ask for anything more from her. Will he be able to convince her of her worth or will she leave him?

4/5
Loved this one
Written by enchantingreviews on 2nd Nov 2022

Wow this was one amazing dragon story. Great characters that are filled with sass and intense heat. Loved this one!

4/5
Another Great Addition to the Series
Written by tburbr on 2nd Nov 2022

Laura M. Baird has done a great job with her latest installation of the Romance on the Go series. The characters were endearing and the story line was entertaining making this a quick, fun read.

5/5
Raibert and Layla
Written by casvec on 2nd Nov 2022

Destined Dragon is fast read that is perfect story to get lost in. Raibert is a dragon, who lives in Vegas and own the Mercury, a hotel hosting Consumer Electronics Show. Layla is a software developer and graphic artist looking to make a drastic changed from where she was, and Vegas was perfect. Raibert and Layla bump into each other as she was walking through the hotel. Raibert instantly felt the connection and realize she is his mate, now he needs to let her know. Fast, steamy with the right amount of heart to makes this quick read a delight.

5/5
Short and sexy read
Written by Michelle C on 2nd Nov 2022

This was just the instalove, fated mates goodness I needed. Short and sexy read. Raibert was all about Layla from the moment he laid eyes on her. I loved the scenes where she couldn't fathom how or why he wanted her. Something satisfying about a man showing his woman exactly why she's his!

5/5
Destined Dragon
Written by Stacii on 2nd Nov 2022

Raibert and Layla’s story has them meeting when Layla decides to relocate and run into him. When she is working a booth at CES he’s hosting, he starts to romance her. Since he knows she’s his fated mate. He’s a dragon shifter who senses her when he first ran into her. They fall hard and fast in this adventurous paranormal story.

5/5
Loved this sweet and fresh book
Written by Sarah ES on 2nd Nov 2022

To say that this story was just sweet and spicy with a whole lot of steam doesn’t do it justice. It was all of those things and more. It was the perfect book about a dragon finding his mate who happened to be made just for him!! As the characters are described and the world is built around them you can tell that the main characters are going to have an epic love story and the book will most definitely have a HEA ending!!

4/5
Destined Dragon!
Written by Mary on 2nd Nov 2022

This is a very short and quick read about fated mates. The story is about business man and dragon shifter Raibert and Layla, a game developer. He is leaving the gym and her heading that way when they literally run into each other. The attraction is instant and he knows immediately she is his mate. The story is fast paced, sweet, steamy and sexy with a little near death experience. I enjoyed the story and wished there were more to the book.

4/5
This book was quick, fun, and sprinkled with sexy times.
Written by Carrie W on 15th Oct 2022

In an established world that I was unfamiliar with, dragons exist. They are kept secret but they interact with humans. One such dragon shifter is Raibert, a Vegas hotel owner who is hosting CES as one of his key events. Layla is a young woman who has decided to relocate from the middle of nowhere into the hustle and bustle of Vegas. She literally runs into Raibert and he knows - she’s his fated mate. Does she no? Nope! She assumes he’s just a hot rich guy who would have no interest in her. Well, fast forward to her working a CES booth when he turns up again and again to “woo” her. The romance is quick and escalates to almost death and sexy times in a blink. If you’re looking for a long romance, this ain’t it! We get a lot of fate involved in a quick wrap up of their story. It was 100% enjoyable and I’d be eager to see the rest of the world.

4/5
Good!
Written by Flavia Karina on 15th Oct 2022

A good romance between a millionaire shifter and an independent, strong and bold woman who knows what she wants. Raibert and Layla feel their passion and lust instantly. A good, hot short read.

4/5
This book was quick, fun, and sprinkled with sexy times.
Written by Carrie W on 15th Oct 2022

In an established world that I was unfamiliar with, dragons exist. They are kept secret but they interact with humans. One such dragon shifter is Raibert, a Vegas hotel owner who is hosting CES as one of his key events. Layla is a young woman who has decided to relocate from the middle of nowhere into the hustle and bustle of Vegas. She literally runs into Raibert and he knows - she’s his fated mate. Does she no? Nope! She assumes he’s just a hot rich guy who would have no interest in her. Well, fast forward to her working a CES booth when he turns up again and again to “woo” her. The romance is quick and escalates to almost death and sexy times in a blink. If you’re looking for a long romance, this ain’t it! We get a lot of fate involved in a quick wrap up of their story. It was 100% enjoyable and I’d be eager to see the rest of the world.

4/5
Destined Dragon.
Written by Loubie73 on 15th Oct 2022

I haven't read anything by this author before but I love ONE and an always looking for new authors. This book sounded brilliant and exactly my kind of story. Unfortunately I was left feeling a little deflated. The story is really good, and I how the author writes her characters, however in my opinion it's far too short. Apart from the love scene in the book everything else is pretty much glossed over and hardly gets a mention. Maybe it's just me expecting too much but I was left wanting more after I finished the book in under one hour. The idea behind the story is really good, I just feel it could all have been explored more which in turn would have made the book be at least double the length.

5/5
Quick read
Written by ANG27 on 15th Oct 2022

A great quick and easy shifter romance read. There are some wonderful characters and I was hooked from the very beginning.

4/5
Short and well worth reading.
Written by Babs on 15th Oct 2022

Part of the Romance on the Go series a short well written story. Dragon shifter and Vegas businessman, Raibert McKade and human Game designer, Layla Brantley's story, it was well worth reading. I received a copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.

5/5
Destined Dragon
Written by Debbie Orazi on 15th Oct 2022

This was a quick read paranormal shifter romance. Layla Bryant is a software developer and graphic artist. She has recently relocated to Las Vegas to take a job with an all female owned gaming company. Raibert McKade is a dragon who owns casinos and hotels in Las Vegas. He recently opened his newest venture The Mercury and is hosting the Consumer Electronics Show. They literally bump into each other outside the hotel's gym facility. He realizes immediately she is his mate. He later asks her to dinner and brings her to his hotel suite. She falls over the railing and he saves her. He flies her to his home outside the city where he explains his shifting and how he knows she is his mate. They fall in love and get their HEA.

5/5
"Listen to me and never forget my words."
Written by Nicole Potter on 15th Oct 2022

For me this book is 5 stars excellence from start to finish. The storyline for Raibert & Layla has an intensity about it that captured my attention from the very 1st line. They meet by accident & that chance meeting is all it takes. The flames of desire burn white hot but Layla is hesitant due to her past. Is Raibert willing to to go all out & show Layla that she is his forever mate. If you love dragon romance I highly recommend reading this this book.

5/5
Fun fast read
Written by LBing on 15th Oct 2022

This was a fun fast read that really brought out the sweet and steamy for this couple ;) Raibert was a dragon shifter and he meets his sexy mate, Layla, at a convention at his hotel. The sparks sure flew between them. It was entertaining, and somewhat intense, to follow these two smart characters and see their fated mate romance come to be. Good fun!

4/5
Good things happen to those that wait!
Written by Laura S. on 15th Oct 2022

This is a nice romance about a dragon that only wants his mate (if he can find her) and a woman who wants something different than what her family and home life kept trying to make her adhere to. Good for her, she got out, and the adventure is just starting in Las Vegas, of course! This is a nice, feel good romance that has you rooting for both our hero and heroine from the start!

5/5
Destined Dragon
Written by N Parker on 15th Oct 2022

Layla has taken a job in Vegas and is staying at The Mercury for a convention and while she finds somewhere to live. Raibert is the owner of The Mercury and bumps into Layla when she is on her way to the gym. He immediately recognizes her as his mate and starts to court her. But Layla has been hurt in the past and it won't be easy for Raibert. A beautifully written story that will melt your heart.

4/5
Destined to mate the Dragon
Written by Red18 on 15th Oct 2022

This was a short instalove between a dragon and a human female. I liked the characters. Layla is a quirky curvy gaming software creator. Raibert is the alpha, confident and gorgeous hotel owner. I liked how they met and how he pursued her to mate with him. It wasn’t over the top steamy but it felt the right amount for the story.

5/5
The Dragon of My Dreams
Written by Kimmijane on 11th Oct 2022

This is a sweet sweet story of insta-love between human and dragon. I of course love the alpha dragon billionaire that says so many sweet things! Where can I find one? Lol! His sister, niece and best friend were super cool in this story too.

4/5
Fated mates
Written by Lizette Reyes on 11th Oct 2022

Layla has never felt loved until she meets Raibert. He shows he love and makes her see how amazing she is. I hope. See more of them and any kids they may have.

4/5
Good story
Written by Leeannwriter on 11th Oct 2022

From the Las Vegas setting to the well developed characters, this was a hot, enjoyable read. I loved that Raibert knew she was his fated mate from the very first and that Layla was able to wrap her mind around the fact he's a dragon shifter. It's also a love story, one I liked very much

4/5
Short, sweet, and to the point
Written by RahiaLeight on 11th Oct 2022

Short read with a smidge of excitement and insta-forever. I think there were parts of this that could be expanded to make for a fantastic read. Overall, I liked it, but it leaves plenty of room for more.

4/5
Destined Dragon
Written by Di Budo on 27th Sep 2022

I really enjoyed this short book. Yes it’s short! If your looking for a longer story, then this book isn’t for you! But for those that like it short sweet and steamy then start the ball rolling girlies and gents lol!

5/5
Loved this sweet and fresh book
Written by Sarah ES on 27th Sep 2022

To say that this story was just sweet and spicy with a whole lot of steam doesn’t do it justice. It was all of those things and more. It was the perfect book about a dragon finding his mate who happened to be made just for him!! As the characters are described and the world is built around them you can tell that the main characters are going to have an epic love story and the book will most definitely have a HEA ending!!

5/5
Hot read
Written by RhondaVB on 27th Sep 2022

4.5 stars Although this was a short read, it was packed with tons of emotions. I enjoyed Raibert and Layla's story and just wished it would have been a bit longer. When it comes to good dragons stories, I'll always be right there. Raibert is a dragon shifter who is missing one thing in his life, his true mate. Along comes Layla with dreams of her own and when these two literally run into each other, Raibert knows she belongs to him. Now if he can just convince her of that! Hot, steamy and full of action, this was an awesome quick read!

5/5
Destined Dragon
Written by Karen99 on 27th Sep 2022

She Was His To Take! A fast paced, short novella full of romance, steam and a HEA. Railbert, Dragon Shifter had it all, a fantastic life, great business, more than enough money to last him 100 lifetimes but what was missing from his life was his one true mate. He’d almost given up on finding her when he literally bumped into her at his hotel. She was everything he’d ever dreamed off and he was determined to make her his! Layla Brantley was a fantastic games designer who had just started a new job with a company in Vegas. She had decided to live her life on her own terms after the end of her last relationship when she literally bumped into the most gorgeous man she’d ever seen. Not wasting any time, Railbert asked her on a date and proceeded to persuade her that they were meant to be together and that she was his fated mate. If you love Dragon Shifter stories with a gorgeous hero, this one will definitely please.

5/5
So Sweet!
Written by CatMama0115 on 27th Sep 2022

This is a short sweet story. I loved Layla. She showed strength and vulnerability and Raibert was very sweet and considerate of her feelings. This is my first book by this author and I can't wait to read more of her work!

5/5
I liked it
Written by Shortbec on 27th Sep 2022

I do not normally read shifter stories, but I liked the plot on this one and read it. I liked it, it started out as a casual meet that turned into so much more. Railbert is a billionaire that has been around for some time and has realized that there is more to life then working but has not found his one to do it with until he runs into a women at his hotel. Layla comes from a small town she feels like she is meant for bigger things so she sets out on a path that leads her to her mate.

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