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Forever (Dragon Wars, #1) by Rebecca Royce - Romance>Erotic Romance
This is a re-released title.

Devin Owen has come back from the Dragon Wars a changed Werewolf. For one thing, he's lost his wolf side as well as much of his desire to live. He spends most of his life doped up to handle the pain from his injured leg.

Lena Knox knew the moment she met Devin that he was her mate. But, she’d been a child at the time and he hadn't noticed her at all. Now, all grown up, she wants Devin to be the wolf she’s waited for. Not that she has a lot of time for longing with life and home crumbling around her.

A couple of heated encounters draw them together, but is it enough to overcome the war wounds they both carry? Or will an outside enemy destroy them before they get the chance to find forever?

65 pages, Unknown Binding

First published January 27, 2013

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260 people want to read

About the author

Rebecca Royce

193 books1,431 followers
Author of science fiction, fantasy, and the paranormal.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 109 reviews
Profile Image for Coco.V.
50k reviews128 followers
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May 23, 2020
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Profile Image for Jeanéva Christie.
Author 2 books111 followers
July 29, 2015
War or no war, life is to be lived

In a world where males dominate and females are protected and prized, Caitlyn felt anything but. Life had dealt her a dirty hand, scarred by fire as a child and never able to heal when shifted to her wolf form, she has always felt deficient. Caitlyn believes she will never have a mate even if she recognized Dougal as that very mate years ago. No male could possibly want to claim a mate bond with a deficient wolf such as her. Or so she thinks. So instead she has spent her life concentrating on science and how to end the dragon species, the drugs they peddle and the war they brought with them.

Dougal has spent the last sixteen years at war on the front lines. He’s a leader and a very proficient killer. He has no intention of ever mating. Just another decade and he should be well past the mating age. Or so he thinks. Too bad someone forgot to tell him that’s not how mating works. When you’re confronted with that one fated mate all things change. Protective instincts reign. The heat of mating rules and this is one alpha male that won’t be getting a pass on the mating dance.

Put these two together on a mission to discover how to rid the world of dragon eggs and the sparks start to fly. There will be betrayal, sacrifices, hot and squirmy spankings and a whole lot of healing going on. Welcome to The Dragon Wars. Eternal is a nice second addition to the series. If you have a chance pick up the first in the series, Forever. The third, Always can be found in the Romancing the Wolf anthology. This is one series I definitely recommend. I received a copy of this book via Candid Book Reviews in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Jeanéva Christie.
Author 2 books111 followers
July 26, 2015
Mating is forever, accepted or not

As she always does Rebecca Royce delivers a great story whether it’s full length or a short novella like Forever. Forever is the beginning story in The Dragon Wars series. I’ll let you in on a few secrets that you may not glean from the story. The Dragon Wars series takes place on a planet where werewolves and sentient dragons are the predominant races and they are at war. Devin the hero of this novella has been gone fifteen years, ten years fighting in the war and the last five years in a dragon prison. He’s come home wounded and battle scarred. Worse yet he has lost touch with his wolf. He can’t shift. He can’t heal. Hell Devin can’t even smell properly. How the hell was he supposed to scent his mate when she came calling?

Lena had known Devin was her mate since she was seven years old when he shipped off to the dragon wars. She’s waited all this time for him and now he’s back home. Only one little problem… Devin doesn’t realize she’s his mate. Life looms dreary and lonely for Lena with a one sided mating. She has her hands full already dealing with a declining father and supporting her family. She works way too hard and the one joy she should have in life is being denied her. So Lena grasps life by the balls and decides she’s going to get whatever she can from it… namely she’s going to seduce her mate.

This was an entertaining short read and definitely a great start to the series. I’m looking forward to reading the next in the series. This book was given to me in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Rochelle.
3,462 reviews56 followers
June 28, 2015
*I was given this ARC by the author for a honest review*


Devin Owen came back from the Dragon Wars a changed Werewolf. His broken, lost his wolf side as much of his desire to live. He spends most of his life doped up for the pain from his injured leg. Lena Knox knew the moment she met Devin all those years ago that he was her mate. His come back from war a different man but she wants her mate. Devin denies her and she's shattered. Weeks go by without seeing each other and he feels guilty for how it ended, so he offers to fix things around her house. But Lena has a offer of her own. Things run smoothly for abit until the outside world interferes and changes everything!


I really enjoyed this short story. The storyline is an interesting and unusual combination of wolves and dragons. I loved the characters, Devin and Lena. They had their share of problems and hard times but they were both tough and get through it. Devin and Lena share a strong sexual attraction which comes across perfectly and Devin needs a little nudge to get things flowing but they get there eventually. A nice easy read and easy to follow. I liked the fact that the author concentrated on the post traumatic stress disorder and how it can affect the men/woman who have experienced something traumatic in their lives. As this is the introduction to a new series and it gives you a basic idea of the war I think it would have made a much better book 2 or 3. Saying that I still really enjoyed it!
Profile Image for D Thomas.
652 reviews34 followers
June 29, 2015
Forever (Dragon Wars, #1)

by Rebecca Royce

Forever is a great start to the Dragon Wars series.

This is a short story about Devin and Lena.

Devin has returned injured from the war. He can't feel his wolf anymore, so his senses are not working as well as they should be. His leg is still messed up because he can't shift. He just wishes they would have left him in the Dragon prison.

Lena is trying to hold things together at home. She has been praying that Devin would come back and now he is here. She has known since she was young that Devin is her mate, but he rejects her. It is almost unheard of for one wolf to feel the bond and not the other. Now she will have to face a future alone.

Then the dragons come to Lena and Devin's town. This is the first time they have come and they are aiming for Lena.

*ARC given for an honest review*
Profile Image for Jessica Mitchell.
2,051 reviews20 followers
July 15, 2015
A story of a wounded wolf and a mate he doesn't know he has waiting for him. Devin is a wounded hero of the Dragon Wars. Nothing matters to him anymore. Since he lost something for more important then his sense of smell. Lena just knows it's him. But making him believe is another whole matter.
Profile Image for Jessica Mitchell.
2,051 reviews20 followers
July 17, 2015
A very tear jerking story about a werewolf who thinks he is nothing but a soldier, made to protect the front lines of the war with dragons. Till he meets her. Loved it and waiting for more of this series.
Profile Image for Jennifer G.
2,882 reviews54 followers
February 8, 2018
Lena Knox has known since she was 7 that Devin was her mate. She was too young for him to even notice her then. He was sent to the Dragon War before Lena came of age and she's waited for him for 15 years. When he does return, he's a broken man. He doesn't recognize her as mate but Lena pursues him anyway and they do become friends and lovers. When Lena finally accepts that Devin will never recognize her as his mate, she ends everything between them, upsetting them both, and when her life is at risk Devin realizes just what she means to him.

This is a creative novella set on a planet with warring Dragons and werewolves. Lena is a determined, strong woman. My heart broke for her over her disappointment with Devin's rejections and again when her final hope was dashed. I was angry with Devin for his hurtful words aimed at Lena but it was hard to stay mad at him. With his physical scars and his PTSD, he was struggling so. I just wanted him to trust her enough to believe her. I knew she had the power to heal him.

Although this is a short read, it is effective, emotional. It demonstrates the damages of war including multiple characters that were left broken and desperately trying to find an escape or a reason to hang on. This novella is part of the Dragon Wars series but can be read as a stand-alone with no cliffhanger.
Profile Image for Kathleen Bruce.
259 reviews7 followers
January 22, 2018
A nice short read to introduce us to the Dragon Wars series where Dragons and Werewolves have been fighting a long hard war and humans no longer exist (im guessing the dragons killed us all?)

But this novella is about Devin and Lena. Devin is a wolf who has come back from the war, changed, injured and unable to feel his wolf. Lena is a young wolf who has known Devin was her mate since a young wolf but unable to do anything as he went to war.

When she confronts him with the fact that he's her mate he tells he he can't scent her as his mate. Why would she want a broken down wolf like him who can't shift. But yet there is still a connection. I really liked tbis introduction and i can't wait to read tbe rest of this series!
Profile Image for Sydney Hopke.
1,382 reviews18 followers
February 1, 2018
A short story that was a good to read. Lena has always known that Devin was her mate but she was a bit young when she first realized and then he went off to fight in the dragon wars. When Devin returned home he was different, he didn't have his wolf and since he couldn't shift he couldn't heal what was done to him. Lena tries to get him to realize their mates but finally steps away but when the dragons come Devin has to find strength in him.

A bit too short for my liking but you do get a good story. The author did a good job telling Devin's story and Lena is so sweet, just what he needs. It'll be interesting to find out what happens now that the dragons are there. I received a copy under no obligation
633 reviews3 followers
October 29, 2017
What a great start to this series! So much passion and action and romance! Everyone loves a second chance romance, even if the first chance in this case was when one of them was only seven years old. I guess, when you know, you know. She just had to wait for the right time, and for her mate to actually recognize her as his. If this book is any indication of the rest of the series, we’re in for a real treat. This book was impassioned and insightful, romantic and intriguing, sensual and exciting, and absolutely riveting. I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a sweet and sexy read.

*I was given a copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for SJ.
2,411 reviews15 followers
June 30, 2017
I received a free copy of this book and I voluntarily decided to review it

Devin came back from dragon war after 15 years a changed wolf. After 10 years fighting and 5 years captive he is broken and scarred and unable to shift. Lena was just 7 when he went off to war but even then she knew he was her mate. Unfortunately, due to Devins missing wolf, he does not believe that they are fated mates.

A beautiful romantic shifter story, well written with great characters and a fabulous storyline, I really enjoyed this story and highly recommend
Profile Image for Pam Louis.
1,722 reviews7 followers
November 29, 2017
Devin Owens is a wolf shifter who has been in the dragon wars. It changed him, he lost the will to live and he lost his wolf.

Lena knoxs was the little girl next door. She knew he was her mate at a young age. Sadly be didn't see her as his mate even when he came home from the war.
Now what's a girl to do.
Lots of spice in this one along with drama and action. It was s fun read and I didn't want it to end. Shifter fans will love this one.
Voluntarily reviewed a copy and I honestly loved it.
Profile Image for Patty.
254 reviews
October 19, 2017
What an epic start to a series! Rebecca has an amazing talent with her character builds that draw you in and connect you with them. You cannot help but feel everything as they face their demons and heartaches. This world of wolves warring with dragons is intriguing. I am so looking forward to the next book
Profile Image for Anna.
838 reviews
November 9, 2017
Devin has been through a tremendous amount and unfortunately that has changed him. He's so disconnected from his wolf. Broken and Scarred. Lena has known since she was a girl that Devin was her mate. Now that she's finally got him back in her life, she's not going to let him go. This was a short but good story. Good intro into this series.
21 reviews
August 13, 2015
Eternal by Rebecca Royce
The war against the dragons has been going on for nearly 2 decades, and there are Werewolves at the front that’ve been fighting since it began. Dougal Owen is one of those Werewolves. Facing dragons was nothing new to him. He woke up, killed dragons, and went to bed, only to wake up the next day and to the same again. He was exhausted and without hope of a life beyond this one, but he fought for his home, for the women who were left behind.

There is a war going on at home, too. A war against a drug that is severely addictive and taking over the lives of many left at home, including the veterans who return from the front. The drug was studied, and they found it was made from a substance from destroyed dragon eggs. They had to find a different way of destroying the eggs, and one scientist had to figure out how.

Caitlyn Knox was the scientist for the job. But when she showed up on the front line to outline her plan, she never expected to encounter Dougal Owen. She’d been young when she knew him, certain in those younger years that if she mated, it would be with him. So when she encounters him at the front line of the war, she is more than surprised. She is overwhelmed with her reaction to him. But she’s come for a purpose.

They set off to find the answers Caitlyn needs, but an accident, and a dragon attack, puts her life in danger. Dougal fights for her and in the process discovers she is his mate. His reaction is to want her out of danger, but they still had a job to do. And in the process Dougal realizes his mate’s safety is question. He sends her into hiding, hoping to find her again one day.

Then Dougal is captured by the dragons and the future isn’t so certain. He’s certain he won’t live through the torture he faces. His only comfort is that his mate is safe.

Meanwhile Caitlyn is facing struggles of her own. Devastated when she hears the front line has been decimated, she returns to working on her original goal. To find a way to burn the eggs and leave nothing of them left to make the drug out of.

Can there be a future for Caitlyn and Dougal when it seems their worlds is coming to an end?

Review

Eternal is Book Two in The Dragon Wars series. Longer than the first book (Forever), it is still a short read. It can be read as part of the series, but also works as a stand-alone read. It’s set on the front line of a war that’s gone on too long.

The characters are complex and well-written, the storyline adventurous and captivating. I enjoyed seeing the progression of the relationship between the two main characters from the beginning, which was all business with some attraction developing, to the realization of Dougal that Caitlyn is his mate. Dougal is an admirable character, an accomplished warrior who is gallant and still has a bit of a soft side, even after all he’s been through. Caitlyn is strong and capable, a likely heroine who is ready to face reality, whatever it is.

I found the actions and information about the dragons fascinating. Learning they have a weakness made me hopeful for the eventual end of the war, though it seems a long way off.

The only thing I would have liked to see that Royce doesn’t describe is more detail on Caitlyn and Dougal’s time on the island. As a reader it didn’t bother me too much, though.

Eternal is another incredible read from Rebecca Royce. Her storytelling is brilliant, and her descriptions bring her characters and the setting to life.

I enjoyed this story as much as the first. If you’re looking for a short read and adventure and romance are your thing, pick up Eternal. You won’t be sorry.

I was given this book in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for K.H. LeMoyne.
Author 21 books106 followers
April 15, 2013
FOREVER : The Dragon Wars by Rebecca Royce

Novella: 52 pgs, 17510 words

In a future where humans are almost extinct, werewolves fight to retain their meager hold on their lands against the dragons who rule the skies. War is the inevitable outcome of this world. And the war’s backdrop, and the hardship to werewolf families and warriors, is painted through the eyes of a damaged fifteen-year veteran, Devin Owen. Rescued after five years in Dragon prison, he is finally home and unprepared to deal with freedom.

Lena Knox is the werewolf next door. Well, not exactly. She lives across the street. But several years younger than Devin, she’s watched him, knowing him to be her mate. Not that the Owen brother of her heart has had a chance to notice her. Until now. Lena didn’t waste the interim years on superficial flings and adventure. Providing for her aging parent’s welfare and hoping Devin will come home from the wars has taken every spare moment. Now that is about to change—she hopes.

This is a short novella, but what I liked about it was that it offers a good snap shot of the magical world. The focus understandably on Devin, what happened to him during the war, and what he struggles with upon his return. We get the pieces of the dragon war that are relevant here, not a dump of the entire circumstance. Just enough is presented to keep us wondering how this came to be.

In the development of the relationship, Lena is certain of Devin’s role as her mate, but she reacts in a mature, if heartbreaking manner, when he offers no returned assurances. She’s a strong young woman. She has waited for years for the one man who was destined for her and she’s worked her butt off in the meantime. She can make hard choices for herself and she retains her compassion and loyalty even during the hardest of times. The romance begins with a sexual spark, but friendship, mutual support, and love develop without the crutch of ‘mating lust’, which made for a great tale.

What I liked: The characters, the intrigue of what happened to bring these two people together, how strong they both are in spirit and will. I really enjoyed Devin. Who wouldn’t love a soldier who has given his all and still struggles to find a way to give more. I also rooted for Lena to find a way to heal the broken parts of Devin so they could have the joy they both deserved.

What I didn’t like: I’m realistic, a short novella isn’t going to build the whole world or lay down huge descriptions. This was a teaser intro story for a new series. And it worked. I enjoyed FOREVER, Dragon Wars enough that I’m going to wait for the next, hopefully full book, in this series. I also hope we see more of Devin and Lena.

Rebecca Royce is a new author for me and I have to say that I enjoyed this book and appreciated the opportunity to read it for review.

So final check:

Fantasy – Yes, an interesting world with plenty more to look forward to.

Great characters – Yes, Devin is an honorable warrior ready for dragon battle round two. Lena is strong enough in loyalty, bravery, and determination to match him.

Romance – Refreshingly, it was not overdone in the sex department. Just enough sensual and sexual excitement, with a nicely developed bond to make this outcome believable.
Profile Image for Jessie Collins.
222 reviews3 followers
July 28, 2015
2nd story in the Dragon Wars series, Eternal is the story of survival and true love. Caitlyn Moore Knox is a “Knox girl”, survivor of a horrible accident when she was young that left more than just physical scars. Dougal Owen is a soldier, a survivor of the Dragon Wars for over 20 years, and Caitlyn’s mate. Only they don’t know it, can’t believe it and try to push thought of mating out their minds. Because both are deeply scarred and think this is not happening to me, not on the front lines! Caitlyn is a scientist sent to the front lines to get intel on dragon eggs, hopefully the kind that can be used to keep them from hatching. Dougal is one of the ranking soldiers sent to protect her. Both wolves have a hard time adjusting to and realizing they are mates, while trying to stay alive long enough to return home. But mating can’t be denied ….

The story develops well with enough background keep it interesting. The characters are believable, realistic and fit within the story. This is a short story that could easily have been fleshed out into a full novella or even a novel with twists and turns. The series is one of the horrors of war where the real heroes rise to the top. If they are sexy beasts are hell bent on mating while it’s all happening, makes for a good story!

I was given a copy for an honest review.


Merged review:

2nd story in the Dragon Wars series, Eternal is the story of survival and true love. Caitlyn Moore Knox is a “Knox girl”, survivor of a horrible accident when she was young that left more than just physical scars. Dougal Owen is a soldier, a survivor of the Dragon Wars for over 20 years, and Caitlyn’s mate. Only they don’t know it, can’t believe it and try to push thought of mating out their minds. Because both are deeply scarred and think this is not happening to me, not on the front lines! Caitlyn is a scientist sent to the front lines to get intel on dragon eggs, hopefully the kind that can be used to keep them from hatching. Dougal is one of the ranking soldiers sent to protect her. Both wolves have a hard time adjusting to and realizing they are mates, while trying to stay alive long enough to return home. But mating can’t be denied ….

The story develops well with enough background keep it interesting. The characters are believable, realistic and fit within the story. This is a short story that could easily have been fleshed out into a full novella or even a novel with twists and turns. The series is one of the horrors of war where the real heroes rise to the top. If they are sexy beasts are hell bent on mating while it’s all happening, makes for a good story!

I was given a copy for an honest review.
405 reviews16 followers
July 4, 2016
EternalRebecca Royce

Reviewed by SFF Dragon

A hero who will do anything to protect his mate and a heroine who can turn the tide of the war. I couldn't put it down.

'Eternal' is the second book in the Dragon Wars series by Rebecca Royce and I was given this copy by the author in exchange for an honest review. According to the time to read thingy on my Kindle, it took me about four and a half hours to read it. It grabbed me on the first page and didn't let go until I got to the end.

Like the first book, 'Forever', it is set in a future hundreds of years from now, when humans would be considered mythological if not for the technology they left behind. Beginning a year after the events in book 1, 'Eternal' is a compelling paranormal romance set in the heart of the Dragon Wars and begins on the front lines with werewolf commander Dougal Owens and his mate, scientist Caitlyn Knox going on a mission to the island the Dragon Queen uses as her nest. Things go wrong from the beginning and although they mate quite early in the book, they are separated very quickly, Dougal staying on the front line whilst Caitlyn returns to her lab with what they found in order to develop a weapon they can use against the Dragons. The HEA they eventually get is mostly surrounded by torture, loss, pain and sorrow. But there is a little bit of joy in the mix.

There are a lot of surprises in this story, some good but some very bad and you need to put your squeamish head away before you read it. There are scenes which made me cry for the characters, and there's very little in the way of humour, but it deals with the realities of war and I couldn't put it down. Characters from the first book, 'Forever', play a part in the story when Caitlyn goes home to Springdale, but you won't feel like you've missed anything if you haven't read it. I really liked Breezy and could have wished he got something better than he did, but Brett got exactly what he deserved. This is not a touchy feely romance, but there is a lot of action and a couple of steamy bits. Although it is part of a series, there are no cliff-hangers, but there is an opening for the next book. This book can be read as a stand alone and I would highly recommend giving this series a read. If you like it and want to read more, 'Always', book 3 in the series is part of the 'Romancing the Wolf' Anthology that is also being released today (30th June) and I'm really looking forward to reading it.
Profile Image for Jody.
2,090 reviews61 followers
April 10, 2013
It's said that good things come in small packages and that's exactly my feelings in regards to this new novella by Rebecca Royce. Forever: The Dragon Wars is a fast-paced story with lots of action taking place. There's emotional struggles, issues of PTSD, and an unique paranormal battle raging between werewolves and dragons that's decimating the werewolf community.

Devin has returned home after years in captivity a damaged man, both physically and mentally. Years of torture have left him with scars inside and out that he's having difficulty healing. If only he were able to shift into his wolf form, then he'd not feel so broken and lost. The war has taken that ability from him though and he has no idea how to get it back. I ached for everything he'd been through. War didn't make him feel like a hero, it robbed him of his life. To see someone so strong brought so low makes you wonder if the real cost of war is worth it. His fateful meeting of neighbor Lena is just what he needs though to heal him even though he fights the attraction every step of the way. It's not until Lena's life is put in jeopardy that he realizes what she truly means to him. The man took his sweet time realizing it, but the wolf wastes no time in claiming what's his.

Lena may be young but she's an admirable heroine. She's hardworking and loyal as the rest of her family deteriorates from old age and drugs. She's known from a young age that Devin was her mate and has waited patiently for him to come home. He's not the same man she once knew, and even though he denies what she knows to be true, sets out to help him heal as any proper mate would do. Their relationship starts out as friends where he helps her fix up her home but soon morphs into more. She's tired of remaining pure and Devin is more than happy to give her what they both want in numerous steamy encounters.

Lena and Devin are a great couple despite their big age difference. She's very mature for her age as she deals with adult issues on her own. Devin needs the sunshine and unconditional loyalty she bequeaths him and it's her inner strength that feeds his and allows his wolf to return in the nick of time. The ending is a bit abrupt though no less satisfying. This is an entertaining start to what I presume to be a new series. The paranormal elements are intriguing and I look forward to digging deeper into this long fought war. Ms. Royce has once again created a satisfying story that nicely balances romance and action.
Profile Image for Jennifer G.
2,882 reviews54 followers
February 10, 2018
Dougal Owens has been on the Dragon War frontline for 16 years. It's now the only life he knows. Caitlyn Knox is a scientist working to assist the soldiers to discover a way to destroy the dragon eggs so that the Queen doesn't have access to replaceable soldiers for her army and limit her ability to use the dangerous fluid in the eggs. Burning the eggs is the answer but only so much can be determined in a lab. Caitlyn has come to the frontline to research the actual eggs. Caitlyn has known since she was a small girl that Dougal is her mate but he has never recognized her. She doesn't find this as surprising since she is disfigured from a childhood explosion. She's a defective werewolf that doesn't heal with the shift. No man will ever recognize her as a mate. She's wrong. Dougal doesn't recognize her as mate immediately but he knows he feels something new and different for her. It doesn't take him long to realize who Caitlyn is to him and what he wants. A mating won't work on the frontline, it's a dangerous place. And once the dragons realize that there's something special about Caitlyn she's in even more danger. Dougal will do whatever it takes to keep her safe.

The soldier and the scientist. The realities of war again come into play in Eternal. For each brief moment of happiness, there are 10 more of danger, pain, torture, and heartache. There are some steamy scenes and a true connection between Dougal and Caitlyn but there's no time for romance. This is not a candy and flowers series! Caitlyn is a strong, pragmatic, brilliant woman who expects no happiness in her personal life. Her self-worth is diminished by her perceived flawed appearance. Dougal is so worn down by the war that his hopes for happiness and family are also long gone. These two coming together is lovely. Their imperfections separately make them perfect for one another. Even though they only have 48 hours together, you know that it's a forever bond.

There are surprises along the way. Dougal and Caitlyn both step up as heroes. Breezy is an interesting character and I hated the outcome there although it was to be expected. Although this is part of a series, there is no cliff-hanger and can be read as a stand-alone. There is also a shocking revelation at the end that sets up the next book. I think it will be a good one.
86 reviews
June 26, 2015
'Forever' is the first in a new series by Rebecca Royce entitled 'The Dragon Wars.' Like her 'Fallen Alpha' series she has chosen the first book to be a very short novella while the follow up book 'Eternal' is supposed to be longer. At only 48 pages (Amazon lists it at 56 pages but my epub version was 48) it didn't take me that long to read. But at least it is priced accordingly.

I have read some very short stories by authors that are selling for $2.99 so I thought $0.99 was very reasonable for the length of this book. I know the author has nothing to do with the pricing, it is the publishing companies that set it, but sometimes the price of such a short story keeps me from purchasing it to begin with. I will admit I have gotten much more selective in my book purchases the last few years and now I usually look at how many pages the book contains for the price being asked before I will even consider buying the book. I was glad the publishers weren't greedy for this one and offered it at a much more fair price.

Devin Owen has recently returned from 15 years away fighting in the Dragon Wars. Lena Knox is his neighbor across the street who has known since she was 7 years old that he is her mate. Devin has lost touch with his wolf though and so he cannot smell her as his mate. He doesn't feel worthy of her and he tries to push her away. Things get pretty hot and heavy after that and the sex scenes sizzle. But honestly there isn't much else in the book then that.

Such short novellas by Rebecca Royce have not proven to be my favorite because of that yet the follow-up longer books have always contained much more character and world building. The author is at her strongest when she is able to take the time to really get into the world's she creates.

I would consider this a stand alone book since there really isn't much in it that you feel you would miss if you were to read any of the others in the series first. So if you have 99 cents to spare and you just want a short quick enjoyable read with a few smoking sex scenes thrown in, this is the book for you.

*I was given a complimentary copy of this book by the author to read for a fair and honest review.
405 reviews16 followers
June 30, 2015
ForeverRebecca Royce

Reviewed by SFF Dragon

A compelling paranormal romance with a broken hero and a heroine who will do almost anything to get her mate. I couldn't put it down.

'Forever' is the first book in the Dragon Wars series by Rebecca Royce and I was given this copy by the author in exchange for an honest review. According to the time to read thingy on my Kindle, it took me a total of about three and half hours to read. I don't think I moved at all during that time, I was so engrossed in the story.

I really got grabbed by this paranormal romance set hundreds of years in the future at a point in time when there are only two high level sentient species, Dragons and Werewolves, left on Earth, and Humans would be seen in the same light as Unicorns if not for all the things they left behind as evidence of their existence.

This action packed novella is the tale of wounded and scarred 15 year veteran of the Dragon Wars, 40 year-old werewolf, Devin Owens and his mate, 22 year-old Lena Knox, who has known since she was 7 years old that Devin was her mate. Lena has waited for Devin to come home from the war and when he does, he has no idea that she is his mate. His wolf is no longer working, so his sense of smell is gone. It takes some drastic action on Lena's part to try to jolt him back into living instead of drinking and taking painkillers so he can sleep through the pain of his injuries.

There is a lot of action and steam in this story, and they do get their HEA in the end, but there is little in the way of lightness or humour and hope seems to have taken a vacation as well until the end of the book, but it is compelling reading which explores the effects of war that leaves people broken and desperately trying to find something to hold on to. This book is part of a series, but can be read as a stand alone. There are no cliff-hangers here, but the thread is open for the next book. I couldn't put it down and would highly recommend it to anyone.
Profile Image for Linda Levine.
4,644 reviews25 followers
July 1, 2015
Dougal is a wolf shifter and has been fighting the dragons for many years and has stopped even contacting his family. The battles are taking all of his energy. Caitlyn was a young girl and a neighbor when he left for war. He is shocked to find her volunteering to come to the battlefield to do scientific research. He is very protective of her and has to put his experience into keeping them both safe and alive from the threats that surround them.

The first book featuring Dougal's younger brother and Caitlyn's younger sister. This book takes place a year or so later. The wolves are still fighting for survival against the dragons. Their eggs produce fully grown dragons so much focus has been on destroying them. The drug abuse among the wolves is still prevalent as well. You don't have to read the first book Forever to understand but I do recommend you do so. It gives you more of a background and understanding of what is going on at home that would motivate Caitlyn to take this kind of risk.

Dougal is a very protective of both the men under his command and the woman who attracts his attention so quickly. He wants to keep her safe at all costs. Caitlyn was the victim of a fire as a child and is scarred. The scar has created internal scars as well. She has been made to feel that she will never attract a man of her own and even her mate would run from her. It is a major motivator for why she is willing to risk her life. It is sad to see her with so low self-esteem and you root for Dougal to be be able to show her that the scar is only as powerful as she makes it. I thought they were a great couple. They could provide each other with the emotional support they needed and had an amazing chemistry.

I received a copy from the author in return for a honest review.
21 reviews
August 13, 2015
Forever by Rebecca Royce
The werewolves are giving their all fighting in the Dragon Wars, and everyone’s paying the price. No one knows that more than Devin Owen—a rescued POW whose war wounds run deep. So when Lena Knox wakes him up to her alluring presence, no one is more surprised than Devin at his very visceral response.

Lena was young when Devin left for the war, but even in her youth she’d known Devin was her mate. So she waited for him. Even when most Werewolves would have been enjoying their sexuality, she waited. But when she confronts him with the truth, he pushes her away. Neither know how to repair that breach.

It is a proposition born of desperation that delivers the two into one another’s arms, and begins a secret affair that brings Devin more than he realizes and tears Lena up more than she can bear.

But all-too-soon the war comes to them, and the truth of their lives becomes apparent in a single moment of heroism Devin thought he was too broken to accomplish.

Review

Forever is an incredible journey into the lives of Devin and Lena. Rebecca Royce does a great job creating carefully complex characters in a believable world. Devin is a great character. His war wounds, and his memories, are powerful and make him a compelling hero in the story. Lena’s utter belief in him, and the struggles she face in their relationship, lend her a strength of character that is admirable.

I was sad about the direction I saw the story going, but was caught completely off guard by the end.

I love this story! It’s a short read, but fulfilling, and something to savor. If you like character driven adventures, you’ll enjoy this one!

I was given this book in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Liza O'Connor.
Author 58 books92 followers
March 19, 2013
Rebecca Royce begins the Dragon Wars series with the story Forever. Lena and Devin are werewolves, and she has loved him since she was seven years old and realized he was her mate. However, she was so young Devin could not smell her yet. Soon after, he went off to war against the dragons. For ten years he fought them, then five years he spent as a prisoner in their jails. When he returned, he was a forty-year-old broken werewolf who’d lost his wolf and sense of smell. Lena was a lovely young female werewolf now in her early twenties.

Lena had stayed true to Devin during his time away, expecting when he returned, he would discover what she already knew, they were meant for each other.

Unfortunately, without his wolf’s sense of smell, Devin continues to insist they aren’t mates. For Lena this means she is destined to remain unmated and in poverty for her entire life. Wanting a moment of happiness before her destined life of misery begins, she offers herself to him as a simple night’s pleasure.

You’ll have to read the book to find out what happens, but I will say the bedroom scenes, and the outdoor scene are hot and sensual. However, getting to a happy-ending won’t be easy and they both nearly die in process.

As always, Rebecca creates a world of three-dimensional characters that will find their way into your heart. Her dramatic, nerve-wrecking ending is perfection. You can read this in a couple of hours, which is a good thing, because you won’t be able to put it down.
This is a great first novella for an exciting new series. I cannot wait for more of the Dragon War stories.
Profile Image for Rochelle.
3,462 reviews56 followers
June 30, 2015
*I was given this ARC by the author for a honest review*


Dougal Owens has been at war with the dragons for sixteen years. The last thing he expects on the frontline is his mate.
Caitlyn Knox is a scientist who wants to help with the war. So she's joined the frontline to try to get a dragon egg for research.
Caitlyn has known for sixteen years that Dougal is her mate but she knows she is unmatable. Genetically flawed. But when she sees Dougal she wishes things could have been different. Little does she know his not worried about any of that, he thinks his the one that is unworthy but he still isn't willing to give up his mate.
Their mating is short lived as they have to get back to the problem at hand, little do they know there's more than one problem. Caitlyn and Dougal have been seperated by the war but they fight for love and hope and perhaps a future. Will they find each other again or will the dragons destroy all hope!


This was a very enjoyable read. It was creative, exciting and full of action. I liked that it was different to the average shifter book and the HEA was a little ragged. There were also a few twists that weren't expected and it added to the intrigue of the story. The characters, Dougal and Caitlyn were so sweet and I truly loved them. They had such a hard time and you really felt for them. I had to bring out the tissues a few times. This book is much more involved in the dragon wars than book 1, but I did enjoy the portrayal of both sides of the war and how it was defined. There were some grammatical errors and parts that were a little repetitive but overall still a great book!
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