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Lochguard Highland Dragons #8

The Dragon Collective

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Over the last ten years Lachlan MacKintosh has kept his sobriety through hard work, focus, and strict routines. Then he meets one dragonwoman a year prior, a woman with easy smiles and humor, and he starts to wonder if his routines are enough. When he’s assigned a major project on Lochguard, one to bring together human and dragon artists, he’s forced to live with the dragon-shifters and work with the woman who caught his eye all those months ago. He tries to resist her, knowing temptation could be his downfall. But instead he falls more under her charm with each passing day, making him wonder if he’s strong enough to overcome his demons so he can have her.

Despite Cat MacAllister’s never-ending schedule of helping her family, art is her true passion and so when she’s asked to help with a major human-dragon art collective, she jumps at the chance. The only downside is the human male in charge—he’s the one she met the year before and has been constantly sketching ever since. She attempts to keep their relationship professional, but soon she asks him to kiss her and it changes her life forever.

As the pair try to figure out if they fit together, they not only have to face Lachlan’s past but a new threat emerges before the start of the art project. Will they find a way to stay together, or will Lachlan have to give up everything to protect those he cares about?

360 pages, Paperback

First published May 20, 2021

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About the author

Jessie Donovan

125 books1,267 followers
Jessie Donovan has sold over half a million books, has given away hundreds of thousands more to readers for free, and has even hit the NY Times and USA Today bestseller lists. She is best known for her dragon-shifter series, but also writes about magic users, aliens, and even has a crazy romantic comedy series set in Scotland. When not reading a book, attempting to tame her yard, or traipsing around some foreign country on a shoestring, she can often be found interacting with her readers on Facebook. She lives near Seattle, where, yes, it rains a lot but it also makes everything green.

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5 stars
372 (65%)
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138 (24%)
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49 (8%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
Profile Image for Sheila.
560 reviews10 followers
May 21, 2021
Dragon Collective
Lachlan MacKintosh is the Events Coordinator for the DDA, Department of Dragon Affairs. He has come to Lochgard to consult with Cat MacAllister. Cat is an artist, she paints, helps out in her Mom’s restaurant and helps with her siblings. Lachlan and Cat have planned a month-long Art Project tentatively call the Dragon Collective involving humans and dragon-shifters.
They had met the year before at an art exhibit. Each intrigued with each other but Cat has many responsibilities at home and Lachlan is human and a DDA employee. Lachlan is a man that has secrets. He adheres to a schedule and likes punctuality. He has arrived two months before the Collective to get a feel for Lochgard, and learn more about Dragons. He will be giving tours and lectures while living with Dragon Shifters.
Cat has been dreaming of Lachlan and painting him ever since she met him. She wonders if he could be her true-mate. Male dragons know if they meet their true-mate. Female dragons do not. If they kiss, she would know as that would set off a Mating Frenzy. That cannot be allowed to happen with all the work they must do to set up the Collective and arrange for housing.
Lachlan cannot risk losing his job with the DDA. This job helped him when he had nothing. Cat can think of only Lachlan, could she live with a human? What about the Collective? Will Lachlan tell her his secret?
This was a good book, I love the Scottish Dragons and seeing Lochgard again. There is some intrigue with Aimee and Connor. Then there is Cat’s Sylvia’s secret. There is ALWAYS something exciting going on at Lochgard! Stay tuned.
3,543 reviews
May 20, 2021
This was another simply wonderful read, held me captivated from start to finish
Lachlan Mackintosh has stayed sober for over ten years and this is quite the achievement, to accomplish this he has had to keep up a strict regime where he adheres to the schedules, he has set up for himself with the assistance of those around him.
I do not want to give too much away about the story and spoil the read for others so the fact that his meeting of a dragonwoman who is a balm to his soul, he begins to wonder if perhaps there actually he needs more to fulfil both himself and his life and the assigned project on Lochguard which is extremely important in bringing human and dragon men and women together.
When he once again come across the dragonwoman he met all those months ago and they are having to live together in close proximity where they are being watched by those around them and the tension and the expectations are high and this of course causes a great deal of pressure.
Lachlan and Cat MacAllisterfind that the more time they spend together in each other’s company the more he finds himself falling under her spell and he starts to contemplate a life without her in it and this is not acceptable but I will not say more as I do not want to give away the story conclusion.
You will love this read and will be like myself and look forward to reading the final book in this wonderful series.
I voluntarily received and review an Advanced Reader Copy
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and look forward to reading any future publications; keep up all the great writing.
Profile Image for Lacrymosa Quiñones.
768 reviews11 followers
May 25, 2021
Finally Cat and Lachlan!

Okay so a lot happened in this story and I gotta get my thoughts in order. First this: it was nicely paced not too rushed but not exactly a slow burn. Second I enjoyed the heck out of the characters more than I thought I would have and the hints of other couples to come!

Character breakdown:

Cat: I adored her! She was stern, funny and stubborn. And the way she handled her siblings and her mother was good to see. I especially liked how understanding she was with Lachlan and how well she handled people. She was better than I expected.

Lachlan: I did not think a more stubborn man existed than a dragon shifter apparently Lachlan proved me wrong! Despite his brooding I loved he’s sense of humor and how well fleshed out he was from his broken childhood. He was an interesting one indeed!

Favorite quote: “He moved away a few inches and murmured, "I'm rather fond of your temper. The last time it flared, we ended up in bed, and I had marks down my back." "And as I recall, you didn't mind them." "Not one bit."


So I definitely saw a lot of hints about future couples here but none is more surprising than what I am thinking the author might have about Sarah. I’m keeping that theory to myself for now. I cannot wait how things will go for Cat’s mom and her in laws… if you catch my drift lol.
Profile Image for Sabrina.
1,695 reviews124 followers
January 2, 2024
I love diving back into this world. It's always such a fun one to revisit. The dragon shifter world just keeps getting bigger. In this latest book, we are back in Lochguard with Cat and Lachlan. They are asked to work together to put together a human and dragon art collective in the hopes of of furthering bringing better relations between humans and dragon shifters. Cat and Lachlan meet a year earlier and ever since then she can't stop thinking about the human male. Though she tries to keep their relationship professional, she can't help but wonder if he is her true mate. Meanwhile, Lachlan is going ten years sober. His past was rough and every day he works hard to keep in control and never slip back into the worst version of himself. But when he is around Cat, all he wants to do is be the best version of himself, if that is even possible. And thanks to Cat believing in him, he feels that maybe he can be happy for once and his future may not be so lonely after all. Cat and Lachlan are such opposites. Cat is this outgoing people person and artist who wears her emotions on her sleeve. Lachlan is this DDA event coordinator who keeps himself in control at all times and relies on his schedules and careful planning. It is a mask to protect himself and those around him, but Cat finds ways to get through to him in the best ways. I loved their dynamic and their story as a whole. I also loved that we had more hints here and there of other potential couples for even more books. Plus! It is also nice to see so many of past couples and characters. Another great one in this series. Looking forward to more!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
3,485 reviews19 followers
May 21, 2021
Lachlan & Cat

She met him before they were scheduled to work together on a dragon/human art gathering. While he was professional to the point of being straight-laced they needed a DDA representative. Not to mention she is drawn to him. The attraction was on both sides which becomes a problem or maybe a chance for a future neither thought they'd have.

As their professional and personal meld, the reader gets to watch the families and couple try to find if they can have a future. Their histories show why they hesitate yet the chemistry is strong. She has a family he would love to have. She loves her family but wants a chance to have her own life without the obligations she's had for so long. Can they have it together?

Not if the bad guys have their way. Danger, families, professional commitments, dragons, and emotions. All come together to make for an exciting story with love and plenty of steam and action. The author has once again created a story fans and new readers alike will not be able to put down.
Profile Image for Linda Levine.
4,649 reviews25 followers
May 28, 2021
Lachlan wants to make up for his past mistakes. He focuses on work and keeps to a strict routine. Cat has had a lot of responsibilities for her family but still finds time for fun. She hasn't been able to get Lachlan off her mind since they met. Working together brings them a chance for happiness if they are willing to take a big risk.

I enjoyed watching their romance grow. The author does not rush the development of the characters or the relationship. You really get to learn their history so you have a good understanding of the choices they make and the fears they face. They have great chemistry from the beginning.

The other members of their families and friends are a big part of the story too. I liked spending time with old favorites from the earlier books. I highly recommend reading all the books in the series to get the most enjoyment.

I am voluntarily reviewing a copy I received.
Profile Image for Jessie Collins.
226 reviews3 followers
May 14, 2021
The Dragon Collective: Lochguard Highland Dragons #8
Jessie Donovan
Dragons, Art, and Artists can they really exist and work in the same place? Lachlan MacKintosh is betting his existence on it. Tapped by the DDA to be the human Leader of this experimental event, he can’t get the female Dragon shifter he met a year ago, out of his mind. Cat MacAllister, said female dragon shifter, has been dealing with her attraction to Lachlan, by sketching him…a lot! While both are greatly attracted, they try very hard to keep it all professional. Until the kiss…then its on! Oh, it would not be a true Jessie Donovan romance unless there was something that happens to shake things up. A threat emerges. Will this threat draw them closer or tear them apart? Only way to find out is to get your own copy of The Dragon Collective and find out for yourself!
I was given an ARC but the Review is my own.
573 reviews6 followers
May 23, 2021
This the next book in the series and each book is getting better and better. This one is about how opposites attract. Lachlan a human that works for the DDA is very serious and Cat a dragon shifter is a painter that is more down to earth. They are thrown together to put together an art show on the clans land but the relevant attraction the feel towards each is put to the test when the mating frenzy is accidentally started. Also the hunters are still around. This is a great story that also has a side story going on. You will get the Lachlan and Cat’s complete story but not the other. Can’t wait to see what Jessie has in store for us next.

I received a copy of this book for a honest review.
Profile Image for Rochelle.
3,455 reviews55 followers
May 25, 2021
Wow, another fantastic read. Again and again this author continues to amaze me with her imaginative storytelling. I loved this book. Everything about this book. The storyline was exciting, dramatic, funny and all round entertaining. From the beginning, the story drew me in and I struggled to put it down till it was finished. Oh the characters, I loved them. They were made for each, however the dragons and their mates/other halves never come together without some drama and emotions. But also some laugh out loud moments. It was so enthralling. Overall a really, really great read. So looking forward to the next book.
8 reviews
October 28, 2022
Good read

I like the series all of them but I'm annoyed because in book 5 The Dragon family Faye announced that her and grant were having twins and it's never been discussed or fixed that she ended up having one daughter instead of twins and books later it still bothers me that now Gina and Fergus are the ones having twins instead when Gina wasn't even pregnant yet her and Fergus were getting ready to start the frenzy when Faye announced it during the family dinner so please fix it ! I enjoyed the books but mistakes like this bother me and I really wanted Faye to have twins !
2,973 reviews3 followers
June 15, 2021
He has a bad past and has issues that forced him 2 change his ways but after many yrs alone and hating himself he changed 2 sum thing he's not versus what he is deep inside. When trouble comes 2 his sis she knows that she has 2 save herself and her 2 sons anyway possible whether her asshole husband likes it or not. When shit hits the fan he will do everything he can 2 keep his mate and daughter safe especially now after the assholes caused more trouble and the DDA didn't do their job like they were supposed 2!!
Profile Image for Mullen Natalie.
313 reviews4 followers
March 22, 2024
The Idea was great. They have a one night stand, she never sees his face but he sees her.
She finds out she is pregnant and has no idea who he was.
The doctors sniff it out. And he gets a surprise of a life time as he gets asked to come to the " dragon hospital" and finds her sitting there and noticed she is with his child.
From that point on the story goes down the drain. He struggles with the situation but gets all mushy all of a sudden.
I do not want to be mean so I rate the book between a 3 and 4.
The beginning of the book was a 5 and ended up in a 0-1 on my scale.
88 reviews
June 1, 2024
Brilliant & compelling Read

Brilliant, Beautiful & powerful story with SO many new characters. This read was just Fabulous! One of Donovan's Top stories for certain!
You really feel for Lachlan and enjoy reading the blossoming romance between him & Cat. Add in some unexpected twists, and huge shocker, and a bunch of Tears! Loved the interactions of Cats family, as well as the friendships, Lachlan, as a human male in a dragon community creates. And the hints of future romances just make you addicted and hungry for MORE!
1 review
June 3, 2021
The Dragon Collective

I absolutely loved this book!! It was nice to have such real human emotions come through. Lachlan was how so many people feel about themselves. The self doubt and the feeling that they don’t deserve happiness. He truly left an impression on me! I love the entire Dragon series! Very well written. Every time I read one of her books, I feel like I’m right there with all of them!! Keep them coming!!!
1,579 reviews10 followers
May 20, 2021
I loved this book!! It was great to see the real Lachlan, he and Cat were perfect for each other!! I hope his sister finds a dragon mate too!! I’m also hoping for Connor & Amiee to get a book. I’d also like to learn more about the American man that got Sylvia pregnant, I hope they get a story, even if it’s just a short one!!
723 reviews2 followers
May 24, 2021
Absolutely Love

I absolutely loved Cat a Lachlan's story, but I loved all of the Stonebridge and Lochguard series. I'm looking forward to the next t one and just wish we didn't have to wait so long. As usual it well written and you're wrapped up in all the characters. I couldn't out it down.
Profile Image for Miranda Beazley.
673 reviews6 followers
May 24, 2021
Cat and Lachlan having met before get along ok right from the start of Lachlan’s time on Lochguard. But Cat is older than her years and Lachlan carries a lot of emotional baggage.

They’re up front honesty right from the start was something I loved about them. They are strong characters and theirs was a story I loved diving into from start to finish.
Profile Image for Frances  Dunning.
678 reviews
May 31, 2021
💜 beautiful

I knew Cat would have a special story. This was so emotional yet beautiful all at the same time. I loved how the spin-off stories were setup leaving you excited for what happens next. Lochguard has been blessed with so many baby girls. The stories to come will keep us entertained for quite sometime.
Profile Image for Leeann Pule.
1,132 reviews2 followers
July 1, 2021
Love is the way

I enjoyed this story of love being the way to heal a person. Lachlan has wanted Cat and vice Versace for a while now. But neither have been willing to make the first move until they have a close encounter and accidentally start a true mate frenzy. Now they need to decide if they can become what they both want even with outside drama.
Profile Image for Serena Nicholls.
349 reviews9 followers
July 23, 2021
Brilliant

This is by far the most intense book in the series and I loved it. It covers more in depth subjects like addiction and handled it really well. The relationship between Lachlan and Cat is great and very well balanced even though its an unusual match with a human male and dragon female.....great loved it but now I have to wait till the next one
Profile Image for Tara Dorough.
1,391 reviews4 followers
January 2, 2025
Cat Finally Gets What She Deserves

The Dragon Collective, Lochguard Highland Dragons book 8 brings back several character favorites from the series. Cat has been forced to grow up quicker than most. She's had responsibilities that no one her age should've had. Finally, it's her turn. She gets to be happy and put first. Great new addition to the series.
1,894 reviews
April 27, 2025
Brilliant Series

The Dragon Collective (Lochguard Highland Dragons Book 8) by Jessie Donovan. Dragon shifter Cat is an artist. Lachlan, from the DDA and is human, is trying to bring together humans and dragons through art. They are drawn to each other and one impulsive kiss starts a mating frenzy. Although this is just the start of their, and Lochguards troubles.
62 reviews
July 1, 2021
Awesome

As always couldn't fault this story. This was the first book I read after my depression and I'm so glad I did. So excited for the dragons to come. So many characters to write about
271 reviews
June 30, 2023
Woot!

Donovan has done it again! Its just a fantastic series and it never gets dull! You fall in love with each couple on their journey and it keeps you wanting to read the next one!
503 reviews
March 16, 2026
Wonderful

What a wonderful story I love the tenacity and strength of cat and how she held such a love for Lachlan for so long not even knowing that it was love and how she brought him out of his protective shell to be the man and father he needed to be
4 reviews1 follower
May 25, 2021
Great read in a great series

Jesse you are a great author I can't hardly wait for your next book. Every book that I have read of yours is great
Profile Image for Jenny.
301 reviews
May 28, 2021
Wow what a great story. I love Lachlan and Cat’s HEA.
4,717 reviews29 followers
June 20, 2021
Likeable characters and a satisfying story. Layered protagonist with some nice character growth.
1,749 reviews
September 25, 2021
Cat & Lachlan

Thoroughly enjoyed Cat & Lachlan's story very much. I love reading a happy ever after story it makes me feel better after a hard day. Thank you for writing this story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews