Genre: Erotic Paranormal Romance Heat Level: 3 Word Count: 18, 500 ISBN: 978-0-3695-1195-9 Editor: Lisa Petrocelli Cover Artist: Jay Aheer

Not a Gift by Jade Marshall

Heat Level 3
$3.99
SKU 978-0-3695-1195-9
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Tales of the Dreggageggon, 3

Malachi never thought he’d return. Torn between duty and desire, he left his childhood love behind, believing he was too dark and too dangerous for her. But after eight long years of fighting for freedom, an accident forces him to return, bringing him back to the one place he swore he’d never go.

Lyrik has lived her life under the shadow of a secret. Not only the love she feels for the only man she can never have but something far darker as well. She fully believes she has moved on with her life until the past returns to reopen old wounds. The pull between her and Malachai remains undeniable, and as their feelings reignite, she realizes that the truth of who she is could change everything.

There are complications that neither of them anticipated, keeping them from finding their happily ever after. Malachai’s ruthless father aims to corrupt his son and force him to claim the power of the Black family. Malachai must decide: Will he follow his father’s dark legacy, or will he rise up and lead in his own way?

Together, can they leave their troubled past behind and forge a future filled with love and fire? Or will the ghosts of their childhoods be too great a force to overcome?



Excerpt:

“Fucking males,” Hailey growls. “I swear there aren’t any good betas left out there.

This is why I called them to join me. For the next two hours, we drink while berating Simon, the dickhead idiot, and all the other men we have collectively dated and dumped. We laugh until we cry, and even though some of them weren’t sure about being here at Dixie’s, we all end up having fun. All my friends are betas and assume I am too. But nothing could be further from the truth. I’m an omega, I’ve just been wearing a suppression patch for years.

“So,” Hailey slurs with a hiccup, already sloppy drunk. “What you need is some dirty, no strings attached sex. I mean real big dick energy.”

I laugh loudly. “Nope. I am done with men for the foreseeable future. I have the worst taste. Besides, you know I don’t sleep around.”

“This isn’t about taste or even sleeping around,” Samantha interrupts. “This is about getting railed by a big, strong man and then walking away in the morning. It’s even better if you walk with a limp afterward or can’t walk at all. You know, get laid and get out.”

“It’s time to get rid of that virginity you cling to,” Hailey adds.

I’m not a virgin; I just don’t see the point. Why would I allow someone into my body so they can use it against me? I’ve seen how the Elite Alphas treat omegas and I prefer to have a life I choose, not to be locked up in a gilded cage to breed the next generation of asshole dragon shifters.

“Oh my God,” Bethany breathes.

“Don’t be such a prude,” Samantha bites out. “It’s just a one-night stand.”

“Not that. Over there.” She grabs Samantha’s jaw and directs her vision to the desired area.

“Sweet baby Jesus. If I weren’t married, I would ride that pony all night long,” Samantha moans, drawing laughter from all of us.

I can’t help but laugh with them. They are some of the best, most outspoken people I have ever met. Turning around in my seat, I try to see which of these poor males they are objectifying. It only takes me a moment to spot him. My mouth dries up, and my heart rate spikes. My palms grow sweaty, and I feel like a teenager again, worried about what my clothes and hair look like to other people. To him. I hate that he can take me back to that time without even looking at me.

“Oh, shit,” Pauline whisper-shouts. “We know that pony.”

The entire table devolves into a fit of giggles, but I don’t join. Our gazes connect, and I can’t seem to rip myself away from the dark hazel gaze that traps me. His gaze sears my soul, making my heart beat triple time.

Fucking Malichai Black.

Series:
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Product Reviews

Score: 5 out of 5 (based on 21 ratings)
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5/5
Malachi and Lyrik
Written by Jen9731 on 20th Jan 2026

Not a Gift is Book 3 of the Tales of the Dreggageggon. This was a short and steamy, fated mates, paranormal, girl gets her stepbrother dragon, second-chance darkish romance. Malachi is a hunky alpha dragon with an evil father. Lyrik is his stepsister by marriage only. They are attracted to one another, but Malachi leaves for the fighting force, thinking he is protecting her. Lyrik is left behind and ends up even worse off when her mom dies. Malachi ends up injured and comes back. Lyrik is now an Omega and they know they are fated mates. This was a sweet story that also had a lot of heartbreak. Their chemistry was hot and the ending was happy after the drama.

4/5
Malachi and Lyrik's story details
Written by NovemberSnowe on 20th Jan 2026

Malachi and Lyrik's story details their intense! I enjoyed reading how they reunited and recognized how better they are together. Watching these two let their defenses down and open themselves up to each other was special!

5/5
Not a gift
Written by Nicole V on 20th Jan 2026

When Malachai's father comes home with a new wife and a stepdaughter he knew right away that he wanted to protect his stepsister Lyrik. Lyrik was in love with Malachai but never spoke up because he was her step brother. Hands up leaving home and does not return for 10 years. When he returns and finds out the horrible things that his father did to her he makes his mind up to find me make his intentions clear towards her.

5/5
I really enjoy it!
Written by Diana A on 20th Jan 2026

I really enjoy reading this book. It has the perfect amount of everything...romance, action, heartbreak, frustration, etc. I was not able to put it down until I read it all.

4/5
Not a Gift!
Written by Mary on 20th Jan 2026

This is another creative story in the "Tales of the Dreggageggon" series and also my favorite. This story can be enjoyed as a stand alone read but carries on the changes shifting in their world. The story is about Malachi and Lyrik. They live in a world of alpha shifter dragons where fated mates and female dragons have become a fairytale. They become step siblings when their parents marry. The friction and attraction between them is strong from the very beginning. Thinking he is doing the best thing for everyone he leaves. Little does he know what will happen to her when he is gone. I enjoyed every bit of this story and love the main characters! The story has intrigue, action, suspense, danger, passion, triggers and much, much more. I am thoroughly enjoying this story and this series.

4/5
So good!
Written by Shelly44 on 20th Jan 2026

So good! I have read other novels in this series and really enjoyed them. This novel did not disappoint. I was excited to jump back into this series, and it did not let me down. I love a good paranormal fated mates story and this novel checked so many boxes for me. From the first chapter this novel captured my attention and held on tight until the very last page. I loved Malachi and Lyrik's story. Their chemistry was so good! I loved when they reunited and recognized they were better together. I loved watching their defenses and walls come down and open themselves up to each other. So good! Once I started reading I didn't want to put it down. I can hardly wait to see what this author has coming next.

4/5
Malachi and Lyrik
Written by MamaBear1016 on 20th Jan 2026

A mildly spicy, fast-paced, paranormal romance with dragons. I enjoyed the storyline and the characters were well written. Jade Marshall is fast becoming one of my favorite authors.

5/5
Not A Gift
Written by Redfaeryrose on 20th Jan 2026

This is a quick little story, but it really makes an impact! We get to see the honorable side of the MMC and the FMC's innocence that's been taken away. It was a bit sad, but the best part is they didn't let their past hold them back from a bright future. I absolutely loved the epilogue and the happiness they've found together!

5/5
Malichai and Lyrik
Written by BeckyS68 on 20th Jan 2026

This book is so good. It carries an overtone of sadness and missed opportunities, but as the story unfolds, the wrongs are righted, and good ultimately prevails over evil. Malichai left home and joined the Fighting Force to escape his father and the feelings he had for Lyric. However, he was injured so severely that he was discharged. Lyric was left behind to face life alone while still being in love with Malichai. I love how they reunited and how they overcame their past. Excellent book!

5/5
The Gift.
Written by Mylene on 20th Jan 2026

Nice quick read. Lyrik and Malachi live under the same roof and have feelings for each other, that they never admit to. Other events take over and choices have to be made. Good quick read.

5/5
His To Protect
Written by De'Anna on 20th Jan 2026

Part of the Tales of the Dreggageggon so hang on you won’t be putting it down until the last page has been turned. Malichai, an alpha dragon twenty-six son to his father, is a piece of work and trains him in very horrifying things. As a Black, Malichai is an elite dragon and his father’s expectations are high but also expects him to mistreat others like he has but he knows his father is monster. He had to leave his girl to head off for training not realizing what he was leaving her behind to endure. Lyrik was sweet an omega left behind where she studies to become a physical therapist but he also discovers the things his fathers did to her after the death of her mother lets say it will make you want to reach through the book just to kick some a** but will they be able to get past it all, find their own way through forgiveness, through acceptance, does she get some form of retribution, and is there any form of happiness for them?

5/5
Great read
Written by Heather1145 on 20th Jan 2026

A great fast paced story, The third in the series. Malachi and Lyrik are both wonderful characters, He has loved her for a long time and couldn't have her. When he returns the fated mate bond is so much stronger, I loved this page turner.

5/5
She has a gift
Written by Smillican on 20th Jan 2026

The third tale in The Dreggageggon series, a dark dragon shifter romance that pulls you into its clutches on the first page. It’s short, full of drama, betrayal, and steam! Malichai, after meeting for the first time, already knew he wanted to protect Lyrik from the world. So when she comes in to her designation as an omega on her eighteenth birthday, he can no longer control his dragon and leaves, to protect her. His father, Thomas Black, is a cruel alpha who takes something from Lyrik and claims it was a gift. During a snowstorm their once forbidden feelings come to light. And it turns out something else is about to come out and play. Fun story of fated mates!

5/5
Mated dragons
Written by Mflannery0809 on 20th Jan 2026

This spicy paranormal romance about dragons builds up the spice until it burns the pages. They meet when their parents marry but there's no sibling feelings between them. His father causes all their problems but when it finally reaches a breaking point nothing will keep them apart.

4/5
Not A Gift
Written by Angi5252 on 20th Jan 2026

Malachi thinks he’s unworthy of Lyrik so he leaves her. What he doesn’t know is his leaving was not this malevolent act he thought it was. Lyrik was actually worse off by it. When he finds her and their mate bond as fated mates is so strong. He does what he should have done and he becomes her protector and hero. Lyrik along the way recognizes her strength and the strength of their bond. This steamy love story of a second chance and redemption is a fantastic read.

5/5
Awesome read
Written by Laura Ann on 20th Jan 2026

The book starts off with a teenage Malichai bringing home his new omega wife. The wife had already had a daughter his age by the name of Lyrik. Mail was drawn to Lyrik from the beginning, but since she was his ‘sister’ now, he knew he wouldn’t and couldn’t act upon it. His father is a piece of work and trains him in very horrifying things. Dante is his father’s right hand man. As a Black, Mal is an elite dragon. He considers his father a monster. He doesn’t know the half of it. It broke my heart watching Mal and Lyrik grow up and how bad it was for them. Mal joins the fighting forces to avoid Lyrik. But, he is injured and comes home. There he finds Lyrik again and she ends up being a physical therapist. That is when he finds out that Lyrik is also an omega. Plus, everything that happened to her after she left. I wanted to punch Thomas Black, the father. You’ll see why. After Lyrik’s mother died, things got really bad for Lyrik. I’ll leave it for that. I chewed on my nails, punched my pillow and ranted and cursed. Lyrik is fun & funny with her friends and even with Mal once they finally talk things through. Things go crazy both bad and wonderful after that. I loved this story and there are a bunch of surprises in it. I can’t wait to see what happens next.

5/5
Malachi and Lyrik
Written by Maleficent on 20th Jan 2026

Malachi never thought to return but a accident brings him back. He left to protect her, Lyrik, his stepsister, his mate. But while he was gone a real monster, his father, hurt her. When he finds out he goes into a rage and almost takes him out. The chemistry between them ignites and neither can deny what they both want. Lyrik comes into her own after their mating, and protects her man.

5/5
Lyrik and Malachi
Written by LBing on 20th Jan 2026

This was a wild read that takes Malachi on a journey that brings him right back to where he started, only to finally make the decision he should have made years ago. He left thinking he was tainted by doing his father's bidding and not being worthy of Lyrik's love. These two had such a strong connection that I was surprised he could actually walk away from her. However, he wasn't the real monster and Lyrik paid for his absence with abuse... I loved the reunion between these two and that they fought hard for their HEA. The twist at the end was awesome and I'm looking forward to more books set in this world :D

5/5
Not a Gift by Jade Marshall
Written by LyndsayL on 20th Jan 2026

This book was so good. I loved every moment of this adventure. Malichai left home as he couldn't deal with his father and he felt the need to leave so he could resist taking Lyrik as his dragon keeps telling him she is his mate. He didn't want to corrupt her with his "dirty" hands from doing his father's deeds. I loved reading about the relationship between Malichai and Lyrik and how it develops. The twists and turns this story takes keeps you on your toes. I loved the surprise Jade put in near the end. This is a definite must read!!

5/5
Gift
Written by Michele77 on 20th Jan 2026

A story filled with a connected past, denied relationship, and a traumatic event. Some violence but mostly steam and heat. The storyline flows and the characters click.

5/5
Not A Gift
Written by Karen99 on 20th Jan 2026

Loving This Series! Malachi left to give her a life not knowing what had happened to her. Now back he can become the hero she had always needed and protect her with his life. A hot steamy fated mates novella with lots of feel good moments, a villain and a wonderful HEA.

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