How to Fail at Dumping an Alpha Dragon: An Omegaverse Romance

by Liz E. Cooper

When their fake marriage leads to threats to their lives, where can these former lovers run?

Omega faerie Jalisa didn’t want an arranged marriage, but a painful past pushed her in a dangerous direction, leaving her with regrets and few options. When the ex who broke her heart suddenly appears, offering to help her get out of the marriage, she eagerly uses him as an escape.

Alpha dragon, Ivan, spent years searching for the love of his life who left without a trace. When he finally finds her and learns she is being forced into a marriage, he happily agrees to marry her for one year with the hope he can make the marriage real.

However, the pair’s reunion has upset both sides of their families and many powerful foes. Now the bickering pair must thwart assassination attempts by unknown forces that take them from the fae to the human realm. When such an attack curses Ivan to slowly lose all memories of Jalisa, they are quickly forced to find the real reason their union is such a threat before it’s too late. Will they be able to rekindle their love despite these challenges or will they be torn apart for good this time?

How to Fail at Dumping an Alpha Dragon is a second chance, star-crossed, cozyish, mid-burn, high spice, action romance.

Genres: Omegaverse

304 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 2, 2025

Reviews

[Angelbelle Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Liz for the early copy. All opinions are my own

8 months?? Now Liz 😐😭

Books like this are why I have unrealistic preferences because where can I find an alpha with a forked tongue and vibrating peen. Oh and talons and course horns are a nonnegotiable…basically Ivan. Where can I find Ivan. He’s such a sweet and lovable character. The one you know will protect your heart

Jalisa is such a badass. A royal and an Omega who would rather make it on her own instead of blindly accepting what she’s told. A soldier who not only fights with words but with swords as well

The love these two have for each other was so cute but also fierce, and although I wanted to beat a certain somebody down, because, just no. There has to be another solution! I know it was done with the best intentions

If you’re looking for a second chance romance with all odds against them and who can they trust vibes then definitely make How to Fail at Dumping an Alpha Dragon your next read

[Julorie Siefert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jalisa is an omega fae from a noble family, well-educated from Nodoor, however Jalisa is independent and stubborn. She does not want to marry a nobleman and have babies and be complaint. So, she joins the military and what happens she falls in love with Ivan, higher rank then her but oh dear he is not our kind dear from her parents! Yes, Ivan is a dragon an Ice dragon which is rare. However, in Nodoor, they are considered second class citizens. When the family threatens to hurt Ivan and then they try to force Jalisa in to a force bonding with another alpha. Jalisa in trying to save Ivan’s life, tells him it is over and that caused a major misunderstanding. Jalisa leaves Nodoor and goes to the capital of Prinath. There she starts a new life, even getting in to a group that maybe on second thought she should not have. There she agrees to marry an alpha of the group so that they can place him in a higher place in the government to help their cause. When push comes to shove Jalisa can not go through with it, she is trying to break it off when around the corner comes Ivan. What a shock! But Jalisa uses his showing up as the love of her life. Ivan has spent the last 3 years looking for her. He quickly catches on to play the love of her life. What happens when their fake relationship, is ordered to really marry? So, they marry but don’t do the bonding, Jalisa figures they can do a fake marriage for about a year live alone a bit and then end it, she is even willing to make it worth Ivan’s time. However, what do you think will happen will Ivan is going along with the plan because he really wants Jalisa there is no other women for him. Then when the King and Queen order them to bond! But what happens when someone or group is trying to kill them? What happens when Ivan loses … well you will need to read, to see if all the challenges can be overcome. Why does Ivan’s family hate hers a secret even Jalisa does not know?

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

How to Fail at Dumping an Alpha Dragon by Liz E Cooper is book four in the How to Fail series. This book was everything I hoped for after reading the other books in the series. I thoroughly enjoyed the rollercoaster that this journey took me on. Let me mention that this book is a standalone in an interconnected series meaning characters from previous books make an appearance. But you don’t have to read the other books to understand this one. (I just recommend it to immerse yourself fully into the world) That being said there’s no spoilers! I really enjoyed this story of a Fae and a Dragon having a second chance at love. Jalisa and Ivan were such great characters and I thought that they worked well together while balancing each other out. Even with everything that Jalisa went through she was a beautiful, strong independent person. Then Ivan was just such a good character himself plus hello… dragon. Not to mention everything he did and went through for Jalisa. I will say this story did have an emotional element that absolutely made my heart crack; it really was an emotional journey to the end. I was so worried at one point! I think my favorite element of the book was the plot and how everything progressed forward. The highlights for me was the banter, the emotion, the love and just the characters themselves. I thought the author did a good job with the writing as I found myself not wanting to put the book down, I was so invested and needed to read the happily ever after. I really had an enjoyable reading experience and urge you to check out not only this book but the previous ones as well. Definitely recommend this book if you enjoy second chance romance that has action, emotional moments with some spicy good times. Plus again… dragon!

Final review:
4 out of 5 stars

[What Quetta’s Reading · Rating 4 out of 5]

I miss these characters alreadyyyyy lol

Summary: A great second chance romance. Jalisa leaves her home kingdom and relationship behind in hopes of starting over on her own. The leaders of the Prinaths and leaders of the Nodoorian decided to blend the two kingdoms by forcing marriages, working and living in each other’s communities. Jalisa finds herself in a marriage arrangement that she no longer wants to go through with. Ivan, an Ice Dragon , who is unable to move on, decides to leave his kingdom to a new one and to look for Jalisa. When he finds her, they are faced with orders from leaders to marry Ivan or be forced to marry Jacob. Deciding to move forward with a fake marriage. With families that hate each other, enemies that will stop at nothing to see them apart, and the fight to hold on to memories, Jalisa and Ivan go on a journey of falling in love all over again.

Thoughts: You can’t lose with a Dragon, a Fae and a second chance romance!! This one was definitely a win!! I was glad to see when they both used their powers! Loved seeing how strong they both really are because at first they were both so wrapped up in the worrying and self doubt. Loved how they ended up being the change, after generations of pain and hurt the families have caused to each other. But most of all I loved that Ivan never gave up on Jalisa and in the end she didn’t either. And the SPICE was HOT!! lol I’d like my own dragon now!!

Favorite Quote: “When I’m in Dragon form, I just snap it off and put it in my pocket.” ~ Ivan 😂

P.s. Jalisa was not about to play with Zoe about her man 😂

📖
4/5⭐️
4/5🌶️

Thank you so much to Liz E. Cooper for the Advanced Readers Copy!!

[Paula Sabol (Never Choose Fantasy) · Rating 5 out of 5]

How To Fail At Dumping An Alpha Dragon by Liz E. Cooper is a thrilling romance. I rated this story 5 out of 5 stars. It's well written and hard to put down, it includes both sweetness and steam. Jalisa, an omega fae, is desperate to avoid a marriage with someone who seeks to control her. Desperate enough to fake a marriage to her first love, who broke her heart, an ice dragon named Ivan. However, Ivan has other plans, desperate to win her back after 3 years searching for her. However, will he be able to win her back when there are multiple attempts on their lives and a spell makes him forget Jalisa and their past? Can they find a cure or who the enemy is before it's too late?
I really enjoyed this book. The world-building is amazing, and there are characters from other stories in the shared world. Cooper pulled me in from the start and kept me engaged until the end with plenty of suspense, action, and steamy moments. I loved the dynamics between Jalisa and Ivan, despite being alpha and omega, they did not succumb to the roles. Despite being an omega, Jalisa was intelligent and independent, valuing her freedom, and Ivan allowed her to dominate. It didn't make him less powerful to give her control. They had a beautiful dynamic that allowed them to be stronger together. Ivan is a strong alpha dragon with golden retriever vibes. The stem in this story is toe-curling and vivid.
If you enjoy spicy paranormal romances with themes of alpha/omega, memory loss, magic, fae, dragons, heats, knots, mate bonds, fake marriages, and plenty of suspense and secrets then How To Fail At Dumping An Alpha Dragon is a must-read!

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

The How to Fail series is back with its fourth book, How to Fail at Dumping an Alpha Dragon, and let me tell you, it's a must-read.


Jalisa is one of the most stubborn characters I've ever read. I get that she's an omega, and in this universe, they aren't always treated the best, plus, her health isn't the best, making her feel even weaker compared to others. Still, at some point, you just have to know when you need help. It took Jalisa way too long to get to that point. So yes, she frustrated me, but overall, she was actually a decent person. Now Ivan was fantastic right away. He's surprisingly deeply romantic. He's also mischievous and has a great sense of humor, but can be a little snarly when pressed. I love that he loves her so much. His puppy act is absolutely adorable. There was no way I wasn’t going to fall for Ivan's charms.


This book took me by surprise. Not only was there a good representation of people with physical, emotional, and mental healthcare issues, but the plot was superb. Ivan and Jalisa had a tragic, star-crossed, Romeo and Juliet-type of romance. Except this is the fantasy version with court politics, dragons, and magic. For ninety-five percent of this book, my heart was breaking, and I loved it. Seriously, Liz had me in damned near tears by the end, but it was worth every minute of it. Out of all the books in the Love and Bonds universe, How to Fail at Dumping an Alpha Dragon is my favorite. It's going to be hard to beat.

[Mellissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

May Cause Spoilers......



Now I don't like to say spoilers, but I need to say a few just to get your attention so you know how amazing this book is!!!



Jalisa may be an Omega from a noble Fae family, but she is not to be messed with! she won't take crap from anyone, even her ex Ivan, and Aplha ice Dragon fae
She is expected to marry another guy, but when his true colors of an overbearing controlling, Alpha starts to show she breaks it off and says she's marrying her ex instead!!
Her parents pull her bluff and make her go through with it!!
After the wedding she starts to question why they even broke each others heart in the first place...
but when a terrible curse on Ivan makes him start to forget Jalisa, it's time to use all those connections and travel to the human realm for some talks with witches and other supes that stayed on that side. Now it's a race against time
before he forgets her completely!!!
Loved this book!!
my favorite so far in this shared world with the previous books!!!
which were also amazing by the way!!! Check those out too!! Cannot wait for more of this world and it's characters!!!

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A love for the ages...
Second chance between a fae and a dragon. Their families are enemies and don't want them together, which is why they broke up the first time. Can they survive a second time? I really enjoyed this omega/alpha romance. Loved the story line, the pace, the banter, and love between our main characters.
Jalisa left him to protect him. Ivan has been searching for her for years. Only, she's in an arrangement with another, even though she's trying to break it off. Ivan arrives in the nick of time to play long lost loves so she can escape the required marriage. Only their plan backfires in the most spectacular way when they are required to get married in a week. But things haven't changed so much because pretty soon, they are attacked again and again, and no one knows why. And now, Ivan is losing his memories of Jalisa - honestly this was the most hearthbreaking part of the story - he completely forgets her *tearjerker*. We do get our HEA but it's a rough emotional path there. Let's just say the families come through in the end.

[mo be readin · Rating 3 out of 5]

While this whodunit-esque romance kept me interested enough to finish, it didn’t make me as invested in the MCs as I was for the previous installments. I liked them sorta, but the only reason I felt compelled about their love story was because of how tragic it could potentially be within the context of the plot. Otherwise, I was kinda meh on them 🫤 I also wasn’t the biggest fan of the resolution — it felt a smidge anticlimactic.

It was nice to see how the books in this and the Love and Bonds series build on one another, but for some reason this book felt a little bit disconnected from the others. It felt more like a spin off to establish something new than something that is, at the least, building on the foundation of a four book series and, at the most, part of a larger universe and narrative across seven books.

I hate that the last book in this series is one I wouldn’t recommend, but compared to the others and the Love and Bonds series, it’s my least favorite.

[Kira · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omega Fae Jalisa doesn't want to live the life of dutiful wife. She wants to experience more than her family wants of her. So, she joins the military. This is when she meets Ice Dragon Ivan and their connection is instant and strong. Unfortunately, he is not who her family sees her with and she finds herself lying to him to save his life. Fast forward three years Jalisa finds herself engaged not for love but for duty, but in the end, going through with it is not what she wants. In steps Ivan who has been looking for her and he is more than happy to play the doting lover because he has never stopped. He plans to use the year they are "pretend" marrying to show her how much she means to him, but with everyone vying for their relationship to fail, they will have to stand together to overcome the odds. This was a fantastic addition to the Love and Bonds Universe, and I look forward to reading more!

[Kerri Vogel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love that this book has somewhat reverse roles for the alpha and Omega. Ivan is a sweet cuddly ice dragon who has a forked tongue and other fun dragon appendages. Despite being an alpha he does not mind letting his omega take the lead. Jalisa is an omega Fae, but she refuses to bow down and be told what to do. She insists on joining the military for a bit and runs away from her family when they attempt to force her to bond. This causes her to get into a bit a trouble and uses Ivan to get her out of it when he conveniently shows up at the perfect time. Thus ensues a series of attacks against them as unknown people are angry at them being together and foiling their plans. The book has some action, plenty of steam, lots of angst and mystery, and a bit of heartbreak. A wonderful OV, dragon story.

[R · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story had me hooked from the very beginning. The blend of action, danger, and heartfelt romance was perfectly balanced, and I especially loved all the twists and turns Jalisa and Ivan’s relationship took along the way. Their connection felt raw and real, and watching them navigate betrayal, family pressures, and life-threatening danger kept me glued to the pages.

The mix of fae magic and dragon fire gave the book such a vivid atmosphere, and the curse element added a brilliant layer of tension that made my heart race. I loved the way the romance built alongside the suspense, giving me both butterflies and chills in equal measure.

If you enjoy second-chance romances with high stakes, sizzling chemistry, and a storyline that constantly keeps you guessing, this book is a must-read. I can’t wait to see what comes next from this author!

[Ines · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 *

“How to Fail at Dumping an Alpha Dragon” is the final book in this series of MF omegaverse standalones, and has all the elements I recognize as part of this series: a woman with doubts, a man who’s head over heels, a suspenseful storyline and some twists and turns before we reach their HEA. Oh yeah, and spicy scenes of course… We shouldn’t forget about those.

What I liked most about the storyline of this book, is how it shows memory loss and the consequences for both the person who’s losing his memories as for the people surrounding him. Some other parts of the story felt a little rushed to me, but that’s a feeling I have quite often while reading standalones, so that might just be a me-thing. If you like this series though, I believe you’ll enjoy this final book as well.

[Chelsea · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book, as it was a good pallet cleanser from the darker books I have been reading.
While it has darker themes, such as past abuse, family stigmas, and a few others, the story of Jalisa and Ivan is a cozy second chance story.

I really enjoyed that Jalisa wasn't your typical awesome-pawsom Fae, how she has an invisible disability that she doesn't let get her down.

Ivan is your cinnamon roll Alpha who has his own blinders when it comes to certain things, making him a bit more relatable as we have all been blinded by some things in our life and it took certain things to have them come off.

It has action, stubborness, a "fake" marriage, a couple fighting not only past hurts, but family, in order to be together.

[Leah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Liz E Cooper does it again! I really enjoyed this book and may have disregarded a few errands while mybkids were at school to read this! But I can honestly say I loved both characters. Both had flaws but they weren't annoying like with a lot of books where you start to dislike them. Jalisa character is both strong and has her own trauma to deal with while Ivan is a true alpha without the need to prove it by being aggressive. There were points that made me laugh, made me tear up, and enough spice to make me want to jump my husband lol. And I will always love how all her books are connected and bring up past characters without divulging their stories. Thanks Liz for another banger!

[Theresa Masker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is about a second chance romance between Jalisa ( an omega fae) and Ivan ( an alpha dragon) She left him to protect him. He never forgot her. He finally finds her and she is being forced into an arranged marriage. He comes to the rescue. Jalisa and Ivan marry but there are enemies on both sides who aren't happy with the marriage. The worst happens and Ivan starts losing his memories of her. Not going to lie that part had me in tears. Do they get their happily ever after or do their enemies win? If you like second chance romance with spice, humor and everything else in between then this is for you. You won't regret reading it

[Charlotte · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very Romeo and Juliet-esque with Fae Omega - Jalisa from a rich family and Dragon Alpha - Ivan from an opposing family. One where his background was effected and not in a good way by Jalisa's family.

Looking for a new start away from her family and Ivan for various reasons she ends up jn an arranged marriage (not by choice). One that Ivan seems to be the only one to help her out of. Entangling them more in both of each others lives.

Heartbreaking parts were mixed in with some heartwarming ones too. Action packed with some great plot twists. This book more than others in the series brought on all of the feels. Another brilliant addition to this series.

[Lisa Bing · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another fab addition to the series and it has fab world building, interesting characters, a twist on the alpha/omega dynamic and a great second chance romance plot. Jalisa may be an omega but she's also a fighter and isn't interested in being forced to marry for an alliance. Ivan, an alpha dragon (yum!) never got over her and is ready to make his move. Thankfully, a 'fake' marriage gives him time to convince her that she's it for him....or is there time? ;) This is a page turning read with banter, emotions, memory loss, magic, suspense, heats & knots and a spicy HEA. I love how this one unfolded and have it now on my re-read shelf. Good fun!

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like that while they are stand alone books they are still interconnected and the story continues with each stand alone. This one follows Jalisa who is an independent FMC who move away to escape her controlling family and Ivan who is an ice dragon shifter from previous books. She enters into a fake marriage with her ex Ivan to escape an arranged marriage. Things take a turn when there are continuous threats to their lives. This book, like all the others in the series are a perfect blend of plot and spice with good banter.

[Roslyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ms. Cooper has written another great paranormal romance story. Jalisa is an omega who ran away from her controlling family. She fell in love with an Alpha dragon who her family felt was beneath them. Her family threated to have him killed so she broke up with him and left her family and Ivan. In her new home she has agreed to an arranged marriage but now changes her mind. Her fiancé does not agree, when in walks her lost love Ivan to save her. All I can say is that I could not put this book down until I found out what was going to happen next.

[Melissa Lalli · Rating 4 out of 5]

Liz Cooper delivers another gem with How to Fail at Dumping an Alpha Dragon! This 2nd chance romance had me from the very first page. I was hooked on the witty banter, sizzling chemistry, and laugh-out-loud moments. Jalisa attempts to break up with a possessive (and infuriatingly sexy) dragon had me grinning and fanning myself at the same time.

The pacing is perfect—equal parts humor and heat. If you love strong heroines, over-the-top alpha males, and a story that balances spice with genuine heart breaking emotion topped off with an HEA. Then this is for you

[Laci Steimel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This a wonderful second chance romance. I really enjoyed how Ivan kept continuing to try for Jalisa even though she was insistent that they were going to have a fake marriage. But the scenes with the tongue? Jeesh, I was totally jealous. And the vibrations options.... WOW!! There was so much steam that was so well done! However, there was some drama and heart tugging moments too. When Ivan started losing his memories of her? It totally broke my heart. But I loved how they story ended, and hope to read more in this world!

[BookishEchoes · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐ My Review ⭐
How to Fail at Dumping an Alpha Dragon
by Liz E. Cooper

This fourth installment in the series pulled me in right away! I absolutely loved the banter between Jalisa and Ivan—it was sharp, funny, and heartfelt, and it made their dynamic so much fun to follow.

The story had a great balance of spice, drama, and emotional depth. There were intense moments that kept me hooked, and I really enjoyed how smoothly everything flowed from beginning to end.

What stood out most was how well the author captured both Jalisa and Ivan’s perspectives. Their emotions, struggles, and choices felt real, and I loved watching their relationship unfold despite all the obstacles in their way.

Overall, this was a fantastic read that kept my attention the whole way through. I can’t wait to see what Liz E. Cooper writes next!

[Brittany · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book & series. This one focuses on the feud between Jalisa & Ivan’s families. Jalisa’s family was ready to repent by the end but it was unclear about Ivan’s family taking credit for some of the wrongs they also did. Almost thought it was not gonna end with a HEA but got turned around in the nick of time. Their love for each other proved they couldn’t stay apart even after the dangers they faced.

[Suzanne McNeill Taviner · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great second chance romance, it also featured an Alpha and Omega pair but they were not your typical AO pair!
I loved how in love Ivan was with Jalisa, he spent 3 years looking for her! After hearing all of Jalisa's story it was no wonder that she wasn't keen to open her heart to Ivan again but you could see that she still loved him.
I was in tears, the last few chapters, with what was happening with Ivan but the ending was so lovely.

[June McKibben · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jalisa and Ivans story really touched my heart. Jalisa a fae and Ivan a dragon. Jalisa broke up with him to protect him but Ivan never gave up on her. When he finally finds her and sees she being forced into an arranged marriage he offers to help. But as they marry they make enemies on both sides. Ivan is cursed and loosing his memories of her and that is just heartbreaking. This book has mystery that will have you hooked and tge characters will just suck you in.

[Allison · Rating 4 out of 5]

I haven't read any of the other "How to Fail" books, but after reading this one, I'm going to check them out! This book is a second chance book with both the couple but family as well. Our FMC was not interested in getting back together with our MMC, but with an unexpected twist, they get married. The following story has humor, action, some spicy time and through it all, the couple finds their second chance.

Check out this standalone with an HEA!

[Jodi Kimball · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jalisa doesn’t want to be in a relationship let alone be married. Due to the new politics of the realm and the resistance’s plans, that marriage is being forced. Enter Ivan, a past lover and much better option to the forced marriage.
Ivan is cursed to forget his undying love for Jalisa (because he never got over her) and now the two have to enter the human realm to try to save Ivan’s memories of the woman he loves.
Well written and entertaining and steamy!

[Dominique · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is so easy to love books by this author as they always have fantastic characters and intricate storylines. This standalone is no different. Jalisa is a fantastic FMC, who is just trying to live her life the way she wants to and not how it's dictated by others. This second chance romance was a win for me with dragon and Fae, a lovely storyline, and all the moments between these characters only making me love them more. I wish I could jump right back in!

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jalisa is in trouble and being forced to marry so she has no idea where to turn until he reappears, an ex from the past. He loves her and offers to marry her to get her out of the wedding. He hopes to get her to fall in love with him like he is with her. Others do not want them to be married and a spell is put on him to forget how much he loves her. See just what is going to happen for them