The Horse Mistress: Book 1 (EBOOK, LGBT)
The Horse Mistress: Book 1 (EBOOK, LGBT)
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EPIC FANTASY MENAGE ROMANCE (E-BOOK, LGBT).
My secret could save my people.
It will also destroy my life.
My name is Carivel. I was born female, but I've been secretly living as a boy in my adoptive village of Draebard, doing a job the elders insist could never be done by a woman. My life is complicated enough already, so the last thing I need is to fall for not one, but two unattainable men—a fierce warrior and a reluctant wolf-shifter with a horrific past.
Now, with the powerful Alyrion Empire poised to invade our lands, I must choose whether to keep my secret or reveal it… not only to the men I love, but also to the powerful female ruler whose army could help protect Draebard during the coming war.
Either way, strife is coming to our island.
Win or lose, things are about to change irrevocably for the three of us.
* * *
The Horse Mistress by USA Today bestseller R. A. Steffan is a 2016 Rainbow Award winning LGBT fantasy romance series.
This series is part of the Eburosi Chronicles:
The Horse Mistress (4 books)
The Lion Mistress (3 books)
The Dragon Mistress (4 books)
Master of Hounds (3 books)
Mistress of War (3 books)
While loosely linked, each series may be read on its own.
A special note for Fantasy readers: This series is polyam romance with steamy scenes and strong LGBT content. The main character is intersex and genderqueer. One of the love interests is a eunuch. If your gut reaction to any of that is “Eww” or even “Meh,” you probably won't enjoy these books.
- Publication date: September 23, 2015
- Language: English
- Print length: 217 pages
- File size: 355 KB
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FAQ: READ AN EXCERPT
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ONE
“CARIVEL! WHERE ARE YOU, BOY? Come here at once!” The voice of Jorun, the old Horse Master, was gruff and impatient as it rang out across the dusty horse pens. I looked up from the section of fence I was mending, quickly locating the short figure striding toward me with his distinctive, bow-legged gait.
“Here, Horse Master,” I called in reply. I gathered up my tools and placed them safely outside the fence so the animals wouldn’t step on them, before hurrying across to meet him halfway.
“Aren’t you done with those repairs yet?” Jorun asked, his piercing, deep-set eyes raking over me from within his weathered face.
“Almost, sir,” I said.
“Quick as you can, then. I want you to watch over that buckskin mare of Volya’s tonight. She’s finally ready to foal.”
I nodded my understanding. Volya’s favorite mare had delivered a creamy white colt last year—a rare prize indeed. The village chief had high hopes that she would throw a matching foal this year, so he could have a white chariot team the envy of every warrior for miles around. Mares were generally left to give birth on their own whilst out with the herd, but for this particular foal nothing would be left to chance.
“Of course, Horse Master,” I said. “I’ll finish up here and be back at dusk.”
“Good, good,” said Jorun. “Mind you eat something first, lad. Being hungry is one thing. Being tired is another. Being hungry and tired at the same time will have you falling asleep before the moon finishes rising.”
“I’ll get something from Gretya, sir. Thank you.”
“See that you do.” Jorun patted my shoulder firmly with a gnarled hand. “Maybe someday you’ll actually get some meat on those bones.”
I resolutely held in the sigh that wanted to escape—I wasn’t that skinny. Honestly. I might not be tall or broad-shouldered, but I was certainly more than strong enough to do my job as Jorun’s apprentice. However, that didn’t seem to stop the man from fussing as though he were my father and not my master.
After mumbling some vague words of agreement, I returned to the final section of fence. One of the rails was rotting where it attached to the post, so I pried it free and replaced it with a new one, pausing to shoo away a curious yearling that wandered up to sniff at my close-cropped hair. Job done, I tidied everything up, wheeling the debris away in a rickety wooden pushcart.
The pens were located a short distance beyond the edges of the main part of the settlement, so that the flies and the smell of manure would not be a nuisance to the residents. The sun was already getting low in the sky when I returned to the center of the village and entered Gretya’s cookhouse. The thatched, circular structure was generally a hub of activity in the evenings, and today was no exception. The late spring weather was pleasant; several men and boys were already lounging on the benches scattered around the outside of the building with their bowls of hearty stew, while Gretya’s daughters flitted back and forth between the tables, filling tankards.
Gretya was a widow, and made a living serving food to those who were unable or unwilling to cook for themselves, for whatever reason. I couldn’t afford to eat meals here very often with my meager apprentice’s pay, but every once in a while I had reason to appreciate the availability of her hearty fare. Tonight was definitely one of those nights, since I would soon need to return to the horse pens for my watch.
“Hello, Carivel, dear,” said the old woman, giving me a gap-toothed smile as she ladled meat and vegetables into a bowl. The rich aroma made my stomach rumble, causing her smile to widen. “I don’t see you nearly often enough, you know. You’re looking well these days.”
I gave her an answering smile of my own. “Hello, Gretya. If you can convince Jorun to double my pay, I promise I’ll darken your doorstep every day of the week. My own cooking always tastes like I forgot to add the salt, even when I didn’t.”
“Ah, you poor lad. I’ll have a quiet word with the old miser one day soon and see what can be done,” she said with a wink.
I laughed softly before thanking her and taking my leave. The village gossips all swore blind that Gretya was Jorun’s mistress, an idea that she playfully encouraged, but which had never to my knowledge been proven one way or the other. On those rare occasions when someone was foolish enough to bring up the question within Jorun’s hearing, they were treated to a stony glare and an even stonier silence. Personally, I was firmly in the “yes” camp—I found something appealing about the idea of the grizzled old grouch secretly doting on such a sweet, motherly figure.
With a quick glance around the yard outside the cookhouse, I identified several of the other boys who helped with the horses chatting amiably among themselves. More interestingly, Senovo was deep in conversation with one of the village elders on the farthest bench, his partially shaved head and the dun-colored robes of a novice priest distinctive in the early evening light. His smooth, handsome face was grim.
I dithered for a moment over asking to join them before losing my nerve and moving to a table several feet away from the pair, but still close enough that I could hear them talking.
Coward, I berated myself.
“Volya won’t give in to some tin-plated Alyrion field marshal who thinks he can come in with a pack of soldiers and trample our way of life,” the older man was saying. “He’ll send them back where they came from with an earful.”
“I do hope you’re right,” Senovo said mildly. “However, I fear it may not be quite that simple.”
Volya, the chief of the village, had ridden out four days ago with a small party of warriors, replying to a summons from an Alyrion commander—newly arrived from the mainland—who demanded a parlay. Eburos was an island rich in resources, but it had only really gained the attention of the powerful Alyrion Empire within the last year or two. It probably helped that Eburos was protected by the sea on all sides, but it seemed that the lure of our fertile soil and productive mines had finally overcome the emperor’s reluctance to send troops across the water.
Now, the collection of small, disorganized tribes and villages that called the island home found themselves facing a powerful foe. Some tribes in the south had already capitulated without even attempting to muster a defense, but as the Alyrions moved north into areas like Draebard, they would quickly discover that not all Eburosi were so accommodating.
“I understand Volya took Andoc with him,” said the elder, causing my ears to perk up even further at the mention of Senovo’s close friend. “He thinks a lot of that young man, you know. Wouldn’t surprise me if the Chief was grooming him as a replacement, what with Volya losing his only son last year.”
“Andoc has many enviable qualities… for a warrior,” Senovo replied, a wry note entering his voice. “However, I’m not certain that the patience required for leadership is among them.”
I hid my derisive snort; the man across from Senovo didn’t bother hiding his. Everyone in the village knew that the young priest and Andoc were virtually inseparable. Their mutual regard appeared to know no bounds despite their tendency to tease and belittle each other at every opportunity. And oh, how I envied them that easy camaraderie—the close bond between two people that I would never, ever be able to have. Instead, I was reduced to watching them both with secretive, longing glances... daydreaming about their perfect features... about Senovo's voice like melting honey, Andoc's broad shoulders and strong arms.
My wistful thoughts—not to mention my eavesdropping—were interrupted by the arrival of Gretya’s youngest daughter with a pitcher of ale.
“Hello, Limdya,” I said politely, forcing down a wince as she blushed and smiled at me with sparkling eyes.
“Hello, Carivel!” she replied. “Some of the others are saying that Volya’s mare might have another white foal tonight. Is that true?”
“Yes, it’s true. The Horse Master ordered me to keep watch over her, so he must think the foal is finally coming.” I hoped that would be the end of it, but of course it wasn’t.
“How exciting!” she said. “I wish I could see a new foal being born. Maybe I could come out and watch with you later?”
“I’m sorry, Limdya,” I said with as much regret as I could muster. “But you know women aren’t allowed to help with the horses. It’s bad luck, and the gods might retaliate by making the foal stillborn.”
The words seemed to stick in my throat, but at least they did the job even if they made me feel queasy. Limdya’s face fell in disappointment.
“Oh. Well, I wouldn’t want to risk that, of course. Perhaps you could come over to the house tomorrow morning and I’ll cook breakfast for you? You could tell me all about it then. My cooking is almost as good as Mother’s, you know,” she added hopefully.
The queasy feeling continued to grow despite the excellent stew I’d been eating. “I’m afraid all I’ll be interested in tomorrow morning is a few hours’ sleep, Limdya. Perhaps another time.”
The sparkle was completely gone from the girl’s eyes, and she seemed to slump in on herself slightly. “Yes,” she said. “Another time.”
“Don’t take it so personal, love,” called one of the boys from the other bench. It was Dalon, of course… always a thorn in my side. “Carivel here, he never looks twice at any of the girls. Thinks himself above all of you—too good for the likes of a village lass.”
“That’s not true,” I said quietly, trying to catch Limdya’s eyes as the others at the table laughed. She wouldn’t meet my gaze, and my stomach churned harder.
“He saves his lingering looks for Andoc,” Dalon carried on. “He’d probably rather be taken like a maiden by a big, strong warrior than be the one doing the taking.”
Oh, the irony. If he only knew.
“Who knows,” said one of the others. “Andoc might even go for it. He likes eunuchs well enough, and our Carivel looks sort of like a eunuch with his smooth face and narrow shoulders. Don’t you think so, Limdya?”
“Very funny, you two,” I said. “You know perfectly well that I had a girl in my old village. She died of a fever, and I still miss her too much to even think about being with another woman.”
The old story—the old lie—came as easily as ever. There was a bit of quiet guffawing from Dalon’s table, but at least Limdya’s expression transformed into one of sympathy rather than hurt before she left quietly to serve the other patrons. A cool hand closed on my shoulder a moment later, startling me. I looked up sharply at the figure behind me.
Senovo. My heart sped up.
“A very noble sentiment, Carivel,” said the novice priest, and the boys at the other table suddenly found a great deal of interest in their bowls of food. “Surely, though, your lost love would not want you to be alone forever.”
I forced myself to meet Senovo’s green-gold eyes. To speak calmly, as if my heart were not fluttering against my ribcage like a trapped bird. “Perhaps not.”
He held my gaze for a long moment, and arched one dark eyebrow. “Ah well,” he said. “You are still young, after all. Barely even a man. There’s plenty of time.”
In truth, I was roughly the same age as Senovo. The same age as Andoc. As for the rest of it, though…
“I should get ready for my watch tonight,” I said.
“Of course. May the gods smile on your endeavors,” Senovo said. The hand that had been resting on my shoulder moved to touch my forehead in a brief blessing before he smiled and moved away. My skin tingled where his fingers had brushed against me.
As I rose and tidied away my half-finished bowl, I caught Dalon smirking at me out of the corner of my eye.
* * *
In the privacy and safety of my tiny, ramshackle hut, I took a few minutes to flop down on the straw mattress in the corner and just breathe. I had maintained my secret—my ruse—for almost three years now. I wouldn’t slip up now, just because Senovo was kind to me and smiled down at me with lazy green eyes.
Though it’s not unheard of for a man to lie with a beautiful eunuch, said a little voice in my head, ever so unhelpfully. But… there was also Andoc.
I sighed and stripped my dusty tunic over my head, exposing the soft leather wrappings that bound my breasts to make my chest appear flat. As I unwrapped myself, pausing now and then to scrape ragged fingernails over the itchy places where the leather had chafed, I contemplated the hopelessness of my situation.
Through some cruel joke of the gods, I was born a girl. I never fit in as one, though—no matter how much my mother wished it. I was fascinated by the horse pens in my childhood village almost from the time I could walk, and railed against the restrictions prohibiting women from tending the animals.
The gods gave men and women different roles, I was told repeatedly by the village priests, after every childish infraction. Only male spirits are strong enough to control the spirits of animals. They cannot thrive under the care of a woman. If you want to take care of living things, perhaps you should consider becoming a healer, or a grower of plants?
I still remember the tears of frustration, carefully hidden from all who might see and judge me for them, after trying to tell the priests that my spirit was more male than female. It just happened to be hidden inside the body of a slender girl child. Watching the girls my age as I grew up was like looking at something foreign, something… other. Sometimes it felt as though the only thing I had inherited from my sex was a love of attractive men.
Not that it mattered much, at this point. Even had my attraction been for women, to get close to another person in such a way would be to betray my secret. A man would not want me because I dressed and acted like a boy. Even if I found someone who loved other men—a practice more or less tolerated between a man and a eunuch, but taboo between two un-castrated men—such a person would not want me because my body was still that of a woman. I was destined to be alone, and to make things even worse, my heart had fixated on two utterly unattainable people who already had each other and would certainly have no interest in me.
Perhaps it was safer that way.
Tossing the breast bindings aside, I reached for the clay pot of beeswax and tallow that I used to soothe my skin, rubbing it in and letting the pleasant sensation soothe my nerves. My breasts were thankfully small, but today they were still tender as I suffered through the tail end of my moon cycle. Pulling down my breeches, my lip curled in distaste as I pulled out the pad of rabbit fur wrapped in a linen rag that I used to staunch the flow of blood.
The bleeding had slowed since yesterday, which was good since I had no more rabbit fur and didn’t have the time to go searching for moss or some other absorbent material this evening. I rinsed out the linen rag in a bucket of well water and folded it back into a square. It would have to be enough.
Dusk was fading into dark when I arrived back at the pens beyond the village outskirts. Volya’s mare had been given her own small corral somewhat away from the other horses, but still within sight. A three-sided shelter stood in one corner, bedded with dried peat moss hauled in from a nearby bog. I approached the fence and held out a hand, palm-down, for the mare to sniff. Cassira was a sweet horse for the most part, but had displayed something of a fierce streak after foaling her first colt last year.
That was fine; it was a mother’s job to protect her offspring, after all... something I wished my own mother had shown more of an inclination to do. After greeting the little horse and demonstrating that it wasn’t my intent to sneak around and hide from her like a predator, I wandered off to find a comfortable post somewhere out of the way to lean against. With my blanket wrapped around my shoulders against the slight evening chill, and a waterskin at my side, I curled up so I could see the moonlight glinting off the horse’s dappled buckskin coat. Leaning my head back against the thick, wooden post, I soaked in the faint warmth that emanated from it, left over from the day's bright sunlight.
Cassira wandered restlessly around the pen, stopping occasionally to pick up a mouthful of hay or stare across at the other horses dozing in their corral. A foal watch like this one was usually a recipe for utter boredom, and while I was aware of the level of trust Jorun was placing in me, that didn’t make watching a horse walk around and eat hay over the course of several hours any more interesting. Before the full moon had reached a point halfway toward its zenith, my mind began to wander.
Because I apparently liked to torture myself, it turned fairly quickly to thoughts of Andoc and Senovo. During the summer months, Andoc had a habit of sparring with the other warriors wearing only a loincloth, which left little to the imagination when it came to his enviable physique. Senovo, though, was always clad in his robes, leaving quite a bit to the imagination. The priests—eunuchs, all of them—were softer than the warriors with their sinewy, battle-hardened bodies. Most eunuchs tended toward roundness through the belly, but not Senovo, whose features were fine and whose body was slender. His face was nearly as smooth as my own. The front half of his head was shaved close, while the straight, black hair growing from the back of his skull was braided into the single, heavy plait that all priests possessed.
For religious ceremonies, he always lined his eyes with kohl. The sight had never failed to captivate me for some reason.
I wondered what he and Andoc did together in private. The lads in the village had plenty to say on the matter, all of it coarse and much of it rather unlikely sounding, though as someone who had never lain with another person for fear of my birth sex being discovered, I suppose I wasn’t in any real position to judge.
In my mind, they kissed passionately and stroked each other with loving fingers. I had a vague idea of what being a eunuch must entail, having seen dozens of colts castrated into geldings over the years. It seemed to me to be an exceedingly cruel thing to do to a human boy. Still, the geldings recovered well enough, and some of them even continued to mount mares afterward, though of course they could not sire foals. So, in my idle daydreams and fantasies, Senovo still gave and received pleasure, writhing with Andoc in a passionate tangle of lips and hands.
The night was quiet and my solitude complete. My left hand drifted up, sliding under my tunic to brush over my raw, sensitive nipples. Leaving my breasts unbound tonight was a calculated risk—but it was dark, and if I saw anybody, it would only be Jorun as I woke him to ask for help in case there was a problem with the foal that I couldn’t deal with myself. He wouldn’t notice if my chest seemed slightly less flat than usual. Though my breasts were a nuisance, there was no denying that touching them like this felt good. So good, in fact, that I felt a pulse of wetness between my legs.
I sighed, irritated, letting my head fall back against the post with a soft thump. I was still bleeding a bit, and had only a linen rag to catch it. If I wasn’t careful, the mess would soak through my breeches.
Mood ruined, I pulled my hand out of my tunic and returned my full focus to the mare with her swollen, heavy belly. Cassira was still restless, pacing the fence. After a few minutes, she froze, looking out into the dark at a point slightly to the east of where I was sitting. With an explosive snort, she abruptly bolted to the far side of the pen, her pendulous belly swinging with every stride. In the large communal corral, the other horses stirred nervously and started to mill around.
I rose, cautious, and followed the fence until I could get a clear look at the open space beyond. Glowing, yellow-green eyes stared at me from out of the dark, and I caught my breath in surprise.
The moonlight illuminated thick gray fur and a sharply pointed white muzzle as a large wolf crept forward silently with smooth, deliberate steps, sniffing the air. The horses were charging back and forth in their pens now, the herd forming up in a tight ring with the youngsters in the middle. Cassira squealed and cantered back and forth along the section of fence I had repaired the previous afternoon, pausing to shove against the rails with her chest as she sought escape.
The hair on the back of my neck rose and a shiver traced its way down my spine at the thought of a wolf this close to the edge of the village. Had it sensed that the mare was about to give birth to a tender, vulnerable foal? For now, at least, the creature’s attention seemed more focused on me than the horses, which was… well, both good and not so good, depending on how you looked at it. I tore my eyes from its glowing gaze to cast around my immediate surroundings in the moonlight. My attention caught on a scattering of fist-sized rocks near the fence, and I dropped into a crouch, picking up as many as I could hold.
I threw the first one as hard as I could at those slanted eyes. It missed, though not by much, and the wolf skittered a step to the side. A low growl rolled across the space between us. The second stone flew true, the growl ending in a yip as the rock hit the predator just above one glowing eye. It was already turning to run as my third rock thumped into its shoulder. The rustling sound of paws running through grass faded into the darkness, and I let out a breath I hadn’t even realized I’d been holding.
Clammy sweat made me shiver as I turned to check on the horses. The herd was quieting, but Cassira still stood in the far corner, head high and ears pricked as she followed the sounds made by the retreating beast. There would be no foal tonight, with the mare now on high alert after the threat. I sighed. I would have to maintain my vigil regardless, lest the wolf return. And, of course, Jorun would have my head if I let something bad happen on my watch.
I gathered up a few more rocks, just in case, and returned to my spot against the post. While I didn’t feel remotely tired just then, I knew I couldn’t afford to let my guard down as the small hours of the night crept by. Resettling myself in a position that was comfortable—but not too comfortable—I rummaged for the worn leather satchel I’d brought with me and pulled out a damaged horsewhip, along with some leather thongs. Angling it so the moonlight hit the braided leather, I started unpicking the frayed section, pausing at intervals to check the horses and my surroundings for unwanted four-legged company.
I was just tying off the end of the intricately braided repairs to the lash some considerable time later when I heard noises coming from the far side of the village. At first the sounds made no sense. It was the middle of the night—who would be shouting and clanging around with such total disregard for people sleeping? Only when the shouting turned to screaming did my weary thoughts start to make sense of the situation, sending my heart hammering with sudden terror.
It was the sound of an attack.
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- 5 stars: 5 (25%)
- 4 stars: 11 (55%)
- 3 stars: 4 (20%)
- 2 stars: 0 (0%)
- 1 star: 0 (0%)
The downside to growing as a reader is realizing how much epic fantasy is problematic in terms of representation. Therefore, I thoroughly enjoyed discovering this series, which features queer characters, including a gender-fluid character. Carivel is a delight to read, and her relationship(s) with Andoc and Senovo are just the right mix of emotional and ****.This book can be read as a stand-alone, but the relationship arc doesn't quick work by itself. Carivel falls into Andoc and Senovo's arms without much conflict, as if it was inevitable once everyone's secrets were revealed.That didn't stop me from enjoying all of the characters and the broader world they live in, and immediately purchasing the next installment of this serialized tale.
Reasons why I love this so much:-girl hiding as a boy-the **** times-village setting-three is better than one-horsesThe list above is just the smaller things I look for in certain types of books, and this one already had a lot of my favorite things set up. In other words, it wasn't that hard to love it immediately. I really enjoyed the main characters and the things they contributed not only to the blooming relationships, but to the story as well. A little cliche in some parts, but it didn't effect my enjoyment.The plot was pretty good, and although not much happens 'the big picture' wise, I was given satisfaction in seeing the three of them work their... 'stuff' out and show a bit of what they can do. I'm surprised more people haven't found this yet, actually, and it's a definite recommend.
Very good story. I very much enjoyed the two male characters and thought they were well developed, but I did not care for the female at all. Other than her pleasant understanding of horses, I found her hard to connect to. I kept warring between viewing her as a innocent misunderstood girl and a dominate experienced man. It is hard to understand a character that possesses two extremely different sides. The **** was a bit TOO honest for my liking. I felt like I was reading a tutorial on how to have a three-way in ****- Ed class instead of reading hot erotica. Also, big pet- peeve here: women should not "squirt"... It brings to mind a camel. If I were basing my review on the female lead and the ****, it would be a one star book. But the story was well told enough around all that I did not like to give it a three. In my opinion this story would be much improved without the girl and the ****.
Overall, a well written story with a happy for now ending. This is the first book of the series and sets the tone, describes main & supporting characters, the scene and direction. It’s refreshing to read a novel that includes gays, transgender and women in predominantly male roles plus romantic interests. There are plenty of reviews that give a synopsis of the story & characters, so I won’t write anything about it. The author is new to me, but I’m glad I’ve taken the opportunity to read her work. I recommend this book to anyone interested in reading a great story. There isn’t a true ending, but you can continue reading the series.
Let me start by saying this is an excellent book. And there are at least four books to read. This book is about three people living in a small village. Carivel is a young woman that loves horses but is unable to work with them because she is a woman. She has been masquerading as a man for the last three year as an apprentice to the tribe's Horse Master. The other two characters are Andoc, a warrior and Senovo, a enuch priest. Andoc and Senevo have a very close relationship as friends as well as lovers.Towards the beginning, Andoc and Senovo discover Carivel's secret and they promise to keep it between them. The remainder of the book involves Carivel, Andoc and Senovo traveling to another village to see about getting their help to fight another tribe that attacked the first tribe. Hard to reviewa book without reveiling the plot.I received a free copy of this ebook for an honest review.
The gender roles that we may see as "normal", may not fit with who that person truly feels is "normal" to them. People are not meant to fix into boxes! This story clearly shows the struggles that the characters face, being put into boxes that they just do not fit into.This story is set in a time period where the roles between MALE and FAMALE are clearly defined and any who cross that defining line, risk their very lives.Carivel was born a "female" but she sure doesn't feel like a "female". Her mind and body, tell her that she would have been better of being born a "male". It doesn't help that those around her tell the same thing, all because she happens to like the same things as the "males" around her.Andoc is a manly warrior who believes that charm, good food, or good ****, can fix just about anything. If not, bang the persons heads together.Senovo is a Priest, who is hiding a big secret under his robes. Priests had to become eunuchs, in order to oversee the will of the Gods.Andoc and Senovo are very close, which does cause some talk amongst the villagers. Carivel does all she can do to pretend to be a "male", so that she can live and work with the horses that she loves. Their lives are interweaved with each others, by simply living in the same village. After their village is struck by battling warriors, Carivel, Senovo and Andoc, are setting the stones in place for their future lives.Will Carivel let her guard down enough to let the men in? Can Senovo reveal his secret to Carivel? Is Andoc warrior enough to handle what is to come?READ to find out for yourself!!( the hardest part for me to get over was the wordage used. its too modern for the time period the story is set it. the book is very detailed with the aspects of horse care and training-as far as I can tell you.)
Disclaimer: The following review was originally posted on my book blog The Book Challengers (link in bio).I actually started reading this book as it happens to be one of those freebies that has been sitting on my Kindle for an eternity and for a moment it seemed like something that I might enjoy at that particular moment. I quite enjoyed the fantasy-like background and the fact that our hero was born female but was trying their best to do what they loved despite the itsibitsy problem of having a female body but a male mind (I think it's the best description I can use).I think it was my first menage story with three people in a relationship. I'm not into BDSM in so-called normal relationships either, but I did appreciate the fact that the menage part was actually quite light. If it hadn't been, I don't think I would've read till the end. Also, three people in a sexual relationship really isn't my cup of tea. Each to their own, it simply isn't something for me.As the sexual part of the story started somewhere around 60% (I think, am not quite certain now), I got to enjoy the fantasy part of the story and really, Steffan managed that rather beautifully. The story would have been better (for me) if there was less of the menage part and more of Carivel working with horses.Will not continue with the series.
This story was very good. I loved the character and gender twists and how they interacted with each other and with others. It was not a shallow read. There is some stuff to "chew" on here. I loved the "horsey stuff". It seemed very realistic and lovely. I thought the action was good, as was the level of suspense and the resolution. I too, wish this were a longer story and I'm glad there are more in the series.This is borderline a "Serial" as opposed to a "series"; there is a wrap up but the adventure is just beginning, both in their relationship and in the defense of their homeland from the invaders and as 2 of them are un-masked and must make a new way in their society. I would recommend this book with the qualifiers that you will most likely want to buy the rest of the series and that it is not for the sexually squeamish.
Carivel is a an impressive horse trainer, apprentice to Draebard's horse master. There's just one problem with that, Carivel is a woman in a culture that doesn't accept women in such roles. Then one night her village is attacked by soldiers from the Alyrian Empire, during which she is knocked out & the two men she desires discover her secret, the horse master is killed & she is named the new horse master.Their village leader sends Carivel & her crushes to entreat a neighboring village to align with them against the Alyrean Empire. Now Carivel has to decide what she is willing to risk for love & the safety of her village.This review is for the kindle version, which I got for free. I enjoyed this book, but I do wish there had been more of a storyline. The world seems well built & the characters are well written. However I would have liked to of seen more of the culture, the world, & more interactions with other characters.If you like smutty filled storylines with some plot, you might enjoy this series.Also, some people have claimed in their reviews that Carivel is transgender but I don't think this is correct. When given the choice Carivel does consider herself to be a woman, just not in the sense that others do. It would be more appropriate to say that she is gender fluid or a non-binary gender (neither male nor female, but with elements of both).
What a delight!I haven't read Steffan before, but something called to me from the synopsis. Maybe the fact Carivel doesn't know where she belongs or the fact this is as much a story about trust as it a romance.Whatever it was I'm glad I picked this up. The progression of Carivel's feelings felt natural; here was a girl who found a purpose in life, was largely content with it, but when presented with more gave it serious thought.It's not that Carivel didn't want love or intimacy with Andoc and Senovo (after all she had her uncontrollable lust to manage according to Andoc), she didn't want to be the reason their completely backwards society ostracized them.Steffan also gave care to the fighting aspect and Carivel's horse training. I know nothing about horses (except, much like canines, they dislike me on sight) so I can't speak to if the method Carivel uses to tame a horse is as easy as Carivel made it seem, but it certainly SOUNDED reasonable.I was disappointed in the length, as I had hoped to see some sort of solid plan to take on the Invaders. I'm content to check out the next book with an eye on the series as a whole to fill my Kindle however.
I would have rated this higher if it had a better ending. I realize this is a series, but each book should have a conclusion of some sort to it, at least the main conflict should have some resolution.While the ending was a happily for now, it just left too much up in the air. The only real resolution to this book is with their finally falling into bed together, which while I enjoyed it, was not enough for me to call it a satisfying ending.I liked all the characters immensely which is why this story got 4 stars instead of 3.Andoc is definitely a dominant, but he's also sweet, fun, and a bit of an **** when it comes to his personality. He's what I think of as a happy dominate. He does it because it makes his partner feel good, or because it's what they need.Senovo is quiet and reserved, with depths of hurt and I suspect rage, though it isn't really shown that way in this book. He seems serene and very put together, while below the surface he's a mess, and a bit lost.Carivel is in hiding and can't trust anyone. Until they stumbled on his secret and help draw him out into the world. With patience and humor and more patience they help him find himself.They need to work together to find a way to save their settlement, and while they make great strides towards this, the book ends before we know if their plans will even have a chance to succeed.I like Carivel and Senovo's unique character attributes and how they were explored. I liked that Andoc was just sort of a dude, but also cared about much more than just himself.The writing was pretty good. I noticed a few poor editorial choices and a couple places where the writing was a bit clunky, but nothing horrendous. No vile purple prose, epithets, or weird euphemisms for **** and body parts. Always a big plus in my book.The book ends at 99% so you're getting all book, and not a bunch of advertisements.There is **** of nearly every variety in here, though most of it is sweet and in some cases instructional and fun. If any of the following bothers you, skip this one. **** includes, but not limited to the main characters, MF, MM, MFM, MMF.Some pretty violent things happen in one of the characters pasts, that as far as I'm concerned is definitely sexual assault, torture, and non-consensual body modification. If any of these things are triggers for you, I'd skip this one, as it's a pretty big part of the story Arc for one character.Otherwise, even with the open-ended vague ending, I think I'd still recommend this book.
THE HORSE MISTRESS: BOOK 1 was a really unique and interesting fantasy romance! We have a dominant human man, a eunuch conflicted over his shape-shifting abilities, and a genderfluid horse trainer all being thrust into the role of ambassadors for their village. The world building was fairly basic and tightly focused on the villages of Draebard and Meran but we do get some hints about the larger Eburosi world, so I'm hoping we learn more as the series progresses.The whole book is told from the POV of Carivel who was born biologically a female but has always felt more like a man in their mind (though Carviel does choose she/her pronouns when asked). But Draebard doesn't allow women to be horse trainers so Carivel has been living in secret as a man. Carivel's genderfluid (or possibly trans) identity is made more complex because of the world she lives in and the fact she hasn't had many opportunities to really explore identity without fear of being discovered or ostracized.At the start of THE HORSE MISTRESS Carivel is already attracted to Senovo and Andoc but believes nothing can happen between them. As for Andoc and Senovo, they're already together though this isn't something they're completely open about in their village. I enjoyed the contrast between the two -- Andoc is the confident and charming First Warrior poised to be the next Chief one day while Senovo is the brooding Priest who desperately tries to control his wolf and keep it a secret from the village. Adding Carivel to their relationship is natural and easy as all three of them get to know each other.While I found the trip to Meran and the subsequent trials where Carivel, Andoc, and Senovo all demonstrate their skills interesting, what I really loved about this was the polyamorous relationship between our three main characters. Their relationship was so tender and gentle and I loved how important consent was to each of them. The amount of care and respect they all put into the relationship was so beautiful and made my heart swoon each time they interacted. I'm really looking forward to seeing what comes next for this trio.
Very engaging and absorbing book. I couldn't stop reading once I started, which is why I bought the next 2 books. It is unique and a refreshing change in the fantasy genre. Senovo, Carivel and Andoc are all extremely cool, well defined characters who don't fall into any boring old character tropes. They are fresh.Their relationship is complex and fun and very romantic. Also the **** scenes are A+, I give them 5 stars.The plot is filled with tension and twists and political intrigue, which I like. I like when world's have defined rules and laws and geographies and differing cultures, it helps to pull myself in.I gave this a 4star review instead of 5, because sometimes the character actions and dialogue can be a little bit clumsy and juvenile? Not enough make me stop reading or continuing to read, but enough to be a little distracting. But whatever, I still really like the Horse Mistress and will absolutely buy the rest of the book in the series. It's very imaginative, well thought out and filled with cool characters and settings.I recommend it wholeheartedly. Buy this book, read it.And here is where my review of the book officially ends. Spoilers ahead.This next thing is a little tiny personal problem, and I guess SPOILER, but I kinda don't get the sense that Senovo actually loves Carivel, at least. Sure, he cares about her, and is attracted to her, but not very romantic. Andoc is the one who loves her, and so Senovo likes Carivel because Andoc likes her.In the latest 3rd book I do see that Senovo is in romantic love with her, but not so in the first book.Here is what I thought was going to happen:In the first book Andoc would become interested in Carivel. Senovo would like her and tolerate her, but of course he couldn't really bring himself to fall in love with her because of his trust and self esteem issues. Carivel, for her part, would like him but in a sort of undeveloped crush way. She wouldn't really know him or his characteristics, because he's always hiding them.In the second book they would be kidnapped together, and through these difficult circumstances where they have to learn to work together and get to know each other without their love for Andoc getting in the way, they'd truly fall in love and learn to trust each other. Just like Senovo and Andoc fell in love independently, and how Andoc and Carivel are able to love each other fully without trust problems. Senovo isn't the same as Andoc, so I wouldn't think he could fall in love the same way.So by the third book, everyone would have a strong bond with each other that can last without the 3rd person being there.But...not so.By the second book they already felt really strongly for each other, so it blindsided. I never felt like I had real evidence that Senovo really loved Carivel in book one or two. Yes, I know that he does love her, but I'm not sure when it happened or how or why. It's more like the story tells me to believe that he loves her, and I can do that, but I wish I had something of substance.
Reading the prerequel to the series drew me in so deeply that it provoked heartfelt emotions and anxiety for the male characters.An amazing story of a Warriors (Andoc) and a Eunuchs (Senovo) relationship. However, this time Book 1 introduces the reader to Carivel assistant to the horse master. But Carivel is not who "he" presumes to be. While secrets abound in Book 0 and so it does in Book 1. I recommend reading them to appease ones curiosity. R. A. Steffan did an awesome job writing this as I was kept on the edge of my seat till the very last page. Be warned there is M/M and M/F/M interaction but not overly so. The chemistry between the three characters is thoughtful and beautifully written. Loved both books.
3.5 to 4 starsThis was an interesting read. The series kind of breaks the mold. It is a medieval/Bronze Age style fantasy series that uses that medium to explore some pretty unique topics for a romance.Carivel (Cara) is the MC - a woman who ran from her village because she desperately wanted to work with the horses and women were not allowed to do that. She identifies herself as a man (I guess the medieval equivalent of someone that would today become transgendered). She is disguised in her new village as a boy and is the assistant to the Horse Master, hiding that she is a woman, and trying not to show her attraction to two men in the village.Senovo is one of the two love interests. He is a eunuch priest who was made so without his consent. He also happens to be a wolf shifter, though he keeps that a closely guarded secret and is desperately ashamed of being one. He does his best to keep his wolf locked away.Andoc is the second love interest. He is the second-in-command to the village chief. He is also in love with Senovo and they have a rather clandestine relationship (well, the village sort of knows about it, but no one talks about it).When their village is attacked, Cara is injured, but Senovo saves her life in his wolf form. It is the first she learns of their relationship and Senovo's wolf form; and the first they learn of her being female. These secrets bring the three of them together.The Horse Master Cara has been apprenticing under is killed in the same attack, and Cara is appointed as his replacement (Horse Master - no one knows she is female still).The story proceeds from there and explores not only issues of gender identity and dysphoria, but also same **** and bisexual relationships. It also explores the impact of the loss of one's sexual organs. The fantasy/paranormal story itself is very well done. The characters are well-drawn and easy to emotionally engage with (even for someone like me that does not personally identify with the more unusual themes explored). The plot is well-paced and quite engaging. I couldn't put it down. (In fact, I intend next to read The Lion Mistress, a spin off series by the same author that sounds like a slightly more traditional paranormal RH/menage.)I will say that all of these issues are handled extremely well, with sensitive, sensual and emotional **** scenes amongst all three parties (all three together, or in varying combinations). And Andoc is a sensitively drawn Alpha male. So there is a little bit of everything here (except for vaginal penetration, there is none of that in this series at all).The only thing I was missing was a true female character (since that is what I am looking for and identify with the most). I personally found myself wishing she would allow more traditional intercourse. But that was just a personal issue, not an issue with the series and how it was written.If none of these thematic issues bother you, this would be a very interesting and different read. I recommend it.Note: This is not your typical paranormal romance, but I did not have a category that fit exactly, and I didn't want to make a new one just for this series. I would call this fantasy/paranormal menage (with only two love interests, it is not RH, and it is only barely paranormal, really more fantasy oriented, though there are werewolves).Warnings: There is graphic **** here of multiple varieties (MM as well as MF and MMF and MFM, and anal ****). It is sensitively done, but if that is not your thing, steer clear.
After reading R.A. Steffan's series 'The Queen's Musketeers' which I loved, I decided I would give her new series a try as well. I was a bit skeptical because of the BDSM warning at the beginning. I am not a huge fan of M/M and or M/M/F **** scenes but I decided to give it a try anyway. I am very glad i did.The characters were so easy to like I was instantly hooked and couldn't wait to turn the page. Carivel, Andoc and Senovo drew me in and I found myself wanting to know more about each of them. I was also intrigued by their world and lives. And as another reviewer has stated, it was nice to see females in a position of power for a change.As for the BDSM warning, it was probably warranted but the sexual content was done in a way that did not make me uncomfortable and I was not offended in the least. And it does not dominate the story. So even if you are not a fan of BDSM do not let that scare you off. The book is well worth a read.If I had any complaint at all it would be that it is too short! I was actually sad when I realized I was finished. On the bright side I know this is only book 1 in a series. I will definitely be buying the rest when they are released.
That's not to say there weren't things I did like. Being a horsie person, the scenes involving Carivel's skill with them were refreshingly good. The **** scene at the end was also fine, even with the relationship between the three of them seeming a little rushed.But I was waiting for something else to happen.The plot was all right, although I was surprised the clans hadn't banded together prior to this if the threat to them was so great and, it would seem, easily done. In fact, beyond the attack near the beginning, there was little conflict. Even them returning home with their secrets bared would've sufficed. To have the story stopping where it did had me feeling... unfulfilled... I wouldn't even call it ending on a cliffhanger. It was as though I had read a sample.
Great book, great writing and great plot. While it is spicy its so well written with such a good plot it just sucks you in