The Horse Mistress: Book 4 (EBOOK, LGBT)
The Horse Mistress: Book 4 (EBOOK, LGBT)
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EPIC FANTASY MENAGE ROMANCE (E-BOOK, LGBT).
War is coming to the island of Eburos.
Andoc, Senovo, and I can no longer live quietly in the shadows of the village of Draebard. As tribal Chieftain, High Priest, and Horse Mistress, it now falls to the three of us to organize a defense against the terrifyingly powerful Alyrion Empire.
Senovo—a shape-shifter—has a desperate plan to save us all.
But if he succeeds, it just might end up tearing our triad apart forever.
-o-o-o-
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.
- Publication date: May 8, 2016
- Language: English
- Print length: 326 pages
- File size: 449 KB
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ONE
“I HAVE TO ADMIT, I’m not thrilled with this plan, Senovo,” said Andoc.
Andoc, Senovo, and I were sharing a quiet meal in Senovo’s rooms after a long day of work. Indeed, this particular day had seemed even longer than usual with the howling wind driving blasts of icy sleet through the village. Here in the temple, though, it was warm and snug. Sitting around a table eating hot food and drinking good wine with the two people who meant most to me in all the world should have been a perfect way to spend an evening. However, like Andoc, I was not at all pleased after Senovo informed us—out of nowhere—that he intended to venture into the forest overnight in the form of the wolf.
“Why now?” I asked him.
Senovo leaned back in his chair and regarded us, the picture of serenity. “Two weeks ago, I told you both that I had an idea regarding the north’s defense against the Empire.”
Andoc nodded, still looking unhappy. “A crazy idea, you said.”
A faint flash of self-deprecating humor crossed Senovo’s features and was gone in an instant. “Yes, quite. I’ve been thinking about the specifics since then, but—truly—the only way to learn what I need to know is to go out and investigate it for myself.”
“Alone,” I said flatly. “In the wildlands. In the middle of winter.”
“The wolf is not hindered by cold and snow, Carivel,” said Senovo. “Quite the opposite. I would find it much more arduous to do such a thing in the height of summer, to be honest.”
Andoc took a deep breath and leaned forward, placing his elbows on the table. “I have more reason than most to appreciate the wolf’s survival skills during the depths of winter, amadi. But I would still like to understand what exactly it is that you’re hoping to accomplish here.”
“This is about what happened on the night of High Priest Rhystel’s death, isn’t it?” I interrupted, before Senovo could answer. “When the wild wolves came down from the hills to grieve with you.”
Senovo remained unruffled. He leaned forward, mirroring Andoc’s position with his own. “It is. Strange wolves have approached me before over the years, during those occasions when I could no longer hold back the change. I always ran from them. I thought they were seeking to defend their territory, and would attack me.”
“But the wolves we met that night showed no signs of attacking.” I said with a frown, my memories drawn immediately back to the strangeness of the whole experience. “The lower ranking wolves submitted to you as if seeking your approval, and the pack leaders treated you as an equal. They appeared almost protective of you.”
“I’m afraid I remember few details of what happened, beyond the overwhelming feelings of loss and mourning,” Senovo admitted, his voice growing quiet.
Andoc looked at him intently. “It was your anguish that called them. You howled it out to the forest as if your heart was breaking… and they came. They added their voices to yours.”
“So you both described to me, afterward,” said Senovo. “However, I have no true memory of it. That is why I must go and find out for myself what connection I have with… others of my kind. I feel very strongly that it is important for me to do so.”
“I’ll go with you,” I said quickly, irrational fear overtaking me at the thought of Senovo alone in the wilderness. Vulnerable.
“No, Carivel.” His voice was kind, but firm. “This is something I must do by myself. Besides, while winter may not be a hindrance to the wolf, I would not see you battling the cold and sleet when it is not necessary for you to do so.”
Andoc looked down at his hands, drawing my attention. “We’re agreed on that part, at least. I’ve sent far too many people out lately to do exactly that.”
Senovo’s eyes moved to Andoc as well. After the collapse of the meetings in Rhyth between the leaders of the northern tribes, Andoc had been forced to send volunteers from Draebard to visit any villages with whom they might have ties of blood or friendship, in hopes of forging some kind of useful alliance before Alyrion troops descended on Eburos in the spring. Asking his people to take such risks by traveling in winter weighed heavily on him, I knew.
Senovo knew it as well, and his expression grew pained. “My words were not meant as a criticism of your actions, old friend. You have done only what was necessary. And when our turn comes to reach out to potential allies, I will willingly accompany you on four legs or two. You know that.”
“As will I,” I added. “But I’m still not happy about you going out alone, Senovo. The people who are traveling are at least doing so in groups. What if something happens?”
Senovo’s gaze bore into mine for a moment. As ever, his eyes saw too much. “There are no Rhytheeri bounty hunters lying in wait in the woods, Carivel. Not now, in the depths of winter. And even if there were, how would they tell one wolf from any other? I will be in no more danger than any of the other dozens of times I have changed over the years, since I first escaped from the men who owned me.”
Thinking about Senovo’s flight from his southern masters—alone, injured, without resources of any kind—really didn’t help me feel any better. In fact, such images were the stuff of my nightmares, more often than I cared to admit. Something of this must have showed on my face, because Senovo rose from his chair and crossed to mine, extending a hand for me to take. I allowed myself to be pulled to my feet and into his arms, where I burrowed against him gratefully.
I wasn’t surprised to hear Andoc’s chair scraping a moment later as he pushed it back, followed by his halting footsteps as he limped over to us and embraced Senovo from behind.
“You must do as you think best, amadi,” he said. “Not that either of us could stop you even if we wished to. After all, you outrank our Carivel, here, and while you don’t quite outrank me, I’m reliably informed that religious matters are outside the Chief’s purview.”
Senovo huffed in quiet amusement.
“So they are. Good of you to remember,” he said, a hint of humor audible in his voice.
Of the three of us, only Andoc had ever expected to gain significant power and influence within the tribe during his lifetime. Senovo and I were the outcasts—the black sheep in the flock. That we had risen to the heights we had—High Priest and Horse Mistress of the village—would have been deeply funny had it not come about in response to so much death and tragedy. Even so, the surreal nature of our current circumstances occasionally caught one or the other of us by surprise, as it had Senovo just now.
“Promise you’ll be careful, at least,” I said into the soft folds of white cloth under my cheek.
Senovo eased me away until he could meet my eyes. “I give you my word. I’ll even make a point of avoiding the area around the horse pens, since I’ve no desire to be pelted with rocks again.” I couldn’t help it—even in the depths of worry, I smiled a bit at the memory. “Now, though… the evening is still young, and I don’t believe Andoc is expected at the meeting house for another hour or so. Come. Why don’t you both remind me of what it is I’ll be returning to?”
Powerless to stop myself, I surged up and kissed him, pouring all of my love and concern into the press and slide of our lips. Behind him, Andoc stretched forward until his mouth was next to Senovo’s ear.
“Amadi, I’m shocked. Are you trying to distract us with sex?” he asked, amusement coloring his tone despite his earlier dark mood. “What sort of behavior is that for a High Priest?”
Senovo pulled back enough to answer, his breath puffing intimately across my lips. “Me? Would I ever do such a thing?”
“Yes, you bloody would,” I growled, pressing against him from chest to knee. “Because you are secretly evil and you know perfectly well that neither of us can resist you.”
Before Senovo could reply, Andoc swept the collar of his robes to one side and bit down on the juncture of his neck and shoulder. Senovo stiffened, a faint tremor running through his body where it pressed against mine. His eyes fluttered closed, the expressive arch of his brows drawing together to form a faint furrow as he focused inward, surrendering to the sharp sensation.
I groaned at the sight and latched onto the nearest bit of exposed skin I could reach—a tempting jut of collarbone. When Andoc and I finally drew back, two new red marks marred Senovo’s perfect skin, and he was breathing in short pants.
“You need a reminder of where you belong, amadi, is that it?” Andoc’s low, controlled tones made both of us shiver. His hands slid forward, playing with the ties of Senovo’s robes. “Something to take with you… to help you remember?”
Senovo’s reply was a sharp exhalation. The fastenings came loose under Andoc’s sure touch and the robes gaped, revealing a new stretch of skin. When Andoc tangled one hand in the heavy plait of hair favored by members of the priesthood and used it to pull Senovo’s head back, I pounced on the exposed arch of his neck, trailing biting kisses up the length of the taught tendon.
Senovo gradually went slack between us, eyes still closed, mouth falling open. I traced his lower lip with the pad of my thumb. “I want that mouth on my cock tonight,” I said breathlessly, already picturing his lips sliding down the length of carved wood. I met Andoc’s burning gaze over Senovo’s shoulder. “And I want to suck you.”
Andoc’s rumble of approval inspired another quiver of reaction in Senovo. “Bring both of your cocks,” Andoc said, referring to the pair of wooden phalluses Senovo had gifted me after my handfasting to Andoc last summer. “I’ve got a use in mind for the curved one as well. Oh, and throw some furs down on the floor near the hearth. We’ll have more space to work, and it will be warmer.”
I gave Senovo a final kiss, nipping at his swollen lower lip as I pulled away, and crossed to the bed. The feather-stuffed monstrosity was always piled with a rather ridiculous number of blankets, furs, and pillows, so there were plenty of options for putting together a comfortable nest close to the fire for the three of us. When I was satisfied with the result—and in real danger of being hopelessly distracted by the sight of Andoc peeling the clothing from Senovo’s unresisting form before starting on his own—I made myself turn away to gather the rest of the supplies we’d need.
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- 5 stars: 11 (65%)
- 4 stars: 3 (18%)
- 3 stars: 3 (18%)
- 2 stars: 0 (0%)
- 1 star: 0 (0%)
I loved this series and how it focused on unique relationships in a war, but I was irritated by the ending. I wish the bonus scene was added to the book rather than requiring signing up to the author's website.
I don't see why the author bothered having one of the main heroes as a women. She bring a nothing feminine to the trio. It should just have been about 3 men. I felt the stories were very drawn out.
I absolutely love Gwendolyn Druyor as the narrator for this series. She does the characters justice!! Such a pleasure to listen to.I love the foreshadowing in this book with little Frella playing with a toy Lion and then the introduction of Ithric. They are now a proper little family. There was so much emotion and so many obstacles to overcome! I am so so relieved with how it ended. I feel like I have closure and I am excited for the next series with the characters having been introduced in this book.I am a little sad that I didn't get to hear more about the bear shifters living in the mountains or the lions Ithric was going to bring to the war.I was also very disappointed that the Mereni (?) black stallion didn't have more air time in this book (keep in mind I listen to the audible version so I am not sure how everything is spelt). I feel like he should have been the horse Carivel rode into battle!We got to hear more about Carivel's heart breaking past and I really felt like she finally got closure. Her mother is a terrible person, but now she is a part of a loving and accepting family. So so happy!And I love their names for each other - old friend, beloved, caradi, amadi. So cute!AND THEN THE THREE WAY HANDFASTING!!!!!! YES!!!!!And the magic with the shifters being able to sense each other and talk to other animals of their shifter species. Wow. R.A. Steffan you are brilliant!
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.I did really like the writing and character development in this book. I liked the other three, but felt like by the third one the books had started to fall into the same patterns. This book broke away from that trend with new surprises and growing experiences for each character.
This was a solid ending to an enjoyable series. Once again, the **** was steamy without compromising on plot. There was some definite character growth for the main trio and they get their hea.I enjoyed this last installment of the horse mistress series. I did recieve an arc.
After finishing book 3 in this series I dove right into book 4 as I had to know how the story of Carivel, Senovo and Andoc would get wrapped up. I am really enjoying this series so far and I am so happy there are still more books I can read, even tough they will have a different main character. I am quite curious about those books too and meeting the new main characters.The Horse Mistress Book 4 has a bit of a more somber tone at times. The Empire is evading and it's only a matter of where. They also know when, namely after the winter is over. So this winter is all focused on making sure Northern Eburos is as ready as they can be. I loved how we get to see more of Northern Eburos in this book. Andoc, Carivel and Senovo travel to some villages to see if they want to join their alliance and defend against the incoming invasion, which means we got to see a bit of the rest of northern Eburos, which was great. I also liked seeing how the tribes handled the news and the new developments and inventions made with the invasion looming over them.And even more fun is how they visit Andoc's home town and we get to meet Andoc's mom, who was lovely. There is also a more sadder visit to Carivel's mother, as her mother always treated her badly, but this scene did bring things on that topic to a resolution for Carivel and I think she really needed that. There's also a sad event earlier in the book, but part of what happened next did feel important.With Senovo having a self appointed quest and what this means for him and the tone of the book is a bit sad at times because of that, but luckily there are enough happy and uplifting parts spread throughout the series as well and in the end I am really happy how that part of the plot line got resolved.With how the whole book is building up to the invasion, I was quite nervous and curious how that part would be resolved. And the further I got in the book, the more I was wondering how the whole battle and invasion would fit in there. But it was there, just much shorter than I had expected. There is a bit of a time skip and then only one chapter that is about the invasion. On the one hand it felt a bit anti-climactic, but at the same time I also liked how this was handled. The way it was told showed a bit of the Empire's perspective which was quite illuminating. The Return of the Wolf Epilogue is a perfect way to wrap up the characters story and I felt that this made the end more complete. I am just not sure if the epilogue is also at the end of book 4 or only in the box set, as I read the box set.In many ways this book wraps up their individual story lines really well. Carivel, Andoc and Senovo all have found their place and their love for each other is as strong as ever. I like seeing them in their current roles and how they handle it. The last few open threads or things they struggle with get addressed in this book and they are at a great place at the end of the book.Favian is still one of my favorite side characters and it was great to see how he handles the events of this book, even tough he has to go through more hardship first. The epilogue makes me pretty sure he is one of the love interests in the lion mistress part of the series, which makes me happy as that means we get to see more of him. The epilogue from Favian is a nice set-up for the next book, but I actually liked the epilogue from Senovo's point of view more as that worked better to wrap up this part of the story.With the focus on the story on preparing for the invasion the focus is less on the romance at times. but at the same time this book has some of the most romantic scenes in the series. It shows again how much these three mean to each other and there is a scene later in the book that's just so perfect. I am just a bit sad that for most of the book Senovo was a bit distant as it was obvious everyone was suffering because of it, then again it did totally make sense what happened and how it was handled.I really enjoy reading about these three and I am really happy how their story got wrapped and I hope we get to see more of them in future books. It was great seeing how they supported each other. And I liked seeing Adnoc as chief, how Senovo dealt with his wolf and also how Carivel how has grown over the course of the series.To summarize: this was a great wrap up of the horse mistress books. The story builds up to the invasion of the empire at the end of the book, it was interesting reading about the preparations, the political aspect and the new inventions that were being made because of the looming war. It also was great to see a bit more of Eburos. The tone could be a bit somber at times, but luckily there were enough happy and uplifting moments as well. I liked how all the left over plot lines and last personal struggles of Andoc, Senovo and Carival get wrapped up and I love how much they have found their place and changed throughout this series and it's great to see in what a good place they are at the en...
This 4th book in the series is a very satisfying read. It continues the ongoing storyline of the relationship among the 3 main characters as they deal with the impending attack from the empire. Carivel, Senovo, and Andoc are flawed and scared and brave and loving and caring - and really a pleasure to read about. I would definitely recommend this series.
I have read every one of the Horse series and love them all!!
all four gripping stories, full of surprises, unexpected graphic erotica, imaginative. Loved the series. Would read more by the author.
It was only my OCD that cringed a few times, forgetting the era at which this was based, complaining a few times that they didnt shower.. but that shouldn't stop you reading this series. This story flows and builds then throws you off the cliff in the most delicious way.. mass props to the writer.
I loved this series. I hope that R.A. Steffan continues to add to the series as it is a wonderful story filled with great characters! Can't wait for the next installment... hint hint :)
I received an ARC of this book for free from the author in exchange of an honest review.Personal rating: 4 starsEven though it's been some time since I read book 3, I was very excited about the last instalment in the series. The previous book left several huge plot lines unresolved and I couldn't wait to see how it was going to be dealt with.I really enjoyed the book. In terms of the relationship and romance between characters it gave me everything I wanted and even more. There were certain aspects of menage a trois which always makes me worried about someone becoming "a third wheel" and/or that the author would give more "screen time" to a certain duo. Thank goodness, it is not the case with this book and the series as a whole. It is undoubtedly the most loving and balanced (although not perfect) relationships in queer romance that I have ever read.I was worried about how the author was going to deal with the impending war. It seemed a bit of a too much challenge for the characters as it was consistently mentioned that they were not ready to face the army this big. Mid book I had this little "aha!" moment when everything clicked together. And it made total sense, even though, I admit, that I spent the first half of the book confused about what was going to happen. I didn't want a too simple "deus ex machina" solution, so I was happy that I didn't see this one coming.I was slightly let down by the ending, as the change of POV threw me off and even though I do understand the reasoning behind it, I think that including the extra bit after that (although ALSO for a reason) was not necessary. Perhaps, it is me, but after the buildup regarding war and everything that had to be done and sacrificed for it, the ending lacked a kick. I am not complaining about how the relationship evolved, but rather the rest of the plot itself.Nevertheless, I really liked the book. Easily one of my favourite series by indie authors. Whatever the series lacks in terms of the plot or action, it takes the romance and relationship to a whole new level. It made me feel all warm and fuzzy and I am ready to forgive any plot weakness for that.I want to thank the author for giving me an opportunity to read and review 3 out of 4 books in the series.
For this last novel in the Horse Mistress series, we wrap up the different left-over plots from the previous novels. Each book roughly corresponds to a season, and this book is set during the winter in anticipation of an attack from the Allyrian Empire in the spring.I would not recommend this as a starting point for a new reader. (But I do recommend reading all of them from the beginning!) The author dispenses with the usual form of early recap of the previous novels to delve immediately into the story. The main plots here are the solidification of the trio as a unit and preparation for the battle they know is coming.In the other three books even though they are all told from Carivel’s point of view, we had one of the trio as the star. The order was first Carivel accepting her birth **** in book one, Senovo coming to peaceful terms with his inner wolf in book 3, and Andoc learning to be a strong and capable chieftain even after an injury that would have devastated a lesser man. This book really does concentrate on the three of them as a unit, including the possibility of adding an adopted family as the three of them foster two war orphans.In preparation for the war, Andoc’s spies have found that the Empire will attack by sea, and the trio goes on a diplomatic mission to secure the help of others. While on this diplomatic mission, we meet Carivel’s and Andoc’s mothers. It allows Carivel to put the ghosts of her past to rest and move on.While I am very much a fan of RA Steffan and a supporter of her work, the ending of this book really disappointed me. I got to the end and wondered if she just ran out of juice. Through the first 3 books we establish that war is coming, and there are wonderfully written scenes of skirmishes and battles leading up to it. So it is clear that Steffan is well able to write battle scenes.As readers, we assume our heroes will win, and they unsurprisingly do that here. The part that creates the interest in an expected ending is in finding out HOW they did it. Steffan made the odd choice to change POV at the very end of the story to one of the Allyrian naval officers as the final battle played out. Everything else until that point was told from Carivel’s POV, and it almost feels like the author couldn’t figure out how to tell it that way. It would have been longer and more satisfying if she had tried. There is so much work building up the oncoming war over the course of 4 novels that it just fizzles at the end like the battle is merely an afterthought to the (successful) emotional journey the main characters take.It’s not that internal/emotional journey of the main trio isn’t important. It very much is. It’s that the external journey, which had been so significant in the other novels, suddenly seems less weighted with importance. We should have had a big, bombastic blowout instead of a head-scratching “That was it?”The book ends with an epilogue which is a set up for a new series set in the same world but concentrating on different characters. Look for The Lion Mistress soon.In conclusion: This novel caps a year in the lives of Carivel, Andoc and Senovo. If you’ve read others in the series, you need to read this, too. The things that bothered me may not bother you, and that’s the fun of having different tastes in reading. I would suggest, though, that you go ahead and read or listen to the complete set as that does have the exclusive epilogue short story “Return of the Wolf.”Disclaimer: I have received a free copy of this ebook and the audiobok from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Hands down, I have to give credit where it is due. The author has blended subject matter and characters so masterfully that even the uninitiated will see joy, honor and love. Take the warning in the authors note to heart, it is no joke and not even a mild warning. No matter the comfort zone, personally, I saw it through, I feel I learned about subjects that while I wasn’t blasé about, I didn’t go overboard trying to understand before I read this. I will honestly say that not only was this enlightening but it was tastefully done even though explicitly described.
I'm glad that she continues the stories of other side characters because I love these three so much I'd hate it if I never got to see them again. Great ending.
Now that our three heroes are in a solid relationship, it was time to shake things up a bit. It would have been easy for the author to focus on a more character-driven story, but I love how they don't let the readers forget that war is coming. Times are changing, and our heroes have to grow up and adapt along with them. Family is a major theme in this installment, and Carival travels to her old home to face her mother. This reunion was equally painful and poignant. Steffan balances it wonderfully with the introduction to Andoc's mother.The handfasting ceremony in this book felt a little self-indulgent on the part of the author, but in retrospect, that's an issue on my part and stems from what is traditionally "normalized" in fiction. Steffan does excellent work in breaking the mold, both in the world of the Eburosi Chronicles and our own.The shapeshifter plotline culminates with the political plotline, and both are resolved to my great satisfaction. I'm completely in love with this world, and while I know Carival, Andoc, and Senovo's story is over, I'm looking forward to exploring more Steffan has to offer.
Kind of felt like the author got bored with writing Carivel's story towards the end. Everything after the fasting left me cold. :(But my love for this series is still incredibly strong and I always felt safe diving into one of these books.