The Lion Mistress: Book 1 (30-DAY AUDIOBOOK RENTAL, LGBT)

LOVED THIS SERIES!!

After I finished the Horse Mistress books I couldn't wait to continue this series with the Lion Mistress books. And I loved being able to return to this world again. My expectations were quite high and sadly this book ended up being a bit mixed for me. There were parts I really enjoyed and parts I struggled with a bit. It's more of a 3.5 star rating, but didn't quite feel like a 4 starWhile the Lion Mistress follows a different set of main characters than the ones in the first four I still think it would work best to start there, but for those who prefer to start here that definitely works too, you just miss a bit of backstory of the side characters. And for me seeing the characters I had grown to know from the first four books again in this book was so fun.The Lion Mistress Book 1 follows the story of Kathrael. She was a slave and then a prostitute. Then she got burned and now she has no way to make a living. She has lost everyone close and dear to her and the only drive left is to get to the north and kill the wolf patron who ruined her life. It's told mostly from her point of view, but there are also some chapters from Favian and Ithric's point of views too.I admit that I found Kathrael hard to like at first. Her only drive seems to be revenge and she is quite hardened because of the life she had. I felt sorry for her with how she had lived, lost and also how she thought of ****. I found it hard to really care for her, but I did like seeing how character development over the course of the book. It really feel like the first step to a better life for her. And by the end I did find myself warming up to her slowly.I did like Favian right away. We already have seen a lot of Favian in the horse mistress books and he was one of my favorite side characters there. I also liked seeing how he grew closer to Kathrael and cared for her and helped her recover. I had more trouble with his relationship with Ithric as he seemed almost hostile when he talked about him, but his actions spoke of a deep bond. A bond that was formed before this book. Which is when I regret not starting with the prequel as I think that would've given me a better insight in their relationship.Favian and Ithric's romance is almost combustible. They love each other, but also seem quite argumentative with each other. Eventually they get to the heart of the matter and I found I understood both of their points. I just didn't care for the way they acted at first and was happier when they made up, which isn't till the end of the book tough. Ithric and Kathrael have a bit of a bond too, but not as deep yet, but I think that will develop in the next book. I am curious to see their relationship progress as toward the end it's still very much in the beginning stages.I am not quite sure what it is, but something about this book failed to fully pull me in. I loved being back in this world and there is some great character focus and interactions. The story felt like it moved a bit slowly at times and lacked direction, but I still enjoyed myself while reading. It just lacked that feel that I wanted to keep reading and was immersed in the story that the horse mistress books had.I was happy to return to this world and see glimpses of how the character we followed in the horse mistress book were doing now. It's also great to see how the world has changed in the meantime. How some parts are more stable and more unrest in other parts. I am quite curious to see how this will develop in future books. This book also expands on the world building with Kathrael's spirit gift and some twins she meet who have an unusual gift too.To summarize: I was happy to return to the world of Eburos and this time follow a new set of characters. Kathrael is the main character of this one, with some chapters from Favian and Ithric's point of view. I had a bit of a hard time warming up to Kathrael, she has had a hard life and is a bit better and revengeful when the book starts. I felt sorry for her, but didn't quite like her at first. I like seeing her character development over the course of the series and I began to like parts of her characters. I was happy to see Favian again, although I felt like I missed part of his background with Ithric as I didn't start with the prequel first. I also didn't care for their attitude at first were he acted like Ithric didn't matter to him and I was happy once they talked things through and resolved it. The romance between Favian and Thric is already more established and in this book Kathrael joins their relationship in a way as well, but it's still very much in the beginning stages. All in all it was a good start of the series and while it didn't pull me in as much as the Horse mistress books, it has a lot of potential and I am excited to see where the story goes next.

The Lion Mistress begins a few years after the Horse Mistress series ends.One of the main characters is Favian whom we met through all the books of the Horse Mistress and Ithric who had a quick passing in the last book. The girl in the story is Kathrael with a mission of revenge. All three are intertwined through a series of events that slowly brings them together.Favian was already my favorite and it was nice to see a side of him that I haven't seen before, his was smart, funny and witty. Also is very interesting to see the influence he had from his adopted parents. Ithric is also a very interesting character and I really liked him and the big heart he is hiding behind his tough persona. Most of the book was revolved around Kathrael's story which was understandable since she is introduced as the new character to the story. It took me some time to like her character but that slowly changed by the time they all got together.Once again R.A. Steffan's writing was incredible and she transported me in her world. This time the story is told through the point of view of all the main characters. The pace was a bit slow but that was understandable since it took time to get to build the characters and prepare us for what is to came in the next books.In the end of the book there is a link for the prequel of these series, Favian's and Ithric's story.

I read book 1 ages ago and found myself reading this book and not realizing it was book 5. After a few deja vu moments it all clicked and enhanced the story, though if it hadn't I still would have enjoyed it.It is a darker read about 'flawed' people coming together and finding happiness. It is MMF so beware if that is not your thing. The only reason I gave it a 4 not 5 was because while it is a good length, it is a bit high priced IMO compared to similar books.

I did not order this my daughter did.

Good

Great book. The series is very good, moves along well can't wait for Book 2.

I can’t get enough of this series. If you thought The Horse Mistress was good, wait until you read The Lion Mistress!

Started but didn't finish it

This book is set in the same universe as the Horse Mistress series, and if you liked that series, you will like this one! The characters are believable, and you care what happens with them!

This series is so, so worth reading! A great combination of plot, character development, feelings, and romance. I'd suggest reading all books in the series in order (The Horse Mistress, then The Lion Mistress) to follow the character's journey, but every new book in the series just leaves you wanting more. You can read just the Lion Mistress series and make sense of the plot and characters, but you'll get more out of it if you have the additional backstory on the first set of characters in the Horse Mistress books. Plus, the first book in the Horse Mistress is free on Amazon at the time of posting this review - so you can get a feel for the books and series before buying them all in a rush like I did once you get hooked by the first. After finding quite a few books with all **** and no plot, or convoluted plots with no romance, this series is a great combination of the good things from both genres. If you,re looking for a fun, adventurous read set in a different world, or if you're looking for a sweet book about a menage relationship and characters who fall in love based on their partner's inner selves and look past outer appearances, this is a definite recommendation.

This book,**** this series is definitely not for children or anyone who doesn't care to read mmf style books, with that said it is a great book. I've read all five books in the series and grown to care for each and every character, the way the author writes can't help but care and want to know what happens next.

I voluntarily read this book, and I loved it. It's the first book in a four book series, but each book can be read as a standalone. The series also ties into the Horse Mistress series. This is the story of Kathrael, Favian, and Ithric, who are drawn together when they attempt to rescue Ithric.I love R.A. Steffan's writing. Her plot is solid, the story is full of action and adventure, and moves at a fast clip. The characters are all well drawn, strong men and women - Kathrael asks and gives no quarter.If you love good, well written love stories about men and women who are looking for something missing in their lives, find it, and then are willing to fight to keep it, this is the book, and series for you. Check out "The Horse Mistress" series, too.

I could not fully get into this book. It's not poorly written, but it's partially depressing. Partially intriguing. I stopped in the middle if the book trying to hope it had more.

The Lion Mistress is truly an excellent continuation of the Horse Mistress series. As the author mentions, the Horse Mistress series doesn't have to be read first as there is enough back-history to to clue in a new reader without re-hashing and boring those who have read the first story arc of the series.R.A. Steffan continues pleasantly surprise with her unique and complex characters, erotically charged relationships, and well developed story-line. This isn't just a fantasy, erotic romance novel; it's epic fantasy with significant and varied erotic elements that actually make sense for the characters. I am eagerly awaiting the release of book 2.

Welcome back to Eburos, a bountiful island, rich in flora, fauna, and minerals. Most of the island is populated by many different Bronze Age tribes, living mostly peacefully together. But to the south, in the lands of the Rytheeri tribe, the foothold the Iron Age Alyrion Empire had gained is troubled. But north of the mountains that bisects the island (like Hadrian’s Wall cuts across England) most tribes still live simply.It has been six years since the then newly elected Chief of Draebard; Andoc with his bondmates, united the Northern tribes and repelled the Alyoin invasion of the port town of Llanmeer. Life in the north has returned to mostly normal pursuits: the warriors train daily, while the eunuch priest under High Priest Senovo deal with the spiritual matters, and a small team of men and boys care for the precious herds of horses under Horse Mistress Carivel.Favian is nineteen and has passed into novice priesthood, finally! His only thought was to serve the gods under his beloved guardian and mentor Senovo, until he had an old dream come true, again! Now his life has been turned upside down when he meets Kathrael in the flesh. Consequence or fate only the gods know when Kathrael brings knowledge of what has become of Ithric, who was spying in the south but now is in trouble as Favian has foreseen.What can a novice seer and a scared ex-slave do to keep a vision from happening? Favian has no idea but he is the only one able to find Ithric and Kathrael won’t let him go alone. With his Guardians blessing they set out to rescue Ithric and once and for all settle their problems. But can they hold up to pressure that is building that might burn their island home bare?This is a continuation of R. A. Steffan’s wonderful stories of Eburos Island. While you can read this and follow the story it is MUCH deeper if you have read the previous series The Horse Mistress.The Complete Horse Mistress CollectionNow this series is even more personal and hard-hitting from the beginning. New characters are introduced in living color. You are pulled into this epic continuation of a bold an insightful tale. This book is much darker then the last series which truly follows with a county that is starting to tear apart with rioting and gangs. The depth of Ms. Steffan’s character creation is astonishing. She has taken supporting cast from the last books, aged them realistically, and now they step forward to continue the saga, in new and amazing ways. This isn’t just a repeat of the last series with new title characters, the plot and trials are new, and the focus on personal growth pulls you right in. There are male on male and Ménage a trois elements.

Too much like the Horse Mistress😯

This is the continuing saga of The Horse Mistress and if you have not read that as yet, do not read this first, as you will possibly become confused because they refer to the previous characters from those books. This is the expansion of the Horse Mistress series and the continuation of the wonderful story with more of the same characters plus one who is the Lion Mistress. This is not a repeat of the first one but a continuation of it and the story is more complicated because it involves three very different people; a priest, an ex-slave and a shape-shifter/Lion. Their motives are different from the original three even though the priest is doing it for his mentor; the wolf/shape-shifter. It is about freedom for the slaves of the Southern region of Euboros and a vow that the ex-slave gave as she departed the city on her personal quest to get help. The love story is a lovely one and is very important to the whole of the saga because it started in Draebard between the young priest and the lion but she brings them together and they become a triad of love and trust. Unfortunately, we must wait until the Fall of '17 to read the complete story and the end, maybe. As a person who is not usually drawn to paranormal, I must say it is well worth the read. It has intrigue, action, mystery but through it all it has a beautiful love story. It is also thought provoking because it delves into prejudice and slavery. Ms. Steffan weaves a tale that is enchanting and you will not be able to put it down because the writing is that good. Read it, you will not be disappointed.

This is an amazing series. The Lion Mistress series is a continuation of The Horse Mistress series.Kathrael was a prostitute on the streets of Ryth. She was doing well for herself until a jealous wife tried to kill her by throwing an acidic chemical in her face. Her friend Vesh saved her life but she ended up horribly disfigured. Now she couldn't be a prostitute anymore and Vesh was keeping them both alive until he ended up getting killed.Now she decided to she had to do something. She vowed that she was going to lead an uprising against the corrupt leaders and slave masters, but first she was going to pay the worthless shapeshifter, who was supposed to lead them to freedom, a visit. A visit he wouldn't like.On her way to Draebard she was in a little village watching a circus. She was very upset when she seen these 2 small children being used to get money for the ringmaster. She saved them, with the help of the lion. A lion shapeshifter by the name of Ithric. He was unable to escape but he wanted the children safe.Kathrael took them home where she became a hero. She was uncomfortable in that role. All she wanted was to kill Senovo and then come back and save Ryth.By the time she found Senovo, she became a changed woman and decided to give him a chance. She met Favian there and told him about Ithric. Kathrael and Favion set out to save Ithric.Kathrael, Favion and Ithric must work together and be able to do things that they are uncomfortable with doing. They grow in character and fall in love.Their love and **** isn't exactly vanilla and is different then most love and menage stories . Once I read The Horse Mistress series I was hooked. I am reading, and re-reading, the whole series and would love to have more.

As much as I enjoyed book one of The Horse Mistress series, I absolutely loved The Lion Mistress: Book 1.Three broken individuals find their way into each other's hearts. As I read this story I was drawn to each character, feeling their pain, frustration, anger, and heartbreak. I can't wait to read book two. I desperately want these three to get their HEA!If you enjoy menage stories with very unique twists, I highly recommend this series.