The Lion Mistress: Books 1-3 Bundle (AUDIOBOOK, LGBT)

R.A. Steffan heads the list of authors that I read no matter what. The Lion Mistress series is every bit as good as the Horse Mistress series, with new characters and old, and a new journey to old destinations. I was drawn into this world right from the outset. It truly was a case of catching up with old friends and making new ones for me. Each one is so strongly painted and their journey to be a family so fraught that it is easy to become emotionally invested. Ms Steffan builds a most realistic world and populates it with strength, individuality and love. The **** can be raw and painful or gentle and sensuous, it is always graphic and real. I loved how Kathrael, Favian and Ithric come to mean so much to each other. And Vesh, who deserves a special mention. His strength and love affect the trios journey in many ways. One word of warning. Keep a fresh box of tissues handy. There were times when I stopped reading because the tears and sobbing I was doing meant I couldn’t see!

"A completely immersive read with excellent world-building and great attention to detail: the corrupt society, the viciousness of people's actions, the compassion of new friends and the love found between our 3 heroes and also Favian's adopted family. The characters were well fleshed out: their future motivations clear, based upon past events and their current situations. I adored Kathrael, such an unconventional but completely believable heroine who well deserved her HEA.""This trilogy was beyond good. It delved into a mystical medieval time, with fantastic world building. The characters were strong, their voices unique, and the story intriguing and satisfying at the end. Incredible trilogy. Characters are so deep and world building is amazing.""R.A. Steffan does it again with another wonderful story, once again populated by dynamic characters and (very exciting) a reverse harem relationship. It mixes fantasy with romance, but is much darker in tone than the Horse Mistress stories, although that darkness makes it more powerful.""This was an excellent polyamorous romance story, with beautiful characters and dynamics that I greatly enjoyed, set in a fascinating and engaging world. I loved it!"

There is so much feeling in this collection. Kath, ithrick and favian go through so many difficult situations and thier relationship grows and becomes something magical. At first I wasn't too fond of their relationship because I felt like Kath was always on the outside because ithrick and favian were already in love with each other but by the end she had a place. We get to see a bunch of characters from the horse mistress and see how they are doing now. All of the drama and action really kept the story moving. I'm glad I read about their journey and was happy with the ending. Will definitely recommend this book to everyone.

The Lion Mistress Collection begins a few years after the Horse Mistress Collection ends. The war for the freedom in Eburos isn’t over yet, something has to happen but who is going to start it and bring everyone together. A prophesy was made long ago and someone must see that is fulfilled. Enemy’s become friends and old friends come together for one cause.The writing is very good throughout the series, a magical world comes to life again and beloved characters from the Horse Mistress collection return in various scenes. One of the main characters is little Favian. He has with him Ithric and Kathrael, each with a strong story of their own and all three together are perfect.If you like epic fantasy stories in a world with magic, shifters, action, friendship and epic love then this is a collection for you. You could read it as a separate collection but I suggest you read the Horse Mistress collection first so you can understand how everyone got here and how things started.

I was so overcome with deep and heavy emotions especially since I went on a binge reading for this trilogy.First of all, I loved the buildup of the world/settings in this series. At first, I didn't think I had that much clue on what was happening. But if I was to look back at it, now that I had finally caught up to it, it gave off a feeling of a (kind of) disoriented familiarity. It had felt like I had always knew that fictional world that was Eburosi. The distinct cultural differences between the north (Rhyth) and the south (Draebard). The injustices, corruption, poverty-stricken places, political & religious issues. Though all were discussed tastefully, the rawness of the characters' feelings were laid out painfully. It was unapologetic in that regard. And I loved it even more for that.Another thing I loved about this was the development of the plot. Since the pacing or buildup was perfect, the unraveling of layers of this story came out amazingly, too. I have ugly-cried, laughed, gotten upset...then ugly-cried some more. The best thing that happened though was all those hardships were honored and rewarded in the end. That's got to be the most fulfilling feeling ever; to be given hope and receive what they more than deserve in the end.Kathrael. She's one of the most unconventional heroines I'd ever have the honor of reading. And I really, really, adored her for that. At first, she might had came off as very detached and unfeeling from all the unfair treatment she's had all her life. But deeply concealed inside her was a daughter, sister and mother yearning to care and be given care for in return. Ithric and Favian were able to coax and free that side of hers. And in turn, she became the emotional glue in this trio. If wasn't for her, Ithric and Favian wouldn't be together. And though the two men loved each other the most at first, they wouldn't be able to see past their differences. She banged some sense in them. Thank God.She was already beautiful, strong and smart but became even more so as she developed. (Spoiler alert: She broke me that moment she set the temple of Utarr on fire. For me, that was one of the two moments she broke free of her painful past. Second was THAT one in the end. *winks*)Ithric. I love how almost all of the characters pertain to him as unruly, sexually-centered & laid-back guy. But I learned that he had the biggest, softest & noblest heart of all. He practically bleeds for the mistreated ones. He's the psychological glue in the trio. He was the one who was able to soothe Kathrael when she was 'plagued' by the spirits. He was also the one who understood and accepted Favian when he decided to play martyr; this one I was absolutely surprised. And I thought he's the most selfless of all.Favian. At first, I thought I liked him better than Ithric. He's the epitome of a noble man, the rarest of his species. The fact that he nurtured Kathrael when at first she intended him and his adoptive father ill? I was definitely smitten. But he, too, had to change. His change was a little later, much closer to the climax of the plot. And at first, I was inwardly fuming at him. The most painful thing about the kind & gentle souls were if they hardened, they were also the most menacing about it. I kept cursing at him when decided to play martyr for their cause, when he distanced himself to everyone else and was just ready to give himself up. If I was his, I'd about lose my sanity---good thing I wasn't. Good thing he had Ithric to believe in him and Kathrael to fuss about him.I think that was the most selfish thing he'd done. Which in turn made him a well-rounded character. Anyway, a give and take thing.Senovo, Andoc and Carivel...I fully intended to read about them, too.Vesh. Oh Vesh, you sweetheart. Although his circumstances with the trio wasn't convenient, the very fact that he was able to be with the three in the end in the first place? *commence another episode of ugly crying* THAT EPILOGUE!!!!!!!!!!If I'm being honest, if I was to single out the climax, it really wasn't the most challenging thing that happened in the story. But accumulating all those struggles and grievances, they deserved so much happiness and more life in turn.What a read.

Characters are very developed and dialogues engaging. Enjoyed this series. Will follow this author and read other books and series.

I did love this book, but like most of her work I'm still scratching my head as to why. The only thing i can guess is the story was awesome but to complex for me to just say i love it.

I absolutely loved the first series and this continuation series. The last book made me cry both happy and sad tears.

Simply amazing!From beginning To End This book keeps you hooked especially if you been reading since the horse mistress series

I enjoyed this series, but not as much as I enjoyed The Horse Mistress series.

These books are **** but more importantly, well written and with very interesting story surprises. The characters continue to develop in both maturity and skill sets. I feel at home in this world.

Kathrael, Kavian, and Ithric, A ex-prostitute, a priest, a Lion shifter must save a world together....along with lots of loving. I really enjoyed these stories --they come individually, but I did not want to wait, so bought as a set. I know a lot of people would not like the kind of world where everyone can have **** with anyone, at least in some places--but I did. Get the books and enjoy them!

This book series is likely not for everyone, but if you're looking for a story that is sensual, witty, and touching, then I recommend this collection.Writing-wise, the style is uncomplicated, the characters interesting and real, though, I found a few places in the narrative dragged a little. The dialogue is fun and playful, though, and the characters themselves make up for the places when the plot slows down.As far as subject matter... There is discussion of the abuse and degradation, and for anyone who has lived through sexual abuse, it could be a trigger. Also, there are many sexual scenes in the story, which include "unconventional" ****, in particular. I am pansexual, so for me it was refreshing to read a book that shows love and pleasure don't need labels, that the love and intimacy are what matter. I particularly enjoyed watching Kath blossom from the shell of long term abuse and come into her sexuality and sense of beauty and self worth.I appreciated also the themes of sexual liberation and self acceptance that are part of the main characters' quest to fulfill Kath's dreams of liberating her home.

I have adored this series. It has taken me a while to read though them, the characters and their stories are the best. Thank you Ms. Steffen for the books.

I really liked the idea of a poly committed romance for the main characters, and I understand that the main female character's past trauma made intimacy slow for her, but it was almost to page 600 of 800 that she finally was able to connect with them completely in a physical way. It just took a little too long to keep my attention.

RA Steffan pulls off another triumph!! These books absolutely make me so happy. I totally want to get me an Ithric and a Vesh. Favian is a bit high-maintenance for me but he is so sweet and they love him. The more I read about one woman with multiple men, the more I believe that this is the way the world would work so much better. Everyone gets along, no jealousies. They all work together to get things done. The guys all get along and enjoy each others company and do everything they can for their woman. It does help that they also like men sexually too, and why not? They ARE yummy! RA Steffan can keep writing these books forever as far as I'm concerned because she does it SO well! Brava Ms. Steffan!!

I don't think so. If one hasn't read The Horse Mistress, there is much in this series of books that does not follow. These are good books. That said, one needs to have read the prior books to understand some if the underlying plot. This is also one of those series where one needs to read all of them to get one story. Where each book ends is a,bit anticlimactic. All of them together make one book. Plus side? The story is good. The characters are well written.

Kathrael is scared and starved and has her heart set on vengeance for what her life has become. In her quest for it she has a chance meeting with shape shifter Ithric and through that starts to see that there’s more to life than hate and loneliness. The shift gets completed when she finally gets to the place where she thinks she is going to find her revenge and die but ends up meeting the eunuch Fabian. Together they go on a rescue mission to save Ithric’s life and find a new purpose in life. The new aim is to stop slavery in Rhyth and they realise that together they are stronger.It’s very well written story about loss, love and new found hope, friendship and loyalty. Very good to have characters from The Horse Mistress make an appearance and be part of showing Kathrael what incondicional love and acceptance feels like.

I thought this was an amazing series if you are looking for something out of the ordinary. These characters were far from perfect, both physically and mentally, but it wasnt just an afterthought. Those imperfections and scars go a long way towards making this story dynamic and fresh. I love series that are within the same universe and went and bought the Horse Mistress series on the merit of this one. There is also one called Dragon Mistress after it that I'm sure will be what I read after that.

I really enjoyed the Horse Mistress and just finished Lion Mistress. Wonderful stories ❤️.I will be starting Dragon Mistress. Next I would wholeheartedly suggest these books.