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Her Royal Harem: Ember
Outcast
When love and danger collide in the woods, can Ember resist the allure of the outcast hybrids and a charming prince?
In the heart of a once-tranquil forest, Ember's peaceful haven for healing wounded creatures shatters as cursed beings attack. A stealthy cheetah, a witty tiger, and a stalwart bear—all burdened by their mixed lineage—arrive at her doorstep, their wounds a testament to the community's disdain for their existence.
As Ember tends to these wounded outcasts, the charming Prince Caleb disrupts her solitary world even more. His unwavering determination to assist Ember awakens emotions she never expected, blurring the lines between duty and desire.
Caught in the whirlwind of a mystery that threatens everything she holds dear, Ember grapples with painful truths about her own past. Can she unravel the conspiracy behind the cursed creatures while protecting the hybrids and the sanctuary she's built? Ember's journey is a dance between the safety of solitude and the allure of a world she's tried so hard to avoid. Will she emerge from the shadows, triumphant, or be forever consumed by the darkness that threatens to engulf her newfound connections?
In this tale of love, loyalty, and self-discovery, Ember must navigate the intricate web of her heart's desires, confront the prejudices of her community, and confront the shadows that threaten to tear apart the delicate fabric of her carefully constructed world. As the stakes rise and the lines blur, Ember's quest becomes a poignant exploration of identity, acceptance, and the enduring power of connection in the face of adversity. Will she succumb to the safety of solitude, or will she find the courage to embrace a destiny forged in the fire of her own choices?"Outcast - Her Royal Ember" is a captivating story of love, curses, and the bravery required to follow one's heart. Will Ember's heart guide her, or will she become lost in the challenges that lie ahead?For those enchanted by this realm of otherworldly passions and eager to explore more about their favorite characters, the complete "Her Royal Harem" series awaits, offering an even deeper dive into this enchanting paranormal universe.
In the heart of a once-tranquil forest, Ember's peaceful haven for healing wounded creatures shatters as cursed beings attack. A stealthy cheetah, a witty tiger, and a stalwart bear—all burdened by their mixed lineage—arrive at her doorstep, their wounds a testament to the community's disdain for their existence.
As Ember tends to these wounded outcasts, the charming Prince Caleb disrupts her solitary world even more. His unwavering determination to assist Ember awakens emotions she never expected, blurring the lines between duty and desire.
Caught in the whirlwind of a mystery that threatens everything she holds dear, Ember grapples with painful truths about her own past. Can she unravel the conspiracy behind the cursed creatures while protecting the hybrids and the sanctuary she's built? Ember's journey is a dance between the safety of solitude and the allure of a world she's tried so hard to avoid. Will she emerge from the shadows, triumphant, or be forever consumed by the darkness that threatens to engulf her newfound connections?
In this tale of love, loyalty, and self-discovery, Ember must navigate the intricate web of her heart's desires, confront the prejudices of her community, and confront the shadows that threaten to tear apart the delicate fabric of her carefully constructed world. As the stakes rise and the lines blur, Ember's quest becomes a poignant exploration of identity, acceptance, and the enduring power of connection in the face of adversity. Will she succumb to the safety of solitude, or will she find the courage to embrace a destiny forged in the fire of her own choices?"Outcast - Her Royal Ember" is a captivating story of love, curses, and the bravery required to follow one's heart. Will Ember's heart guide her, or will she become lost in the challenges that lie ahead?For those enchanted by this realm of otherworldly passions and eager to explore more about their favorite characters, the complete "Her Royal Harem" series awaits, offering an even deeper dive into this enchanting paranormal universe.
252 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 1, 2024
96 people are currently reading
101 people want to read
About the author
Catherine Banks
93 books837 followersCatherine Banks is an award-winning, USA Today Bestselling fantasy author who writes in several romance subgenres under multiple pseudonyms. She began writing fiction at only four years old and finished her first full-length novel at the age of fifteen. She is married to her soulmate and best friend, Avery, who she has two amazing children with. After her full time job, she reads books, plays video games, and watches anime shows and movies with her family to relax. Although she has lived in Northern California her entire life, she dreams of traveling around the world. Catherine is also C.E.O. of Turbo Kitten Industries™, a company with many hats including being a book publisher and store full of nerdy fun.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
April 2, 2024
Not what I would call a Why Choose
I feel like Triston, Branson and Riddick were the extras just added in. I would have thought Branson would have had a deeper connection with Ember. It's as though as soon as Caleb showed up the rest were an afterthought. Let's also talk about the lack of romance and bonding as a pack. Just didn't feel it.
There was a good core story for half the book that had me flying through the pages. It's almost as though the story finished and a new one started. Initially it was interesting, then the Prince took over with his whole family tree.
I was put out by her shopping spree, so much for thinking about her other "mates" who didn't have anything too. Like well you are poor, good luck. It didn't sit well with me how Branston and Tristan kept being told their bond wasn't strong enough. Ember should have let them go when she met the man she wanted, the Prince. This does not bode well for their relationships, the other two were right to cut and run.
I feel like Triston, Branson and Riddick were the extras just added in. I would have thought Branson would have had a deeper connection with Ember. It's as though as soon as Caleb showed up the rest were an afterthought. Let's also talk about the lack of romance and bonding as a pack. Just didn't feel it.
There was a good core story for half the book that had me flying through the pages. It's almost as though the story finished and a new one started. Initially it was interesting, then the Prince took over with his whole family tree.
I was put out by her shopping spree, so much for thinking about her other "mates" who didn't have anything too. Like well you are poor, good luck. It didn't sit well with me how Branston and Tristan kept being told their bond wasn't strong enough. Ember should have let them go when she met the man she wanted, the Prince. This does not bode well for their relationships, the other two were right to cut and run.
May 13, 2025
I will say maybe a little higher than a two but I just have thoughts. spoilers.
I want to start by saying the things I love are all in this book. I love multiple mates, found family, tragic back story and groups of bad guys gunning for the main character. Sold. believe me, I am here with ya. The execution of this was where I was struggling.
I am going to break this down into what I honestly think could have been novella breaks or book breaks if each section was flushed out with more detail.
Farm Living and Mage problems:
Alright, beginning of this book our main character is a healer on a farm. We get so much repetition on her daily life the first few chapters that the character herself makes a joke about being on repeat. Maybe just change the dialogue? Then we get connection with all these shifters and you wonder if they are meant to be together or not then everyone leaves her. All the while a "sickness" is effecting animals and she is wrapped up in the whole mess. During this time I think we are supposed to be getting the impression she is building relationships with multiple mates and sleeps with a few. I say getting the impression because the conversations are non existent and we are told they hang out together, we don't actually see much aside from her repetitive duties.
Post Mage fight:
after the mage fight we decide "hey we are gonna be this badass pack that changes the world." But not all of us, two of the guys are gonna leave and this lifestyle just isn't for them. okay? then why have them at all? but okay. The group then moves in with the royal family and instead of relationship building between the harem, we focus on relationships to the royals. Her future mother in law and aunt become her weird girl group she talks about boys with and plays video games? And we get maybe 4 conversations with the harem the rest is all again tell not show. We are supposed to believe they are moving forward together happily and we get some more sex scenes.
all in all the bones are there for this story, but I felt we just glossed over anything that would resemble build up or tension and had the reader assuming off screen these guys are bonding. We also get an uneven focus on mates and if that continues or if we add more it's incredibly frustrating. Don't do more if they don't get equal or close to equal time.
I want to start by saying the things I love are all in this book. I love multiple mates, found family, tragic back story and groups of bad guys gunning for the main character. Sold. believe me, I am here with ya. The execution of this was where I was struggling.
I am going to break this down into what I honestly think could have been novella breaks or book breaks if each section was flushed out with more detail.
Farm Living and Mage problems:
Alright, beginning of this book our main character is a healer on a farm. We get so much repetition on her daily life the first few chapters that the character herself makes a joke about being on repeat. Maybe just change the dialogue? Then we get connection with all these shifters and you wonder if they are meant to be together or not then everyone leaves her. All the while a "sickness" is effecting animals and she is wrapped up in the whole mess. During this time I think we are supposed to be getting the impression she is building relationships with multiple mates and sleeps with a few. I say getting the impression because the conversations are non existent and we are told they hang out together, we don't actually see much aside from her repetitive duties.
Post Mage fight:
after the mage fight we decide "hey we are gonna be this badass pack that changes the world." But not all of us, two of the guys are gonna leave and this lifestyle just isn't for them. okay? then why have them at all? but okay. The group then moves in with the royal family and instead of relationship building between the harem, we focus on relationships to the royals. Her future mother in law and aunt become her weird girl group she talks about boys with and plays video games? And we get maybe 4 conversations with the harem the rest is all again tell not show. We are supposed to believe they are moving forward together happily and we get some more sex scenes.
all in all the bones are there for this story, but I felt we just glossed over anything that would resemble build up or tension and had the reader assuming off screen these guys are bonding. We also get an uneven focus on mates and if that continues or if we add more it's incredibly frustrating. Don't do more if they don't get equal or close to equal time.
March 4, 2024
In Outcast, Catherine has created a diverse world of paranormal characters. It’s not an easy world to live in and prejudices only complicate it even more.
This reverse harem supernatural fantasy tale has bit of everything to keep the pages turning with action, danger, curses, conspiracies, bravery, romance and lots more.
It is well written, and the storyline is interesting with some wit and humour but there is also pain and suffering.
Ember finds it hard to believe the community could be so close minded and has to deal with aftermath of their rath for those who seek haven. Outcasts indeed in an unforgiving world full of darkness and hate.
There is drama, angst, passion, love, some steam and way much more in this tale.
It is full of fascinating characters and plenty of twists.
Get stuck in if you love paranormal stories.
This reverse harem supernatural fantasy tale has bit of everything to keep the pages turning with action, danger, curses, conspiracies, bravery, romance and lots more.
It is well written, and the storyline is interesting with some wit and humour but there is also pain and suffering.
Ember finds it hard to believe the community could be so close minded and has to deal with aftermath of their rath for those who seek haven. Outcasts indeed in an unforgiving world full of darkness and hate.
There is drama, angst, passion, love, some steam and way much more in this tale.
It is full of fascinating characters and plenty of twists.
Get stuck in if you love paranormal stories.
March 5, 2024
Outcast (Her Royal Harem Ember) by Catherine Banks
3 Stars
This is a paranormal reverse harem romance. Ember is somewhat of an outcast living alone in the woods. She takes care of injured animals and hybrids that cross her path. A paranormal nurse / vet. Someone is attacking hybrids and dumping them on her doorstep. They are a variety of animals, all alphas. Ember gets caught up in a mystery surrounding herself, the hybrids and the sanctuary where she lives. Mystery, intrigue and danger lurk around every corner.
The premise for the story was good and I liked the characters. The story was a bit all over the place. It started out strong then read as if it was written for middle school age children then was x rated and back to middle school. There was no depth to the story. It was as if the author had too much to say and wanted to put it all in one book. To be able to do that, everything stayed surface. I feel that this book could have been split into two or three books. With more depth to the relationships and a slower build up between the couples. It would have allowed the plot to be laid out better. Ember was strong and independent in the beginning then turned naïve and dependant the further along I read. I hope she gains more strength in book two. The world that the author built was original. The concept that a shifter had two parts to him; animal and mage was cool. It was different and refreshing.
3 Stars
This is a paranormal reverse harem romance. Ember is somewhat of an outcast living alone in the woods. She takes care of injured animals and hybrids that cross her path. A paranormal nurse / vet. Someone is attacking hybrids and dumping them on her doorstep. They are a variety of animals, all alphas. Ember gets caught up in a mystery surrounding herself, the hybrids and the sanctuary where she lives. Mystery, intrigue and danger lurk around every corner.
The premise for the story was good and I liked the characters. The story was a bit all over the place. It started out strong then read as if it was written for middle school age children then was x rated and back to middle school. There was no depth to the story. It was as if the author had too much to say and wanted to put it all in one book. To be able to do that, everything stayed surface. I feel that this book could have been split into two or three books. With more depth to the relationships and a slower build up between the couples. It would have allowed the plot to be laid out better. Ember was strong and independent in the beginning then turned naïve and dependant the further along I read. I hope she gains more strength in book two. The world that the author built was original. The concept that a shifter had two parts to him; animal and mage was cool. It was different and refreshing.
May 7, 2024
The first half of this book is really good. The writing is solid. The chraracter development is there. The plot is building. Then it's like the author just started throwing any ol' thing. The 2nd half and the rest of the series seemed to just have random things tacked on. Things weren't introduced, rather it was like the reader should already know the things. Like all of a sudden there were demon dogs. Demons hadn't been mentioned in any way and then all of a sudden there's a demon dog. I don't think demons are talked about or have any part in the story. It was just a weird random thing. The last half of the book and the other 2 books are full of things like this.
The big bads make absolutely no sense. ABSOLUTELY NO SENSE!!! Again, it's like the author read a 'how to write a book' and just threw in random things. The things aren't introduced, they're scabbed onto the story.
The big bads make absolutely no sense. ABSOLUTELY NO SENSE!!! Again, it's like the author read a 'how to write a book' and just threw in random things. The things aren't introduced, they're scabbed onto the story.
March 5, 2024
Ember has a relatively peaceful life. She lives in the woods by herself in a cabin treating wounded animals, shifters and hybrids. Lately more and more hybrids are being dumped at her door for healing. The city that is close to her cabin hates hybrids so she assumes it’s the townspeople hurting the hybrids.
Recently there have been a few male hybrids that have needed her and Ember gets a taste of what it would be like if she wasn’t alone. She’s used to healing and then saying goodbye when they decide to go back to whatever life they had before they got hurt. These guys seem to want to stick around and Ember does not mind it one bit. Actually, she wants them to stay and be with her.
All her life Ember thought she was just a mere mage but recently she finds out that there is more to her than she thought. Her whole life seems to have been a lie. There’s also someone cursing animals and people to try to take Ember out and only her blood seems to be the cure.
The Hybrid Prince shows up to help Ember and instantly they are drawn to each other. Ember is more and more confused. How can she be interested in 4 men all at once? How will it work out? Who is trying to kill her? Who and what is Ember? So many questions that Ember will have to fight to find the answers too.
I really enjoyed Ember’s character growth. She came from an unloving home believing she deserved to be unloved, never to be mated. It takes her awhile to trust people fully but when she does, she would do anything for them. Ember’s parents kept a lot of secrets and finding out some of them really messed with how Ember identified herself so she had to work hard to find herself all over again. She is strong, caring, genuine and not to mention, a badass.
This book wasn’t as steamy as I thought it was going to be, which is okay with me. It is a reverse harem but they all seem to genuinely care about each other without it being about intimacy all the time that in itself is refreshing. The author wrote a wonderful plot and side stories along the way filled with action and twists and turns to keep you engaged at all times. They also did a great job of making each character their own. Each with their own shifter animal, personality, strengths and weaknesses which made it easier to connect with each one.
Recently there have been a few male hybrids that have needed her and Ember gets a taste of what it would be like if she wasn’t alone. She’s used to healing and then saying goodbye when they decide to go back to whatever life they had before they got hurt. These guys seem to want to stick around and Ember does not mind it one bit. Actually, she wants them to stay and be with her.
All her life Ember thought she was just a mere mage but recently she finds out that there is more to her than she thought. Her whole life seems to have been a lie. There’s also someone cursing animals and people to try to take Ember out and only her blood seems to be the cure.
The Hybrid Prince shows up to help Ember and instantly they are drawn to each other. Ember is more and more confused. How can she be interested in 4 men all at once? How will it work out? Who is trying to kill her? Who and what is Ember? So many questions that Ember will have to fight to find the answers too.
I really enjoyed Ember’s character growth. She came from an unloving home believing she deserved to be unloved, never to be mated. It takes her awhile to trust people fully but when she does, she would do anything for them. Ember’s parents kept a lot of secrets and finding out some of them really messed with how Ember identified herself so she had to work hard to find herself all over again. She is strong, caring, genuine and not to mention, a badass.
This book wasn’t as steamy as I thought it was going to be, which is okay with me. It is a reverse harem but they all seem to genuinely care about each other without it being about intimacy all the time that in itself is refreshing. The author wrote a wonderful plot and side stories along the way filled with action and twists and turns to keep you engaged at all times. They also did a great job of making each character their own. Each with their own shifter animal, personality, strengths and weaknesses which made it easier to connect with each one.
March 6, 2024
Reverse Harem GOLD. So, I will admit the cover is what pulled my interest in this one and with my goal of finding new to me authors Catherine Banks was a perfect new March author. This is the first book in Her Royal Harem: Ember trilogy and honestly, chefs kiss.
Ember Jasperwood is a mage, but her mixed abilities with no obvious “hybrid” markers causes her very prejudiced community to look down on her. Not only them but her own parents. When her abilities began as a young child, they had her tested and sent to the best mage school but then gave her a cabin, 100 acres of land and a monthly salary as they cut communications with her. All Ember wants to do is be in the woods, her safe space and heal the animals, shifters, and hybrids that she finds or that are brought to her. Only all too soon does everything begin to change, strange magical rocks cover the riverbank, and cursed animals emerge from nowhere in hunt for her blood, the cure to their curse. Her patients become so much more as they choose to stay at her side and help her with these mysteries and more. The men quickly become curious of what else she is as she has a mix of powers that don’t belong to mages as well as not smelling like a mage, but something more.
Who is the one who curses? Can Ember and friends find the truth behind the stones? Why is she being targeted? This world is so rich in details, taking real world problems and transforming them into more complex roles. In a world of shifters and mages and more hybrids are the targets of racism and attacks while the princes are actively trying to change things Ember’s city seems to be falling deeper into the dark. From start to finish this book holds your attention, keeps you guessing and turning the page as you guess and trying to answer the questions of what is going on. I will be counting down to book two and then three of this series in need of seeing what will happen next and how it all ends. Book 2 Outnumbered April 5th, 2024. Book 3 Outshone May 3rd, 2024. Let the countdowns begin, I hope to see you there.
Ember Jasperwood is a mage, but her mixed abilities with no obvious “hybrid” markers causes her very prejudiced community to look down on her. Not only them but her own parents. When her abilities began as a young child, they had her tested and sent to the best mage school but then gave her a cabin, 100 acres of land and a monthly salary as they cut communications with her. All Ember wants to do is be in the woods, her safe space and heal the animals, shifters, and hybrids that she finds or that are brought to her. Only all too soon does everything begin to change, strange magical rocks cover the riverbank, and cursed animals emerge from nowhere in hunt for her blood, the cure to their curse. Her patients become so much more as they choose to stay at her side and help her with these mysteries and more. The men quickly become curious of what else she is as she has a mix of powers that don’t belong to mages as well as not smelling like a mage, but something more.
Who is the one who curses? Can Ember and friends find the truth behind the stones? Why is she being targeted? This world is so rich in details, taking real world problems and transforming them into more complex roles. In a world of shifters and mages and more hybrids are the targets of racism and attacks while the princes are actively trying to change things Ember’s city seems to be falling deeper into the dark. From start to finish this book holds your attention, keeps you guessing and turning the page as you guess and trying to answer the questions of what is going on. I will be counting down to book two and then three of this series in need of seeing what will happen next and how it all ends. Book 2 Outnumbered April 5th, 2024. Book 3 Outshone May 3rd, 2024. Let the countdowns begin, I hope to see you there.
March 18, 2024
Ember is a mage who treats supernatural animal shifters. Born as a mage, her parents treated her as an abomination. They sent her to a mage training school. When she aged out of school, they gave her an isolated cabin on 100 acres in the woods. Afterwards, she had no contact with them. She has the ability to talk to animals telepathically, and she spends her time fixing injured animals and shifters. When Kieran, a hawk shifter, alerts her to an injured bear, Ember follows him to find a badly injured mother with a cub. After patching her up, she learns that a giant black bear that seems cursed was the cause of the injuries. When she arrives home, she finds her cheetah patient awake, and Branson, a healed bear shifter, is blocking it from leaving. The cheetah shifts into his human form and reveals he is the assistant to Prince Caleb.
Within three days, several more patients joined Ember’s entourage. A raven has been bringing magical crystals from the riverbank. Kieran, Branson, and Riddick go to investigate a cave that they had tracked the bear to. Ember is accompanied by Percival, and Triston is collecting more of the crystals. Triston says that they smell like bad magic. Before Ember can ask what he means, a giant bear covered in some type of black slime appears. Branson yells for Ember to run. Percival grabs Ember and runs towards her home, where wards prevent the bear from crossing. Noticing the bear is focused on her, Ember asks what it wants. The bear answers, “Your blood.”
A shifter romance novel full of a colorful cast of characters, Catherine Banks’ Outcast is entertaining. The vivid details describing the shifters and their abilities make it easy to envision each one. Ember’s feelings of isolation and being an outcast are relatable. The amazing journey of self-discovery is captivating, and I am eager to read the sequel. Mature readers who enjoy steamy romances with multiple subplots will find Outcast appealing.
Within three days, several more patients joined Ember’s entourage. A raven has been bringing magical crystals from the riverbank. Kieran, Branson, and Riddick go to investigate a cave that they had tracked the bear to. Ember is accompanied by Percival, and Triston is collecting more of the crystals. Triston says that they smell like bad magic. Before Ember can ask what he means, a giant bear covered in some type of black slime appears. Branson yells for Ember to run. Percival grabs Ember and runs towards her home, where wards prevent the bear from crossing. Noticing the bear is focused on her, Ember asks what it wants. The bear answers, “Your blood.”
A shifter romance novel full of a colorful cast of characters, Catherine Banks’ Outcast is entertaining. The vivid details describing the shifters and their abilities make it easy to envision each one. Ember’s feelings of isolation and being an outcast are relatable. The amazing journey of self-discovery is captivating, and I am eager to read the sequel. Mature readers who enjoy steamy romances with multiple subplots will find Outcast appealing.
March 4, 2024
This is the first book in the Her Royal Harem Series Ember. This is a wonderful story filled with magic, shifters, princes, danger, self discovery and a reverse harem.
It was really nice to read a different type of story. I personally love anything to do with mystical creatures. I have always been drawn to the protectiveness and strength of shifters and their fated mates and this has that plus so much more.
The authors imagination is amazing. The world creation and the character creation was outstanding. There was so many twists that I didn't see coming which made the story thoroughly enjoyable.
Ember has got to be my favourite character of all time. She has had a tough start after being abandoned by her adoptive parents when they found out she had magic, so she lived alone in the woods healing sick animals and shifters. However something is happening as the amount of injured shifters seems to be increasing.
When a load of cursed animals show up that is when Prince Caleb arrives and Embers quiet lonely life takes a turn for the better.
She goes from being lonely to having 4 men wanting to date her and all happy to share. As well as this she has to overcome the confusion as she learns that she is more than she originally thought.
As well as this there is an organisation that is trying to rid the world of hybrid's and the main people are Ember's adoptive parents.
So much happens in this story that you need to read it to fully appreciate it. It is very fast paced and I loved every second of it. I can't wait to read more
It was really nice to read a different type of story. I personally love anything to do with mystical creatures. I have always been drawn to the protectiveness and strength of shifters and their fated mates and this has that plus so much more.
The authors imagination is amazing. The world creation and the character creation was outstanding. There was so many twists that I didn't see coming which made the story thoroughly enjoyable.
Ember has got to be my favourite character of all time. She has had a tough start after being abandoned by her adoptive parents when they found out she had magic, so she lived alone in the woods healing sick animals and shifters. However something is happening as the amount of injured shifters seems to be increasing.
When a load of cursed animals show up that is when Prince Caleb arrives and Embers quiet lonely life takes a turn for the better.
She goes from being lonely to having 4 men wanting to date her and all happy to share. As well as this she has to overcome the confusion as she learns that she is more than she originally thought.
As well as this there is an organisation that is trying to rid the world of hybrid's and the main people are Ember's adoptive parents.
So much happens in this story that you need to read it to fully appreciate it. It is very fast paced and I loved every second of it. I can't wait to read more
March 5, 2024
4 - 4.5 Stars
Outcast is the first book in the “Her Royal Harem: Ember series by Catherine Banks. This is the first book that I have read by Ms. Banks, So I really didn’t know what to expect from one of her stories- but I do love a great fantasy, and a well-woven RH is right in my wheelhouse- plus, just look at that gorgeous cover! I didn’t need any more convincing, so I grabbed a copy and set off on the adventure.
This is a superb paranormal romance, with reverse harem, magic, curse, action, adventure, agendas, chemistry, tension, mystery, drama, danger, and emotion. The story pulled me in from the very first chapter and kept me immersed the whole way through.
I must say right from the get-go that Ms. Banks has a wonderfully original take on the whole ‘shifter lore’- which gave her story an extra element of intrigue for me. Her world-building is richly textured, making for vivid reading.
The characters are really well developed, crafted with their own unique personalities, quirks, and flaws. I loved how they continued to develop and grow over the course of the story, especially Ember.
The story is set to continue in the next book- Outnumbered- so bring on Book #2! In the meantime I will spend some time exploring some of Ms. Banks’ extensive catalogue of books because I now have a taste for more of her stories….
The series contains:
-Outcast (Book #1)
-Outnumbered (Book #2 – coming April 2024)
-Outshone (Book #3 – coming May 2024)
Happy Reading…
Thank you, Catherine Banks!
Outcast is the first book in the “Her Royal Harem: Ember series by Catherine Banks. This is the first book that I have read by Ms. Banks, So I really didn’t know what to expect from one of her stories- but I do love a great fantasy, and a well-woven RH is right in my wheelhouse- plus, just look at that gorgeous cover! I didn’t need any more convincing, so I grabbed a copy and set off on the adventure.
This is a superb paranormal romance, with reverse harem, magic, curse, action, adventure, agendas, chemistry, tension, mystery, drama, danger, and emotion. The story pulled me in from the very first chapter and kept me immersed the whole way through.
I must say right from the get-go that Ms. Banks has a wonderfully original take on the whole ‘shifter lore’- which gave her story an extra element of intrigue for me. Her world-building is richly textured, making for vivid reading.
The characters are really well developed, crafted with their own unique personalities, quirks, and flaws. I loved how they continued to develop and grow over the course of the story, especially Ember.
The story is set to continue in the next book- Outnumbered- so bring on Book #2! In the meantime I will spend some time exploring some of Ms. Banks’ extensive catalogue of books because I now have a taste for more of her stories….
The series contains:
-Outcast (Book #1)
-Outnumbered (Book #2 – coming April 2024)
-Outshone (Book #3 – coming May 2024)
Happy Reading…
Thank you, Catherine Banks!
March 9, 2024
4 Stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Outcast is the first book in Her Royal Harem series and I love the interesting take on this paranormal reverse harem with drama, secrets, shifters, magic with some twists and turns along the way. This is a new author to me and I am excited to see what is in store for Ember and the hybrid shifters that come into her life.
Ember, a powerful mage, lives alone in the woods far away from family and the city as she tends to wounded hybrids that come to her door. Ember's parents do not want anything to really do with her, so living in this solitude she finds purpose. Strange occurrences come into play and Ember does what she can to help the wounded and cursed. When Ember discovers there is more to the cursed and her own powers, the hybrid shifters whom stay to help her with the mystery on why so many are being curse and whom is behind it all. Will Ember be able to solve this issue and will Ember be able to navigate finding out there is more to why her parents do not want anything to do with her....there is so much to this...
I am curious how this will all play out....as from the start of this story I was turning the pages to see what happens next and how the story plays out.....I cannot wait until the next installment comes out!
Outcast is the first book in Her Royal Harem series and I love the interesting take on this paranormal reverse harem with drama, secrets, shifters, magic with some twists and turns along the way. This is a new author to me and I am excited to see what is in store for Ember and the hybrid shifters that come into her life.
Ember, a powerful mage, lives alone in the woods far away from family and the city as she tends to wounded hybrids that come to her door. Ember's parents do not want anything to really do with her, so living in this solitude she finds purpose. Strange occurrences come into play and Ember does what she can to help the wounded and cursed. When Ember discovers there is more to the cursed and her own powers, the hybrid shifters whom stay to help her with the mystery on why so many are being curse and whom is behind it all. Will Ember be able to solve this issue and will Ember be able to navigate finding out there is more to why her parents do not want anything to do with her....there is so much to this...
I am curious how this will all play out....as from the start of this story I was turning the pages to see what happens next and how the story plays out.....I cannot wait until the next installment comes out!
March 11, 2024
Excellent start! I finished so quick and now I am in deep anticipation for the next book. Ember is a real sweet heart, she is so pure of heart, wanting to take care all of the injured hybrids that stumble upon her door step and the fact that she can talk to animals is always a win. While saving different shifters she meets and saves Branson, Triston and Riddick, and while helping Prince Caleb in fighting off the creatures. It seems that we have four men interested in bonding with sweet Ember and I like that Caleb is a take no nonsense type and gets her safe and to his home. His parents and family are so warm and welcoming to her and they come to realize her hybrid mix is more like three different types, but not sure what shifter type she is since she was adopted by some real evil people. The men are treating her all so well and I can tell they are in love with her already but don’t want to scare her away. At the ball there seems to be like there could potentially be some other woman drama white I both love and hate!
March 18, 2024
This book was a little bit interesting and had a different take on what supernatural is all about, which is what I like about the different point of views with others. I was really intrigued and interested in reading this book and I couldn’t help but read it till the end to know if they were going to find out what was happing with all the hybrid supernatural’s. Ember is a wonderful character in this book and the love she has for animals makes her the best girl for this twisted story of all these hybrids showing up on her doorstep hurt and wondered. Or are they being dumped on her doorsteps? This is a superb paranormal romance, filled with so much more of magic, curse, action, adventure, chemistry, tension, mystery, drama, danger, and emotion. This story really kept me going from the beginning, the characters I found were well developed with their own person and very interesting with their quirks. I highly recommend this book, and this being a series book is just more interesting for me to read.
March 18, 2024
An enjoyable and engaging reverse harem paranormal romance which kept me happily turning the pages. Ember lives in a tranquil forest and is a healer who tends to wounded animals, shifters and hybrid outcasts. When a stealthy cheetah, a witty tiger, and a stalwart bear arrive on her doorstep she tends to their wounds, but she feels a connection with all of them. Then the charming Prince Caleb turns up determined to help Ember and once again she feels a connection, and soon the lines between duty and desire start to blur. Ember is happy living in solitude within the sanctuary she’s created but when she’s involved in a mystery which threatens this, she has to face painful truths about her own past. This really is a story of love, loyalty, and self-discovery and at the heart of the story is Ember who’s a likeable and relatable character. The setting and the characters were brought vividly to life through the descriptive narrative, and I felt fully immersed in the paranormal world that the author has created. I look forward to book two in this series.
March 19, 2024
This was my first book by this author, so I wasn’t sure what to expect. I am absolutely blown away by the journey this story took me on! The cover drew me in, and once I learned it was a paranormal romance/reverse harem, I was diving in. I’m not ashamed to admit that I neglected ALL of my responsibilities for the day as I devoured this book! The flow of the story is marvelous even though it starts a little slow. It didn’t take long to pick up the pace and find my groove as Ember goes on an incredible adventure. The characters were absolute perfection. I can’t think of one thing I would change about them as they were diverse and relatable. There are a fair number of steamy scenes throughout, but the author doesn’t rely on them to make the book. The storyline will have you invested immediately! I know I’ve only read one book by this author so far, but I am definitely headed to pick up more of their work right now. If you love paranormal/shifter why-choose romances, don’t pass this one up!
March 4, 2024
This is the first book that I have read by Catherine Banks and it will not be the last. Catherine Banks has a very vivid imagination and this book has lots of interesting characters, themes, plots and twists and turns that makes you keep reading to figure out just what the heck is going on or will happen next.
Ember is a Mage - I kinda wish that Catherine had of written a glossary of terms as I still have no idea what a mage is but with the help of search engines I kinda figured it out in the context of the book.
This book contains magic, supernatural, curses, shifters, princes, and several handsome shifters whom vie to “mate” Ember.
It’s very hard to write a review without spoilers so you will just have to pick yourself up a copy, allocate a big chuck of me time and read for yourself.
Ember is a Mage - I kinda wish that Catherine had of written a glossary of terms as I still have no idea what a mage is but with the help of search engines I kinda figured it out in the context of the book.
This book contains magic, supernatural, curses, shifters, princes, and several handsome shifters whom vie to “mate” Ember.
It’s very hard to write a review without spoilers so you will just have to pick yourself up a copy, allocate a big chuck of me time and read for yourself.
March 11, 2024
Ember, a "Mage" or so she thinks lives in 100 acers of woods and a cabin gifted to her as her parents want nothing to do with her as shes seen as an embarrassment. In those woods she tends to hybrid shifters who have been injured by a world who sees the hybrids as a threat.
Unfortunately her peaceful life is shattered when magical stones turn up and people start hunting her saying her blood is the cure to their curse.
Along the way she meets a prince who wants to change everything and several shifters who want to mate her but are also confused by her as she doesn't smell like a mage and she certainly has more powers than meets the eye
Unable to say much more as it would involve spoilers but this is a wonderful reverse harem Paranormal shifter with vivid details a mastery of the Paranormal while still making you able to connect to the characters.
Happy reading!
Unfortunately her peaceful life is shattered when magical stones turn up and people start hunting her saying her blood is the cure to their curse.
Along the way she meets a prince who wants to change everything and several shifters who want to mate her but are also confused by her as she doesn't smell like a mage and she certainly has more powers than meets the eye
Unable to say much more as it would involve spoilers but this is a wonderful reverse harem Paranormal shifter with vivid details a mastery of the Paranormal while still making you able to connect to the characters.
Happy reading!
March 11, 2024
The first book in the series and the first book by this author that I have read, and I can say I cannot wait for the next book in this series,
Ember is a healer, medically trained and when her parents found out that she possessed magic, they disowned her and bought her a patch of land and cabin to live in. Nursing injured and sick animals, shifters and hybrids back to health, most leave to go on their way but she is finding a few to stay, is this due to more than just her personality.
There is discontent amongst the humans and the group that has formed to eradicate the hybrids seems to have a link to Ember.
Can Ember and her steadily growing band of followers find the truth and change it for the better, the group surrounding her is evolving.
A well written and intriguing entrance into this evolving world.
Ember is a healer, medically trained and when her parents found out that she possessed magic, they disowned her and bought her a patch of land and cabin to live in. Nursing injured and sick animals, shifters and hybrids back to health, most leave to go on their way but she is finding a few to stay, is this due to more than just her personality.
There is discontent amongst the humans and the group that has formed to eradicate the hybrids seems to have a link to Ember.
Can Ember and her steadily growing band of followers find the truth and change it for the better, the group surrounding her is evolving.
A well written and intriguing entrance into this evolving world.
March 16, 2024
Outcast (Her Royal Harem: Ember Book 1)
By Catherine Banks
Review by: Susan Ratchford
5 Stars
As a woman who is obsessed with the forests and woods and who grew up exploring them, I absolutely loved this book! Ember Jasperwood is an amazingly pure and heartwarming character! Her passion for healing and how her family treats her hit me right in the feels! Did I also mention how much I love the names Catherine Banks picked for her characters? Triston, Riddick, Ember they are all absolutely divine! Outcast is a beautiful blend of magic, hybrids, healing, curses, cures, and a search for the truth. Every page I turned, went faster and faster as I raced towards the end of this book to find out what was going to happen! This book had me completely hooked and I cannot wait until Ms. Banks releases the second one in this entrancing series that is definitely one to look out for!
By Catherine Banks
Review by: Susan Ratchford
5 Stars
As a woman who is obsessed with the forests and woods and who grew up exploring them, I absolutely loved this book! Ember Jasperwood is an amazingly pure and heartwarming character! Her passion for healing and how her family treats her hit me right in the feels! Did I also mention how much I love the names Catherine Banks picked for her characters? Triston, Riddick, Ember they are all absolutely divine! Outcast is a beautiful blend of magic, hybrids, healing, curses, cures, and a search for the truth. Every page I turned, went faster and faster as I raced towards the end of this book to find out what was going to happen! This book had me completely hooked and I cannot wait until Ms. Banks releases the second one in this entrancing series that is definitely one to look out for!
March 18, 2024
OMG!! I really love paranormal romance and shifter romances are my favorite. I am so happy to find a new series and a new author to boot. I really was hooked by this book and I really cannot wait to get deeper into the series. I really could not put this book down and it has really brought my love for reverse harems out. I really love how the main female lead has hidden potential and that the story line was really a breath of fresh air and unique. The author does such a great job of bringing the characters to life and make the situation normal. Although nothing about it is normal it was quite easy to not only read but I thoroughly enjoyed. I am so looking forward to the next book and am on baited breath waiting. So it goes to say that I will definitely be reading more from this author in the future.
October 5, 2025
Outcast (Her Royal Harem: Ember Book 1)
Outcast (Her Royal Harem: Ember Book 1) ~ From page one, Ember stole my heart. She’s tough, scarred by rejection, and absolutely not looking to be swept into a “royal” mess—yet she finds herself surrounded by protective hybrid shifters and a charming prince who won’t let her hide forever. What I loved most here was the slow unraveling of trust. Ember doesn’t instantly fall into anyone’s arms—she claws her way into finding belonging. The chemistry with her growing pack is sizzling, but the emotional side hits just as hard. Catherine Banks gives us a heroine who isn’t afraid to challenge fate, and a group of men who will stand by her when the danger closes in. This book lays the foundation perfectly—danger, romance, and the sense that Ember’s story is just getting started.
Outcast (Her Royal Harem: Ember Book 1) ~ From page one, Ember stole my heart. She’s tough, scarred by rejection, and absolutely not looking to be swept into a “royal” mess—yet she finds herself surrounded by protective hybrid shifters and a charming prince who won’t let her hide forever. What I loved most here was the slow unraveling of trust. Ember doesn’t instantly fall into anyone’s arms—she claws her way into finding belonging. The chemistry with her growing pack is sizzling, but the emotional side hits just as hard. Catherine Banks gives us a heroine who isn’t afraid to challenge fate, and a group of men who will stand by her when the danger closes in. This book lays the foundation perfectly—danger, romance, and the sense that Ember’s story is just getting started.
March 11, 2024
This is the first book that I am reading by Catherine Banks, a new author to me . I really enjoyed reading this book. Usually I only like Harem or reversed Harem every once in a whole but this book had me devouring it page by page as fast as I could. I just had to see what happened next. Like the mystery and adventure really had me hang on to every word . What made me really interested in it was the Paranormal take to it. Mages, shifters, hybrids, curses, multiple mates, what more could you ask for. I'd say it is a fast-paced book with amazingly built characters and fantastic world building. This author did an amazing job. She definitely brings a unique touch to the Paranormal genre. I cannot wait til April for the next book to be released.
March 14, 2024
First things first, this reverse harem was wonderfully done! I thoroughly enjoyed this book and having all of the different genres was great. Love, mystery, fantasy, reverse harem just to name a few. Ember has a big heart for animals and shifters, and when 3 show up on her doorstep, wounded and battered she lets them in and she helps heal them. However, a certain Prince frustrates her to no end. All he wants to do is help, but sometimes his willingness gets to be a little bit too much. Secrets about her past start coming to light, and Ember is unsure about herself and starts to question everything around her. The storyline and world was built beautifully. I felt like I was actually there living the story. I can't wait to see what happens next!
March 18, 2024
This is a new to me author that I will definitely be following for more work. The story starts off a little slow, but it's well worth it, trust me. Ember is a sweetie that didn't expect that her peaceful world in the 100 acer woods would be turned so completely upside down.
She's on a journey of self discovery, wrapped in love and mystery and danger and I can't wait to see how it is all going to end. Obviously it is a RH romance so she won't have to choose but Caleb is definitely my favorite. I can't wait to see their relationship grow and can not wait to learn more about this interesting new world.
She's on a journey of self discovery, wrapped in love and mystery and danger and I can't wait to see how it is all going to end. Obviously it is a RH romance so she won't have to choose but Caleb is definitely my favorite. I can't wait to see their relationship grow and can not wait to learn more about this interesting new world.
March 19, 2024
If you are looking for a read that sends you head first into a paranormal universe full of enchantment, fun characters, and intrigue, then this one's for you.
Outcast is the first of Her Royal Harem: Ember series by Catherine Banks. It follows the story of Ember, a mage who heals wounded creatures. This simple existence is thrown askew when Ember gets an unlikely assistant in Prince Caleb and starts to have to deal with her painful past.
This book is full of enchantment, action, and danger as whimsical characters come to life. This book is definitely a page turner. I can't wait to pick up the next book and dive back into this paranormal universe.
Happy Reading!
Outcast is the first of Her Royal Harem: Ember series by Catherine Banks. It follows the story of Ember, a mage who heals wounded creatures. This simple existence is thrown askew when Ember gets an unlikely assistant in Prince Caleb and starts to have to deal with her painful past.
This book is full of enchantment, action, and danger as whimsical characters come to life. This book is definitely a page turner. I can't wait to pick up the next book and dive back into this paranormal universe.
Happy Reading!
March 4, 2024
This book is an exciting story to read, full of magic and great character chemistry. I loved the premise of the story and how creative and imaginative it is. The story was really easy to connect with and I found myself completely invested in what was going on.
This is the first book that I have read by this author and it definitely will not be the last. It was well written, engaging and a brilliant combination of fantasy and romance. I thoroughly enjoyed the booked from start to finish and cannot wait for more.
This is the first book that I have read by this author and it definitely will not be the last. It was well written, engaging and a brilliant combination of fantasy and romance. I thoroughly enjoyed the booked from start to finish and cannot wait for more.
March 5, 2024
This was an interesting story! I liked Ember and her guys. They had a bit of a slow start building the harem, but it picked up after a bit. Ember was a live in the moment kind of gal and I enjoyed her sprit and drive to help those that were dropped at her door step. The MC's were interesting and I liked the chemistry between them and Ember and their story was a unique one.
Overall I enjoyed this Fantasy/Paranormal reverse harem and I am looking forward to reading more by this author and more of this series in the future!
Happy reading!
Overall I enjoyed this Fantasy/Paranormal reverse harem and I am looking forward to reading more by this author and more of this series in the future!
Happy reading!
March 5, 2024
I am currently in my romantacy phase so this book fit right in with the types of books I am reading right now. It has a great story that builds as it progresses which it does quite quickly. I definitely liked the story and the delving into character backgrounds. I recommend checking your triggers before reading but it is worth a read especially if you like shifter romance novels. I did have favorite characters I liked being in the story even though they were not main characters so I do hope there is more about them in future books.
March 8, 2024
Outcast is the first mouthwatering book from the Her Royal Harem series. I've never read a book like this before, but I loved it. Catherine did such an amazing job balancing plot, Character, and relationship development. I ate this book right up, and couldn't get enough of waiting to see which bond would strengthen next. This book is centered around adult themes, and really helps make relationships like this become more widely common and accepted. I can't wait to get my hands on the second book, because i have a lot of questions that I look forward to hopefully being answered!!
March 18, 2024
Where do I start! This was such a fun read, filled with wonderful characters, interesting storylines and just enough twists and turns to keep you completely hooked and turning page after page. There is so much more to Ember than even she knows and I am really looking forward to reading more in this series to find out more about her abilities and where life is going to take not only her but her men as well! There is a few steamy moments that give us a feel of what may be still to come and I can't wait. I so want a happy ending for them all. I guess I will have to wait and see LOL
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