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Creatures of Domhan na Rùin #2
The Lion & the Thief
Mav is the Captain of the Guard of Zhava City; a petty jewel thief should not be causing her this much trouble. A string of robberies of Sartya's nobility has put her career at risk. As a Manticore, Mav has had to work hard to fit in with her human peers in the guard, and she refuses to risk all she has worked for by letting this string of thefts continue. Her thief is tricky though, and impossible to pin down...until one day a clue appears at the scene of the crime.
Colette returned to Zhava City three years ago to take care of her grandmother. After struggling to find employment, she decides to put her skills to use to redistribute the wealth of Sartya's nobility. It turns out she's a rather excellent jewel thief, but the savvy Captain of the Guard is on her tail now. Colette finds that she rather enjoys the Captain's attention.
In this spicy novelette, follow Mav and Colette as they navigate their enemies-to-lovers whirlwind romance. A full list of what to expect is included at the back of the book.
Colette returned to Zhava City three years ago to take care of her grandmother. After struggling to find employment, she decides to put her skills to use to redistribute the wealth of Sartya's nobility. It turns out she's a rather excellent jewel thief, but the savvy Captain of the Guard is on her tail now. Colette finds that she rather enjoys the Captain's attention.
In this spicy novelette, follow Mav and Colette as they navigate their enemies-to-lovers whirlwind romance. A full list of what to expect is included at the back of the book.
82 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 27, 2024
13 people are currently reading
227 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
January 12, 2025
3.5 stars
Colette was a Robin Hoodesque thief and a hot AF domme. Mav was a captain chasing her and their one night stand was sweet and spicy. I loved that the 2 of them found their way to each other and belonging in each other’s arms. The ending was a bit hard for me to buy. Not the romance and HEA, just the overarching plot resolution.
Spice: 3/5
Triggers: accidental aphrodisiac injection, thieving, speciesism, ill relative
Colette was a Robin Hoodesque thief and a hot AF domme. Mav was a captain chasing her and their one night stand was sweet and spicy. I loved that the 2 of them found their way to each other and belonging in each other’s arms. The ending was a bit hard for me to buy. Not the romance and HEA, just the overarching plot resolution.
Spice: 3/5
Triggers: accidental aphrodisiac injection, thieving, speciesism, ill relative
May 2, 2025
these bitches freaky as hell 10 stars
but also why did I not look at the cover?😭 the lion thing is so??? I’ve read about weirder things so I’ll look past that.
but also why did I not look at the cover?😭 the lion thing is so??? I’ve read about weirder things so I’ll look past that.
September 15, 2024
This book was AWESOME. And HOT.
Very hot.
Hotter than I expected, actually. Who knew a manticore would be so precious? And sexy?
Once again Emma Elizabeth knocks it out of the paaaaark with these novellas. I need more of them.
Also, I'm going to get her to play Guild Wars 2 with me one of these days because I swear the world she's building is giving such GW2 vibes!
Very hot.
Hotter than I expected, actually. Who knew a manticore would be so precious? And sexy?
Once again Emma Elizabeth knocks it out of the paaaaark with these novellas. I need more of them.
Also, I'm going to get her to play Guild Wars 2 with me one of these days because I swear the world she's building is giving such GW2 vibes!
August 13, 2024
Another lovely novella from this world! It gave me Robin Hood vibes, and I thought it was a fun twist to that story. Colette was really fun to read. Loved her confidence and sort of swagger attitude. And of course having the big, strong monster character be the sub? YES. GIVE ME MORE.
Looking forward to more of these stories!
Looking forward to more of these stories!
August 24, 2024
✨ the lion & the thief ✨
They’re books you wish they were longer and The Lion & The Thief is one of them.
A short sapphic monster romance novella that it’s so good you can’t get enough of it 🫶🏽.
The amount of giggles I had while reading Colette and Mav's story was endless. Regardless of the length of the story it is so well written, the plot was good and zero drama which is appreciated in this kind of short story.
I loved that Mav was a manticore 🤩 she was so lovely and Colette was pretty funny- I mean she was a thief so you can expect sassiest moments . The romance between them is the CUTEST 💗✨💗.
I would like to thank Emma Elizabeth for providing me an eArc.
They’re books you wish they were longer and The Lion & The Thief is one of them.
A short sapphic monster romance novella that it’s so good you can’t get enough of it 🫶🏽.
The amount of giggles I had while reading Colette and Mav's story was endless. Regardless of the length of the story it is so well written, the plot was good and zero drama which is appreciated in this kind of short story.
I loved that Mav was a manticore 🤩 she was so lovely and Colette was pretty funny- I mean she was a thief so you can expect sassiest moments . The romance between them is the CUTEST 💗✨💗.
I would like to thank Emma Elizabeth for providing me an eArc.
August 12, 2024
Another short and sweet story by Emma! You can’t help but adore her characters. And the world building was superb yet again!
Colette and Mav have a bit of a rivalry going on. Colette has been stealing jewels and in a kind of Robin Hood move giving back to the people who need it. Mav as a part of the kings guard is tasked with finding her and getting the royals off the kings back.
This story starts strong and ends yummy. 😋 I loved that Mav was a manticore and that the dialogue played into that. So cute! Who doesn’t love a sapphic pairing with the “weaker” (not that Colette was weak by any means, maybe smaller is a better word?) is the dominant of the pair. So good. So so good.
Each of these novellas has made me even more excited (feral) for Mistress of Hours!!
Colette and Mav have a bit of a rivalry going on. Colette has been stealing jewels and in a kind of Robin Hood move giving back to the people who need it. Mav as a part of the kings guard is tasked with finding her and getting the royals off the kings back.
This story starts strong and ends yummy. 😋 I loved that Mav was a manticore and that the dialogue played into that. So cute! Who doesn’t love a sapphic pairing with the “weaker” (not that Colette was weak by any means, maybe smaller is a better word?) is the dominant of the pair. So good. So so good.
Each of these novellas has made me even more excited (feral) for Mistress of Hours!!
January 26, 2025
3🌟
Fun lil palette cleanser, thought it’d be a lil spicier than it was but it was cute as far as monster romances go!
Fun lil palette cleanser, thought it’d be a lil spicier than it was but it was cute as far as monster romances go!
October 17, 2024
A quick little read that’s enemies to lovers and with some SPICE? 🥵
Okayyyy monster romance, I see you.
Okayyyy monster romance, I see you.
September 14, 2024
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
👀Tropes: Dual Third Person POV Monster Romance with enemies to lovers, secret identity, unequal social status, forbidden love, fated mates, sapphic
☠️CW: Cursing, Death, Drug Use (off page), Sexual Content (Bondage, Lust-inducing venom)
📚Read Method: Kindle eBook ARC
✨Initial Reaction: I found Emma through some mutual discords and beta read a different book that is coming out later this year. When I heard she had a smaller novella coming out, I just knew I needed to read it. Very very excited, especially when I saw the art that was commissioned for it 👀
✨Final Reaction: THIS BOOK IS SO SWEET! It's very fast and very spicy, but also very sweet. There's a great quick plot to keep you entertained and invested, but really, just the relationship and hidden identity carry the book. Colette is sassy and honestly a blast to read. Nothing seems to bother her and makes her own way in the world, 'robin hood' style. On the other side, Mav is rigid, strict, and does not allow things to get in her way... until she receives a note from the person causing her problems. What happens when a commander and the thief she's chasing walk into a bar?
💖Quotes:
"Ride me, beautiful thief. Take your pleasure from me."
"Upset that I have a sweet, talented, beautiful manticore that is fated by the old gods to love me forever? No, Mav. I am surprised, but not upset."
"'I'm desperately in love with you, my lovely thief,' Mav whispered to her mate. "I'm grateful everyday that you caught me, love.' Colette answered, nestling her face into Mav's neck."
👀Tropes: Dual Third Person POV Monster Romance with enemies to lovers, secret identity, unequal social status, forbidden love, fated mates, sapphic
☠️CW: Cursing, Death, Drug Use (off page), Sexual Content (Bondage, Lust-inducing venom)
📚Read Method: Kindle eBook ARC
✨Initial Reaction: I found Emma through some mutual discords and beta read a different book that is coming out later this year. When I heard she had a smaller novella coming out, I just knew I needed to read it. Very very excited, especially when I saw the art that was commissioned for it 👀
✨Final Reaction: THIS BOOK IS SO SWEET! It's very fast and very spicy, but also very sweet. There's a great quick plot to keep you entertained and invested, but really, just the relationship and hidden identity carry the book. Colette is sassy and honestly a blast to read. Nothing seems to bother her and makes her own way in the world, 'robin hood' style. On the other side, Mav is rigid, strict, and does not allow things to get in her way... until she receives a note from the person causing her problems. What happens when a commander and the thief she's chasing walk into a bar?
💖Quotes:
"Ride me, beautiful thief. Take your pleasure from me."
"Upset that I have a sweet, talented, beautiful manticore that is fated by the old gods to love me forever? No, Mav. I am surprised, but not upset."
"'I'm desperately in love with you, my lovely thief,' Mav whispered to her mate. "I'm grateful everyday that you caught me, love.' Colette answered, nestling her face into Mav's neck."
August 22, 2024
This was such a surprisingly wholesome read! I wasn’t expecting it to have the sweet elements that it did and it just made it SO much better!
Colette is a skilful thief stealing from the rich and giving to the less fortunate and Mav is the manticore Captain of the Guard in charge of catching this sneaky burglar—but, fate has a funny way of showing us what we REALLY need. And Mav ends up the one being caught, her heart finding her fated mate in Colette.
A short sapphic monster romance novella that’s cute, wholesome and a little bit steamy. A perfect read to enjoy in one sitting and can be read as a standalone.
━━ † ━━
❗️I received this ARC via sign up and every part of this review is written willingly and genuinely with my own personal feelings/thoughts and is under no conditions or obligations❗️
Colette is a skilful thief stealing from the rich and giving to the less fortunate and Mav is the manticore Captain of the Guard in charge of catching this sneaky burglar—but, fate has a funny way of showing us what we REALLY need. And Mav ends up the one being caught, her heart finding her fated mate in Colette.
A short sapphic monster romance novella that’s cute, wholesome and a little bit steamy. A perfect read to enjoy in one sitting and can be read as a standalone.
━━ † ━━
❗️I received this ARC via sign up and every part of this review is written willingly and genuinely with my own personal feelings/thoughts and is under no conditions or obligations❗️
September 7, 2024
Another trip to Domhan na Rùin! I loved getting to visit another land in this gorgeous world Emma Elizabeth has created for us, and one so different from where we met Ilex and Dahlia in Wellsah! This time we're in for a sweet and steamy, fast-paced Sapphic romance! In The Lion & The Thief, we get to explore Sartya, which is more of a dessert climate, and in particular its capital, Zhava City. Mav, a manticore doing her best to fit in in the predominantly human-populated city, is the Captain of the Guard, stuck on a case plaguing the city: a tricky jewel thief keeps stealing valuables from the city's elite! Unexpected still, the thief is now leaving Mav flirtatious notes??
Enter Colette: jewel thief extraordinaire (though she's kept her operation covert so far). Colette is enjoying her nighttime adventures, redistributing the city's wealth, and having more fun with it than ever getting to tease the Captain of the Guard. But when Mav and Colette cross paths in-person, sparks fly, the air between them instantly steamy. Will their attraction hold once they know the truth about each other? ...
My favorite thing about the Creatures of Domhan na Rùin novelettes is how they combine the adventurous and the cozy so well! Colette is essentially a Robin Hood figure, and I love how confident and fun she is. To complement her, Mav is a total cupcake, who just wants to find someone with whom she can shake off the responsibility she carries every day at work and feel at home in their company. It was so fun to watch these two circle and banter with each other, and the spice? It makes sense that Zhava City is in the desert because the steamy scenes are *hot*! (I will refrain from all future puns, I promise.)
One thing I was curious to see explored a little more was the confrontation between Mav and Colette when Colette's identity as the jewel thief is revealed. There's a moment where we can see Mav deflating a bit in this scene, which is completely understandable, considering the intimacy she shared with Colette earlier: "'Did you know?' Mav asked, the bite of betrayal hitting her harder than it should over someone she barely knew." Following, Mav reacts with some anger, but it's resolved relatively quickly without much communication between the two. This is understandable, considering the length of the story and the faster pace, but I would have been interested to see what a slightly longer conversation between these two might have looked like to heal that sense of betrayal Mav felt.
Overall, I was super excited to revisit this world, and meet two new characters! Mav and Colette are fun and heartwarming, the world is immersive and interesting (and I love how the author paints such a vivid world for us in just a few brief descriptions!), and also, Mav and Colette's story felt fresh and distinct from the previous novelette. I loved seeing Emma Elizabeth flex her ability to shift tone and voice through vastly different characters in a new setting! I'm really excited to read more of this world and meet new friends along the way, and I can't wait for what she has in store for us next
Enter Colette: jewel thief extraordinaire (though she's kept her operation covert so far). Colette is enjoying her nighttime adventures, redistributing the city's wealth, and having more fun with it than ever getting to tease the Captain of the Guard. But when Mav and Colette cross paths in-person, sparks fly, the air between them instantly steamy. Will their attraction hold once they know the truth about each other? ...
My favorite thing about the Creatures of Domhan na Rùin novelettes is how they combine the adventurous and the cozy so well! Colette is essentially a Robin Hood figure, and I love how confident and fun she is. To complement her, Mav is a total cupcake, who just wants to find someone with whom she can shake off the responsibility she carries every day at work and feel at home in their company. It was so fun to watch these two circle and banter with each other, and the spice? It makes sense that Zhava City is in the desert because the steamy scenes are *hot*! (I will refrain from all future puns, I promise.)
One thing I was curious to see explored a little more was the confrontation between Mav and Colette when Colette's identity as the jewel thief is revealed. There's a moment where we can see Mav deflating a bit in this scene, which is completely understandable, considering the intimacy she shared with Colette earlier: "'Did you know?' Mav asked, the bite of betrayal hitting her harder than it should over someone she barely knew." Following, Mav reacts with some anger, but it's resolved relatively quickly without much communication between the two. This is understandable, considering the length of the story and the faster pace, but I would have been interested to see what a slightly longer conversation between these two might have looked like to heal that sense of betrayal Mav felt.
Overall, I was super excited to revisit this world, and meet two new characters! Mav and Colette are fun and heartwarming, the world is immersive and interesting (and I love how the author paints such a vivid world for us in just a few brief descriptions!), and also, Mav and Colette's story felt fresh and distinct from the previous novelette. I loved seeing Emma Elizabeth flex her ability to shift tone and voice through vastly different characters in a new setting! I'm really excited to read more of this world and meet new friends along the way, and I can't wait for what she has in store for us next
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 26, 2024
Super Cozy Cozilious kinda'Cozz. Low Angst. Sapphic. Paranormal. Enemies-to-lovers.
Mav A Manticore is the Captain of the Guard of Zhava City. Her hard won career is at risk due to a string of robberies. She must catch the thief.
Colette is the human super thief. She is back in Zhana City to care for her grandmother. After seeing the gross disparaging wealth of the nobility she decided to put her skills to good use.
Steal from the Rich and Give to the poor.
They meet and the stars collide. Mild spice.
This is a Fantastic palette cleanser, I Highly Recommend this book.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Mav A Manticore is the Captain of the Guard of Zhava City. Her hard won career is at risk due to a string of robberies. She must catch the thief.
Colette is the human super thief. She is back in Zhana City to care for her grandmother. After seeing the gross disparaging wealth of the nobility she decided to put her skills to good use.
Steal from the Rich and Give to the poor.
They meet and the stars collide. Mild spice.
This is a Fantastic palette cleanser, I Highly Recommend this book.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 30, 2024
I absolutely loved The Songbird and The Forest, so I was so excited to read this! I throughly enjoyed it and it was my wake up call to read more manticore romances. I loved the cat and mouse dynamic that Mav and Colette had and how it changed in the bedroom. The sexual tension was great between the two and I loved how Mav’s stinger came into play as well.
Colette was such a good character too, she was strong and determined to help people while also caring and dominate during spicy scenes. I loved seeing Mav submit to her. I wish there was more scenes with them getting to know each other or going on a wholesome date. Overall, I had a great time with this read!
Colette was such a good character too, she was strong and determined to help people while also caring and dominate during spicy scenes. I loved seeing Mav submit to her. I wish there was more scenes with them getting to know each other or going on a wholesome date. Overall, I had a great time with this read!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 14, 2024
Honestly? Just...yes. To all of it. This book felt both short and long at the same time. Everything flowed so well. You wouldn't assume it was only 60 pages.
It's SO good !! Both Mav and Colette are complex characters, and the reasonings for why they do that they do are both interesting and relatable. A thief who robs the rich but serves the poor. A Captain who is looking for connection and acceptance in a city that barely welcomes her.
I'm not much for spice, but Emma Elizabeth writes it so well that it actually feels like it plays into their character/relationship development. I love it. She is an insta-buy for me.
💕 Mav & Colette 💕
It's SO good !! Both Mav and Colette are complex characters, and the reasonings for why they do that they do are both interesting and relatable. A thief who robs the rich but serves the poor. A Captain who is looking for connection and acceptance in a city that barely welcomes her.
I'm not much for spice, but Emma Elizabeth writes it so well that it actually feels like it plays into their character/relationship development. I love it. She is an insta-buy for me.
💕 Mav & Colette 💕
August 28, 2024
Emma did it again! In the second story in this series, Colette is a thief that sets out to redistribute wealth in the city. Mav is the Captain of the guard who is assigned to find the thief. I loved their dynamic so much. I love how Mav, a strong manticore, is the more submissive partner, and it leads to fun, trusting, and hot (don't forget hot) intimate scenes where Colette cares for her. There was lots of fun interaction between the two of them through out the novella that will make you smile.
It can definitely be read as a standalone if you haven't read the first (which I HIGHLY suggest you do because I love it). I love what Emma is doing with the world building, and I can't wait for more!!
It can definitely be read as a standalone if you haven't read the first (which I HIGHLY suggest you do because I love it). I love what Emma is doing with the world building, and I can't wait for more!!
August 29, 2024
ARC review!
I love a monster romance where the monster is "unusual" (you know, outside of the popular fae, orcs, minotaurs, gargoyles, etc.). That this book delivers on that with a manticore FMC, plus it's sapphic, just really buttered my biscuit.
The story is short and sweet, and I enjoyed how the author turned some typical relationship dynamics on their heads. If I had to quibble, I wish there was a little more tension in the thief storyline and how it got resolved--I felt it wrapped up too quickly.
All in all, a cozy little romance perfect for a late summer afternoon.
I love a monster romance where the monster is "unusual" (you know, outside of the popular fae, orcs, minotaurs, gargoyles, etc.). That this book delivers on that with a manticore FMC, plus it's sapphic, just really buttered my biscuit.
The story is short and sweet, and I enjoyed how the author turned some typical relationship dynamics on their heads. If I had to quibble, I wish there was a little more tension in the thief storyline and how it got resolved--I felt it wrapped up too quickly.
All in all, a cozy little romance perfect for a late summer afternoon.
January 4, 2025
Tbh? Perfection. As a short story it flowed well, never felt rushed, and the chemistry between characters was delicious. I didn’t know it was possible to be attracted to a lion but here we are 😈 (Colette calling her “my lion” was literally so hot) lmfao
Post read I can’t help wishing it were longer like if they went from lovers to enemies with like hate fucking and angst and pining I just know I wouldn’t have ever recovered so the author did me an unintentional solid probably lol
Post read I can’t help wishing it were longer like if they went from lovers to enemies with like hate fucking and angst and pining I just know I wouldn’t have ever recovered so the author did me an unintentional solid probably lol
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 8, 2025
4 stars. This was a lot of fun and super sexy. Colette is a thief and Mav is a Captain of the Guard and she's also a lion. She's been hunting Colette and I thought the chase was fun. Their chemistry was sexy and I loved the slight D/s elements in this. Colette is dominant and Mav enjoys being tied up. Both characters were likable and the romance was sweet, hot and a bit kinky. The writing was good, it's paced well and I liked the world building. Highly recommend it.
September 4, 2025
Le doy 3 estrellas. Es el segundo libro de la saga que leo, y aunque no me ha gustado tanto como el primero, sigue siendo un libro que se lee muy rápido, lo cual hace que sea muy fácil engancharse.
Me ha encantado especialmente que sea un libro sáfico, algo que le da un toque fresco y diferente a la historia. Aunque la trama no me haya atrapado tanto como la del primer libro, sigue siendo entretenido y ligero. Ideal si buscas algo rápido de leer y con representación LGBTQ+.
Me ha encantado especialmente que sea un libro sáfico, algo que le da un toque fresco y diferente a la historia. Aunque la trama no me haya atrapado tanto como la del primer libro, sigue siendo entretenido y ligero. Ideal si buscas algo rápido de leer y con representación LGBTQ+.
September 8, 2024
This novella is amazing and a purrrfect Sapphic September read. This was my first manticore monrom and the fact that Mav is a muscle mommy manticore has me feeling some kinda way. If you love sweet and steamy romance with a cat and mouse Robin Good vibe this story is for you. Can’t wait to read more in this series!
January 9, 2025
Kinda boring? Towards the end I was just skimming
I thought it was going to be a lot spicier than it was? But it was like 3 spots and not very detailed so kinda disappointed on that front?
Also homegirls like “they won’t let me join the guard cause they don’t trust me since I served another kingdom” also her “lemme steal from them”
I thought it was going to be a lot spicier than it was? But it was like 3 spots and not very detailed so kinda disappointed on that front?
Also homegirls like “they won’t let me join the guard cause they don’t trust me since I served another kingdom” also her “lemme steal from them”
September 3, 2024
Such a cute story! A jewal thief who falls in love with the very person trying to capture them. Absolutely loved it! This story was short and sweet and a bit spicy and I loved every bit of it. I definitely recommend this book and all books by this author!
September 16, 2024
I love it, give me 14 more of these. If Emma Elizabeth writes it, it's coming home with me. I loved it. A cozy, fun, sapphic romance with a manticore that doesn't get enough love. like THE STINGER! COME ON! 10/10, snackable.
June 26, 2025
more
IF this had more then it probably would have been a 5 star read for me. It just needed more to it. More spice, more spice scenes, more thieving and more hunt scenes. Like flesh it out a little and this would be killer. That aside. It’s cute.
IF this had more then it probably would have been a 5 star read for me. It just needed more to it. More spice, more spice scenes, more thieving and more hunt scenes. Like flesh it out a little and this would be killer. That aside. It’s cute.
August 12, 2024
If you’re looking for a fast read, enemies to lovers w top notch spice and a heartwarming development between the two main characters…this novelette is for YOU! So so good, Emma’s books always feel like a warm (and spicy) hug. ✨
I’m very appreciative for the opportunity to read an advanced copy!
I’m very appreciative for the opportunity to read an advanced copy!
August 29, 2024
Absolutely adored this second little novella in the Creatures of Domhan na Rùin world! Part of me wishes it was longer so we could have seen more of these amazing characters, but the other part knows the size of this story was perfect for my incredibly short and constantly wandering attention span. Definitely got Robin Hood vibes! The banter??? Having the big, strong monster lady be the sub to a measly human? Absolutely divine. I can’t wait to see more of this world!
September 30, 2024
Cute, short, sapphic and spicy
November 1, 2024
Fast and straight to the point read. I loved the dynamic between Mav and Colette. Especially when roles are switched in bed😉
P.s. glass strap on was a nice touch to the epilogue🌶️
P.s. glass strap on was a nice touch to the epilogue🌶️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 12, 2024
Simple
This SHORT novella has a simple plot and pushes the romance, but I love the cover. Wish it had more tension
This SHORT novella has a simple plot and pushes the romance, but I love the cover. Wish it had more tension
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews