Virgo Queen

by Laura Navarre

I’m the Little Red Riding Hood of the witch academy.
Am I crazy for trusting the wolves?

I’m the last remaining innocent at the Icarus Academy. Powerless, friendless, and vulnerable to the warlock bullies who terrorize my college. Even though I’m First Girl on the Dean’s List, resourceful and smart, I need to hide my flightless wings and secret Light Fae heritage just to survive.

I’ve never felt more alone.

Until Icelandic mafia bad boy Draco Mars and his Cajun werewolf boyfriend Jae Labête take me under their cruel protection. In exchange, all I need to give them is my innocence.

I never meant to surrender my heart.

When our secret bargain exposes my hidden powers in a dangerous showdown with my enemies, can this Little Red Riding Hood learn to trust the wolves, shed my innocent good girl disguise, and finally dare to fly?

One-click for an intense dark witch adult academy why choose paranormal romance novella that delivers bully vs. bookworm forbidden heat, steamy group interactions, possessive males, a hot Cajun werewolf, M/M encounters, all swords crossed, a tough guy mafia hero who falls first, a scrappy innocent heroine who never has to choose, and enough heat to set your Academy uniform on fire.

This spicy novella is part of the Dark Witch Academy series but is written to be enjoyed as a standalone. It was previously published in the Beyond the Veil anthology.

Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Paranormal Romance

107 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 10, 2025

About the author

Amazon category bestselling author Laura Navarre (she/her) whisks you away from your day-to-day with spicy-shifty wild & witchy why-choose romance starring hot bi heroes and the women who love them.

A long time ago in a galaxy far away, Laura wrote dark fantasy romance for Harlequin, while her sinister twin Nikki Navarre wrote sexy spy romance. Now, with eighteen sexy stories released worldwide, this Washington, DC-based nomad writes dark witch adult academy why choose romance featuring bi heroes, badass heroines, and enough heat to set your Academy uniform on fire!

Laura is a cat lover, globetrotter, wine addict, PhD candidate, and president of Ascendant Press. When she isn’t conjuring witchy worlds, she’s a diplomat with a professional background in weapons of mass destruction and an MFA in writing popular fiction. She’s a Golden Heart finalist, two-time winner of the Golden Pen, winner of the Pacific Northwest Writers Association romance award, 2023 New England Readers Choice award winner, 2023 winner of the Holt Medallion for Best Virginia Author, 2023 Fantasy, Futuristic & Paranormal RWA PRISM dark paranormal romance finalst, and other awards.

She’s also relentlessly obsessive, alarmingly efficient, and a recovering perfectionist. She’s deeply suspicious of the Oxford comma, but she’s never met an em dash she doesn’t love.
Do you love possessive alphas, dragon riders, dragon shifters, British bullies, teacher-student forbidden love, age gap angst, and dark witch adult academy why choose romance? Follow Laura for free in the Witching World, her reader community on Ream, and score monthly free reads here! https://reamstories.com/witchingworld

Stalk Laura across the witching world like the queen killer stalks Zara at the Icarus Academy! Her adventures are trackable by witches, warlocks, wolf shifters, and mere mortals alike at:
https://reamstories.com/witchingworld
http://www.LauraNavarreSciFi.com
https://www.facebook.com/LauraNavarre...
https://www.tiktok.com/@LauraNavarreA...
https://amzn.to/3FrX5t7
https://www.bookbub.com/authors/laura...
http://www.goodreads.com/LauraNavarre

Reviews

[⭐Toonasa⭐ •Romance Book Lovers' Haven• · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had read "Virgo Queen" 1st in BEYOND THE VEIL anthology in October, now I re-read it as it's releasing as a novella & I got an #ARC again heh! I once again read this easily in 2hrs, Love this trio still. Now that's it's out in the blurb itself that Mal is a light fae, I NEED HER to meet Ash again. I won't lie, the secret reveal in story was pretty good on my 1st read. I love the care the boys show to eachother & Mal ❤️. Below is my updated review:

This is a spin-off of Laura's Dark Witch Academy series (Zara's harem!). Mallory & her guys had been a big part of recent book so I'd been excited to know of their start (prequel?)! I hope we get their continuation, maybe after Zara's finale?!

Mallory is shy, sweet, smart First Girl on Dean's list in the Witch Academy. She's virginal & hoping to atleast get a 1st kiss in her 20th birthday bash.
She's been crushing hard on the broody Icelandic warlock Draco & the mischievous Cajun werewolf Jae (omg they bfs 😍). But unbeknownst to her, they've been watching her too...

This is a short, hot MMF (yes, MM & MF!) story that gives us a new pov of the chaos of THAT night (IYKYK)! I loved to see the dynamics, protectiveness, fire-y action, their powers & secrets. This was just a mere taste & I WANT MORE OF THESE 3!! It's a HFN but There's so much potential 😍.

✨Little Red Riding Hood got her Wolves and her wings✨

Story Ratings:

POV: 1st person, Triple POV
1) Enjoyed? —> Fun Novella 5/5
2) The Characters: 5/5
3) Top feels: 😆😅🤨🤭😍😤🥺🥵🥰🔥😚🐺
4) Steamy scenes: 2.5/5
5) Levels: Cute+Swoon: 4/5
Angst: 1/5
Dark: 1.5/5
6) Creativity + world: 4.7/5
7) Plot arc: (Birthday Party, Crushes & Action—good for novella) 4/5
8) Writing style + pace: 4.5/5

** #arcHonestReview #AllViewsAreMyOwn **

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[Robusta & Romantasy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay, wow. Where to start. I think this book is just trying to contain too many things in such a short cluster of pages. I know this is part of a series, I know there’s world building I missed, but I couldn’t keep the story straight- I felt the writing style was a little haphazard and jumpy. Although I finished it, I couldn’t get into it. With that said, I think the overall concept had promise, the whole innocent girl getting involved in a love triangle etc etc but I would have liked to see a little more character development. I’d rather have a longer, slower paced story.

[Molly G · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got am so glad I got this book as an ARC because I believe it is the perfect primer for anyone interested in this authors work. (I know I am omw to get the whole series as soon as I finish this review).

11/10 on the spicy scene scale in a way that doesn’t make you feel like the plot is completely hollow, which in my opinion is very rare. (Especially as a novella).

So I would highly recommend for all the fantasy fans. As for those looking for well written spicy multiple partner scenes….. this is required reading. You can thank me later. 😈

ETA (8/28/25): I read the entire series before the end of March but waited for the final installment was published earlier this month. I reread all of the series before reading the last book and while you don’t NEED to read this novella for the series as it can stand on its own, you 1000% SHOULD.

[Lilibet Bombshell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Are you already a fan of the Dark Witch Academy books? Then you’ll know right away when the events in this book take place, what happens directly after, and what happens in the near future as a coincidence. If you’re not already a fan and Virgo Queen is your first venture into the Dark Witch Academy world then you’ll be more than a touch confused (but it also may entice you to come to our side, where we have super spicy polyamorous romance and it’s oh-so-hot).

All Good Girl and Apple-Polisher Molly McSnicker wants on her birthday is a real kiss. Since the students at Dark Witch Academy will take advantage of any opportunity they can find to have a party, she’s going to take advantage of the loud music, firelight, pheromones, and alcohol on hand. That’s the plan. So of course it’s thrown off course almost immediately by the chaos reigning at the academy at the moment.

Mallory McSnicker is one of the most beloved supporting characters in the Dark Witch Academy series. She’s a genuinely kind and good person with a steady presence throughout the books, as well as being heavily involved in one of the series subplots. It’s nice (and likely necessary, given where the series is now) to get to know Mallory as an individual and see how she came to be with her mates, which is in as naughty and imperfect a way that it exists in direct opposition to everything anyone would expect from First Girl and Hall Monitor Mallory McSnicker. 5⭐️

🩶 What to Expect 🩶

🍒 Good Girl, Apple Polishing, Hall Monitor FMC
💣 The Eric Northman of Icarus Academy MMC
🍒 The only Cajun werewolf east of the Greenwich Mean Line MMC
💣 Partying in an unsafe, haunted, and basically condemned medieval dungeon
🍒 Being late to your own birthday party
💣 Stumbling into watching your crushes find ecstasy in a hidden corner is the best gift a birthday girl could ask for
🍒 You live for the chase, I live for the hunt
💣 A kiss worth waiting for
🍒 A literal orgy on the dance floor
💣 He’s so deadly it makes me feel safe
🍒 A grossly neglected and underdeveloped conscience
💣 We have fire drills for when there’s a fire so why are you all panicking
🍒 Class geek to the rescue
💣 My secret identity
🍒 Never mind those dragons fighting in the sky

I was provided a copy of this title by the author. All thoughts, opinions, views, and ideas expressed herein are mine and mine alone. Thank you.

File Under: 5 Star Review/Romantasy/Fantasy Series/LGBTQ Romance/Novella/Paranormal Romance/Polyamorous Romance/Spice Level 2

(For the sake of transparency, I have reviewed this novella before as a part of the Beyond the Veil anthology. This review is different than that review, but not entirely, as some parts of that review ended up in this one.)

[Katia Roman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mallory’s journey in Virgo Queen is an electrifying blend of suspense, supernatural intrigue, and a love story that defies convention. This latest book in the dark witch academy series is everything fans could hope for: heart-pounding action, a richly crafted world, and an emotional exploration of love that pushes boundaries and super spicy!!
Another great book by Laura Navarre

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was the lucky winner of a free Kindle copy of through Goodreads, and while I’m grateful for the opportunity to read it, my overall impression is mixed. This book appears to be a side story within a larger series, but it doesn’t quite deliver as a standalone. Instead, it feels more like an introduction to something bigger for the fml of this story.

The writing is engaging and offers some glimpses into the world and characters, but it doesn’t quite offer the depth I was hoping for in a complete story. As a standalone, I expected more development and resolution, but instead, it feels like a teaser that hints at more to come. The pacing is quick, and while it sets up some interesting elements, it didn’t fully flesh out the world or the characters, leaving me with unanswered questions.

While I can see this spinoff being part of a larger, more intricate narrative, it didn’t quite stand on its own in a way that fully satisfied the expectations I had for a standalone book. I was hoping for a more complete experience, but instead, this felt like a brief glimpse into a world that still has much to unfold.

Overall, while this book offers a taste of what’s to come, it doesn’t quite deliver the depth or resolution expected from a standalone. That said, it does leave me curious to see where the larger series or future stories might go.

[Merissa (Archaeolibrarian) · Rating 4 out of 5]

VIRGO QUEEN is a standalone novella in the Dark Witch Academy series. In other words, you don't need to have read the others (as I haven't) but you will wish you had (as I do!)

Mallory is the last virgin in the school, so she thinks and works hard to blend in and be ignored. She has her eyes on various males though and decides to let her hair down when it is her 20th birthday. Draco and Jae are perfectly happy to help her with that.

This novella definitely left me wanting more, not only of the Dark Witch Academy as a whole, but of Mallory, Draco, and Jae's stories too. The world-building, even in this novella, was enough for me to understand the magic of this world and how various factions existed in it.

If you're after a spicy novella, then this is the one for you, as it practically steams off the page! It wasn't just hot though as there was a great connection between the characters.

A great read definitely recommended by me and I want more!

** same worded review will appear elsewhere **

* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Feb 3, 2025

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this peak into Mallory’s life!

I always wondered what had happened to Mallory at that party and how she ended up with 2 fated mates! And this book tells that story.

Its not super long, but the story was fantastic. Since it was Mallory’s 21st birthday, the kids at the school decided to use that excuse to throw a party for the 1st girl, regardless that they all made fun of her. All her life, Mallory had thought herself as plain and hid a secret – she was next in line for the Seelie Fae crown, if she can ever show her powers. So far, she thought she was a dud.

During the party, she discovered two of her crushes making out and when caught she nearly died if not for Draco and Jae. But she refuses to die a virgin, and Draco and Jae are 100% behind helping her out with that. When the attack on her house happens and Draco and Jae are trying to protect her, the fight gets to the point where someone is going to die.

Will she be able to finally get her powers to work so she can save someone she knows is destined for her?

Loved this short story!

[Lea Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

There’s a lot I liked about the book. I love the setting of the witch academy. I like that there’s a threesome rather than a love triangle. They discuss consent and protection. It didn’t fall into the false stereotype that all virgins bleed and have painful sex, thank god. The possessiveness was enough to be hot but not so much to be toxic.

The cons are a gripe I have with both the romance and erotica genre in general. I hate that it switches to the male point of view. It takes out all the mystery, tension and suspense. If she worries that they’re not serious about her, you just roll your eyes instead of being able to feel it. You know they’re going to be together, so there’s never any conflict.

I wasn’t sure I was going to like the boom at first. The sex at the beginning was so in your face that it read like a porno (a male perspective on sex) than erotica. I would have liked more buildup and delayed gratification. Tease the reader a little.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfection! Ugh, I flew through this novella and would be thankful if it was 300 more pages long.

Mallory is the epitome of first girl. She’s wickedly smart and follows all the rules. She’s tall, gangly and good at blending into the background. She doesn’t realize that she’s caught the eyes of local bad boys and hotties Draco and Jean-Emilien. On her 20th birthday she literally stumbles into a moment between the guys and they finally get a chance to show her how much she is seen by them.

So this spicy little number is just so good. I loved the Gemini Queen books and we get a bit of a different view of one of the events from that series. I really hope we hear more from these characters in the future. Each of their POV chapters just got progressively better.

I received an advanced copy of this book in return for my honest review.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mallory, Jae, and Draco . . .

Mallory McSnicker may start out as a bit of a geek on the top of the Dean’s List at the Icarus Academy, but she certainly will show everyone that she has far more potential than anyone realizes! Warlock Draco Mars and his werewolf boyfriend Jean-Emilien Labête (“Jae”) are eager to help her out in celebrating her 20th birthday. Hiding her Fae heritage to survive the bullies, she agrees to the deal offered by Draco and Jae, asking only that Draco goes first. Once he realizes she has given her consent, he vows to take care of her along with Jae. But it won’t be long before her own hidden powers begin to display. Will she ever get that kiss she wanted? Grab your copy and get to know these unforgettable characters. There is just something about them that makes the reader smile!

[Alexandra Mckinney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mallory, the all-around good girl and last virgin at Icarus academy, has been propositioned by the two most notorious bad boys of the entire school. What she thought was going to be a fun 20th birthday party turns into an exhilarating night of finally losing her virginity, falling in love and coming into her own power. The two boys that most of her own classmates are scared of, she reveals all of her secrets to, without hesitation. Will her newfound lovers protect her from the inevitable?

This novella starts out as a fast burn and reveals more of the plot towards the end. Very spicy, witchy, shifter, why choose, sword crossing, romantasy that I couldn’t put down! This was my first Laura Navarre book and I’m definitely looking forward to reading more!

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been wanting to read Laura Navarre for a little while. I decided to start with Virgo Queen because while it's the sixth book released in the series, it can be read as a standalone.


This book was good. It was the perfect little quick read. It was sweet and spicy, with a goody-two-shoes for a MFC who took a chance and went outside her comfort zone. The story checked a few boxes and had decent worldbuilding in so few pages. I connected to the characters, and the twist was good. Honestly, I want more of Mallory and the guys. I don't know if I'll get my wish, but here's to hoping. Until then, I'm going to read the rest of the series from the beginning.

[Lisa Bing · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a sweet and spicy romance for Mallory, Draco, and Jae. She's such a rule follower and when she decides to step out of her comfort zone and let her hair down, she gets way more than she ever could have imagined with Draco and Jae more than ready to help her out ;P I love that although this is a shorter read, the world building was clear and the characters were able to pull me in. Expect to get caught up in the suspense, intrigue, drama and heat when you crack this baby open to see how things unfold for Mallory. Good fun!

[Silverlining2k6 · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this because I'm a completionist -- and also because I wanted my suspicions confirmed that Mallory was the secret sister of a certain character from the main series. But I ended up liking this more than expected.

There isn't much of a plotline, and we already know what occurred that night in retrospect. But I liked learning that the attraction between these three was a long-term thing and not actually influenced by Zara.

Some of the sex language made me shudder, but maybe those are regional words? Who knows?

[DesN2004 · Rating 5 out of 5]

So hot, need a fire extinguisher in more than one way!!!! I loved getting a taste of Mallory, Jae, and Draco, and want more. This story is a great build up to a new world from Laura Navarre if it goes that way, which I hope it does. These characters suck you in and make you want to know more. The spice was extra hot! Great short read that I'm hoping is just the prequel!!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had high hopes for this as being a fan of Laura Navarre and I was not disappointed. I totally love how she describes the characters so I can imagine them in my head. This is a spin off from the Gemini Queen and you HAVE to read that series also if you haven’t. I couldn’t put this book down! The spice and high heat and the funny all in one! This is going to be part of a series so on a bit of a cliffhanger. I will definitely be re-reading this book again along with recommending it to others!

[Robert Foland · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Virgo Queen: A Dark Witch Academy Paranormal Romance" is a captivating and intense journey. Author Laura Navarre constructs a believable paranormal world, fully immersing the reader in its unique reality. The characters are well-crafted and intriguing, and the storyline draws the reader deeply into this meticulously created world.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Diana Martins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mallory the First Girl

Spin-off from the great world of Icarus Academy. A person can never have enough of this world.
This book tells the beginning of Mallory’s story, the first Girl, and her men.
A short but wonderful and very steamy read.
A PNR, with MM/sword-crossing and shifters—basically, all good things :).
I (really!!!) hope it's a prequel to the next series, but I'm a fan of Laura Navarre’s writing and the world of Icarus Academy.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love the spicy writing of this author, but this story really shines on its own. Great geek girl character gets very well loved and protected when she least expects it. Great introduction of the characters with excellent spicy scenes from a different point of view. Would love to see more in this line.

[Jenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Virgo Queen by Laura Navarre brings us back to school at Icarus Academy, but this time, instead of focusing on Zara and her harem, we’re better introduced to Mallory, as well as Jae and Draco. This one is a spicy tidbit, with a huge reveal (no spoilers!). I’m loving this world, and I can’t wait to read more about Mallory and her men.

[Nikki Bao · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mallory is the female version of Neo, the First Girl on the Dean's List. She's smart and resourceful but must hide her heritage from others to protect herself. She is no longer alone when she runs into Draco and his boyfriend Jae. They show what they've been wanting to do for a while. Can she protect her heart and them or will everything go up in flames?

[Mel T · Rating 5 out of 5]

What can I say? I love the super steamy Dark Witch Academy. Mallory is shy and reserved and bullied by the warlocks at the Academy until she is claimed by Jae and Draco who help her start to realize her potential. I hope there will be more from this series!

[Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was exciting to be back at Icarus Academy. The danger and secrets are still there. LOTS OF STEAM. I just wish it was longer. Can't wait for the next part.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Belinda Clemons · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so good and has lots of Steam. I really love Draco and Jae and Mallory as well. I liked having to read how they got together from Mallorys brief cameos in Zara and her men's books. Mallory just Intrigued me. I'm so excited for more of her series.

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

It all starts with the birthday party. Spicy scenes, a fire and a pair of dragons. A short, fast read set in a larger universe. Looking forward to reading the next book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Shamell Klinger · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wondered what had happened to Mallory at that party and how she ended up with 2 fated mates!
Spicy fun quick read that has left me counting down the days until the next Gemini book comes out!


I received a free copy of this book from Author and am voluntarily leaving a review

[Dawn Milligan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this world and love this fast paced spicy novella it hit the feels and the drama and a perfect bite for an afternoon read!

[Debbie W. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic!!! Laura has hit it again. Love this group of three and getting more to there story. A must read! ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story. It was a quick story, and I definitely need more of these three.