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Gesa's Menagerie #5
Wounded Pride: Gesa's Menagerie, Book 5
Gesa Lionheart is running out of ways to pretend she doesn’t have a pride. Her gryphon instincts are demanding she claim the people who’ve chosen her—proudly, unmistakably, and permanently.
Unfortunately, instincts don’t care about fear, trauma, or the very real possibility that loving this many people means having far too much to lose.
While Gesa struggles under the weight of feelings she’d rather punch than examine, everything else starts to unravel. Unwanted guests refuse to leave her bookstore home.
Hisashi is slipping closer to the edge under the strain of the spirit world’s attention. And Oisin is still hiding things that may get them all killed.
The danger that’s been circling them all along finally sharpens into something unmistakable. Enemies move openly. Lines are drawn.
And the fragile balance holding Gesa’s found family together begins to crack. Because denying your feelings and your fears won’t make them disappear.
If Gesa doesn’t decide who she’s willing to fight for—and how far she’s willing to go—she may lose everything she’s been trying so hard not to want.
Wounded Pride is the fifth novella in the Gesa’s Menagerie series, a reverse harem paranormal romance featuring escalating stakes, deepening bonds, emotional vulnerability, and a powerful heroine learning that claiming her people may be the bravest thing she’s ever done.
Suitable for mature listeners.
Author’s Note
Gesa’s Menagerie novellas are 30,000–40,000 words and feature an evolving reverse harem, found family, and inclusive relationships.
Contains mentions of trauma and fantasy violence
Relationship dynamics may include MF, MM, FF, and group fun.
Unfortunately, instincts don’t care about fear, trauma, or the very real possibility that loving this many people means having far too much to lose.
While Gesa struggles under the weight of feelings she’d rather punch than examine, everything else starts to unravel. Unwanted guests refuse to leave her bookstore home.
Hisashi is slipping closer to the edge under the strain of the spirit world’s attention. And Oisin is still hiding things that may get them all killed.
The danger that’s been circling them all along finally sharpens into something unmistakable. Enemies move openly. Lines are drawn.
And the fragile balance holding Gesa’s found family together begins to crack. Because denying your feelings and your fears won’t make them disappear.
If Gesa doesn’t decide who she’s willing to fight for—and how far she’s willing to go—she may lose everything she’s been trying so hard not to want.
Wounded Pride is the fifth novella in the Gesa’s Menagerie series, a reverse harem paranormal romance featuring escalating stakes, deepening bonds, emotional vulnerability, and a powerful heroine learning that claiming her people may be the bravest thing she’s ever done.
Suitable for mature listeners.
Author’s Note
Gesa’s Menagerie novellas are 30,000–40,000 words and feature an evolving reverse harem, found family, and inclusive relationships.
Contains mentions of trauma and fantasy violence
Relationship dynamics may include MF, MM, FF, and group fun.
Audible Audio
First published May 28, 2019
105 people are currently reading
57 people want to read
About the author
Kaye Draper
141 books266 followersSometimes our greatest strengths come from our deepest challenges. I write magic and romance, starring a cast of creatures with feathers, fins, and teeth. My books include paranormal romance, urban fantasy, and fantasy romance--with the occasional steampunk or alien story thrown in just for kicks. My pan heart firmly believes love is love, so you'll see straight, LGBTQIA, monogamous, reverse harem, and poly relationships in my work. My favorite theme is overcoming our inner demons and the insecurities that hold us back.
I also advocate for self-development and mental health and dabble in non-fiction as time allows. I love the outdoors and still hope to be abducted by fae! (I may have more in common with my characters than I care to admit.)
I love to hear from readers!
Sign up for my mailing list to get a free RH spoof story that pokes fun at all the tired old tropes:
http://eepurl.com/bG_6dX
Join me on Patreon to help me create, AND get advance access to ebooks, audiobooks, and more! https://www.patreon.com/kayedraper
My website: http://kayedraper.com/
Join me on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Kaye-D...
Or follow me on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/kayedrapera...
I also advocate for self-development and mental health and dabble in non-fiction as time allows. I love the outdoors and still hope to be abducted by fae! (I may have more in common with my characters than I care to admit.)
I love to hear from readers!
Sign up for my mailing list to get a free RH spoof story that pokes fun at all the tired old tropes:
http://eepurl.com/bG_6dX
Join me on Patreon to help me create, AND get advance access to ebooks, audiobooks, and more! https://www.patreon.com/kayedraper
My website: http://kayedraper.com/
Join me on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Kaye-D...
Or follow me on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/kayedrapera...
Ratings & Reviews
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
January 21, 2021
I'd have liked this installment better if I didn't feel that Kai was criminally underused by the story. You have an unfathomably old kraken lady and she's not the biggest badass in any given room? Please.
February 23, 2020
Oh god
That cliffhanger!!! Why? Why? That hurt!! Lucky for me, I’m reading this late, so the next book is already or and I can get my dang answers!
That cliffhanger!!! Why? Why? That hurt!! Lucky for me, I’m reading this late, so the next book is already or and I can get my dang answers!
December 28, 2019
Ongoing series, with a nice blend of depth and humor. Loved the mystery solving aspects.
Since I don't normally write reviews unless I have something specific to say, here's the break down of how I rate my books...
1 star... This book was bad, so bad I may have given up and skipped to the end. I will avoid this author like the plague in the future.
2 stars... This book was not very good, and I won't be reading any more from the author.
3 stars... This book was ok, but I won't go out of my way to read more, But if I find another book by the author for under a dollar I'd pick it up.
4 stars... I really enjoyed this book and will definitely be on the look out to pick up more from the series/author.
5 stars... I loved this book! It has earned a permanent home in my collection and I'll be picking up the rest of the series and other books from the author ASAP.
Since I don't normally write reviews unless I have something specific to say, here's the break down of how I rate my books...
1 star... This book was bad, so bad I may have given up and skipped to the end. I will avoid this author like the plague in the future.
2 stars... This book was not very good, and I won't be reading any more from the author.
3 stars... This book was ok, but I won't go out of my way to read more, But if I find another book by the author for under a dollar I'd pick it up.
4 stars... I really enjoyed this book and will definitely be on the look out to pick up more from the series/author.
5 stars... I loved this book! It has earned a permanent home in my collection and I'll be picking up the rest of the series and other books from the author ASAP.
February 25, 2020
You've lost that loving feeling, whoa...
Gesa has met her match in grumpiness. And it comes in the form of a redneck mage that looks like a Van Helsing reject. And just who sent this charmer into her midst? White, of course. The... whatever he is that thinks he's her boss. Otherwise her life is finally almost perfect. Oisin and her fox are cementing bonds, Kai and Con are enjoying life, and outside of Black still lurking in the halls, life is good. Until, it's really really not. And, oh, what fresh hell is this?
Spoilers ahead.
Well, that's a kick in the teeth. I'm getting used to the cliffhanger endings. Sort of. This one, though, was a tad brutal. I'm also losing touch with some of the characters. While they're becoming more intimate, they aren't really bonding. Everything is kept so shallow. Love words are exchanged, but they aren't felt. Sex can be part of love, but there's more needed. Trust, respect, tenderness. Too many secrets, they don't respect each other, and only occasional tenderness is expressed. And usually then only after sex was involved. A lack of world building, lack of characters evolving, errors, shallow relationships, what started out as a fun series, well, the shine has worn off. The snark is still there but, as the phrase goes, "I'm not feeling the love". Which would be fine, if this wasn't whittled down to a plot that revolves around romance. I am hoping that that comes into play next book.
Gesa has met her match in grumpiness. And it comes in the form of a redneck mage that looks like a Van Helsing reject. And just who sent this charmer into her midst? White, of course. The... whatever he is that thinks he's her boss. Otherwise her life is finally almost perfect. Oisin and her fox are cementing bonds, Kai and Con are enjoying life, and outside of Black still lurking in the halls, life is good. Until, it's really really not. And, oh, what fresh hell is this?
Spoilers ahead.
Well, that's a kick in the teeth. I'm getting used to the cliffhanger endings. Sort of. This one, though, was a tad brutal. I'm also losing touch with some of the characters. While they're becoming more intimate, they aren't really bonding. Everything is kept so shallow. Love words are exchanged, but they aren't felt. Sex can be part of love, but there's more needed. Trust, respect, tenderness. Too many secrets, they don't respect each other, and only occasional tenderness is expressed. And usually then only after sex was involved. A lack of world building, lack of characters evolving, errors, shallow relationships, what started out as a fun series, well, the shine has worn off. The snark is still there but, as the phrase goes, "I'm not feeling the love". Which would be fine, if this wasn't whittled down to a plot that revolves around romance. I am hoping that that comes into play next book.
May 29, 2019
Fierce Pride and Big Hearts
Why?! I rapid read all the books in the series back to back and just had my heart ripped out of my chest. Everything about this series and these characters and this story are so immersive, painful, and real. Some definitive highs and all the lows that go with them. This pride is unique, beautiful, powerful, and so full of love for each other. I love the rapid release but now I have to wait after that emotional pinnacle of the last one. I don't think my heart can take it! I'm so invested in these characters, but it's a given at this point. Please bring them back soon, I don't think my heart can take it! I've found a new family and I miss them already!
Why?! I rapid read all the books in the series back to back and just had my heart ripped out of my chest. Everything about this series and these characters and this story are so immersive, painful, and real. Some definitive highs and all the lows that go with them. This pride is unique, beautiful, powerful, and so full of love for each other. I love the rapid release but now I have to wait after that emotional pinnacle of the last one. I don't think my heart can take it! I'm so invested in these characters, but it's a given at this point. Please bring them back soon, I don't think my heart can take it! I've found a new family and I miss them already!
April 17, 2024
Ooh, we’re in the thick of it now!
We see some family move on as new family (?) and friends come to stay with the Pride and welcome in to the area.
We get some delicious spicy times with various new pairings and familiar ones from the Pride. We love to see it!!
Overall the first half was super warm and cozy and steamy and just a comfort read. I LOVE IT.
The second half, ooh, we ramp it up!! The drama and action get cracking (kraken?!) when ghosts of Oisin’s past make their appearance.
I wouldn’t say this ends on a cliffhanger so much as you are dragged kicking and screaming to the cliff… once again, with this series, be ready to get into the next book ASAP.
We see some family move on as new family (?) and friends come to stay with the Pride and welcome in to the area.
We get some delicious spicy times with various new pairings and familiar ones from the Pride. We love to see it!!
Overall the first half was super warm and cozy and steamy and just a comfort read. I LOVE IT.
The second half, ooh, we ramp it up!! The drama and action get cracking (kraken?!) when ghosts of Oisin’s past make their appearance.
I wouldn’t say this ends on a cliffhanger so much as you are dragged kicking and screaming to the cliff… once again, with this series, be ready to get into the next book ASAP.
June 1, 2019
The latest volume in this series. In a way it was too short. Most of the book is setting up the characters and their relationship. It does a lot of exploring how the characters relate and the complications involved in establishing a multi person intimate relationship. Add that all of the characters have some serious issues to resolve so developing those interactions takes time. However, it is something of a cliff hanger because it ends with the conflict escalating.
May 28, 2019
Cliffhanger
Soooo, a bad thing happened, and we don’t get any closure from this book. I hate cliffhangers. I still love the characters and the world building, but the story didn’t move as far as I would have liked in this installment. Book needed editing for spelling, punctuation, and word choice. The book was too dang short.
Soooo, a bad thing happened, and we don’t get any closure from this book. I hate cliffhangers. I still love the characters and the world building, but the story didn’t move as far as I would have liked in this installment. Book needed editing for spelling, punctuation, and word choice. The book was too dang short.
May 29, 2019
Delightful
I cried at the end. The cliffhanger is making highly impatient for the next in the series. Gesa has grown so much from the first book and her pride has become a cohesive whole family.
I cried at the end. The cliffhanger is making highly impatient for the next in the series. Gesa has grown so much from the first book and her pride has become a cohesive whole family.
May 29, 2019
Great stories
I love this series, I just wish they were novel length. Gesa's Menagerie is a different take on the genre with varied and interesting characters.
I love this series, I just wish they were novel length. Gesa's Menagerie is a different take on the genre with varied and interesting characters.
June 5, 2019
Great New Storyline
This author has a great storyline. I Just love this storyline. Looking forward to seeing what next, how Miss Lionheart saves her pride mate.
This author has a great storyline. I Just love this storyline. Looking forward to seeing what next, how Miss Lionheart saves her pride mate.
November 28, 2020
OMG
Amazing!! I loved every minute of this book! The characters are raw and the plot keeps you guessing! Download it now!
Amazing!! I loved every minute of this book! The characters are raw and the plot keeps you guessing! Download it now!
March 8, 2021
Enjoyed
Oh things got serious in this one. So many of the things ha that have been foreshadowed culminated in one killer cliffhanger.
Oh things got serious in this one. So many of the things ha that have been foreshadowed culminated in one killer cliffhanger.
Read
October 5, 2021Read :March 10,2021
Rating :
Review of the whole series at book 1
Rating :
Review of the whole series at book 1
Read
June 4, 2025🔴 This is a poly romance, not a RH 🔴
June 28, 2019
More fun with Gesa’s Pride
I do love Gesa. She’s such an Alpha character, with tonnes of loyalty and heart. She loves so hard that sometimes she forgets to engage her brain. Oisin is her perfect match, the clever and ruthless fae who dominates and submits on the flip of a coin, provides a rich and exciting contrast to Gesa. These two characters are the heart of the pride but the other are becoming more tightly woven to Gesa and to each other. I love how the inter-pride relationships are developing in this book. Everyone is becoming closer. However, there is still that nagging matter of White and Oisin’s father.......
I do love Gesa. She’s such an Alpha character, with tonnes of loyalty and heart. She loves so hard that sometimes she forgets to engage her brain. Oisin is her perfect match, the clever and ruthless fae who dominates and submits on the flip of a coin, provides a rich and exciting contrast to Gesa. These two characters are the heart of the pride but the other are becoming more tightly woven to Gesa and to each other. I love how the inter-pride relationships are developing in this book. Everyone is becoming closer. However, there is still that nagging matter of White and Oisin’s father.......
April 29, 2022
Ratings - completed series:
#1 Gryphon's Pride: ★★★★☆
#2 Heart of the Pride: ★★★★☆
#3 With Pride: ★★★★☆
#4 Pride Before the Fall: ★★★☆☆
#5 Wounded Pride (this book): ★★★★☆
#6 Pride and Perdition: ★★★★☆
#7 A Matter of Pride: ★★★★☆
#8 Haunted by Pride: ★★★★☆
#9 Perfect Pride: ★★★★☆
#1 Gryphon's Pride: ★★★★☆
#2 Heart of the Pride: ★★★★☆
#3 With Pride: ★★★★☆
#4 Pride Before the Fall: ★★★☆☆
#5 Wounded Pride (this book): ★★★★☆
#6 Pride and Perdition: ★★★★☆
#7 A Matter of Pride: ★★★★☆
#8 Haunted by Pride: ★★★★☆
#9 Perfect Pride: ★★★★☆
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews