The Naga Lord’s Pretty Little Mouse

by Anne Hale, Celeste King

She spits blood at my feet. I buy her anyway.

I’ve hunted for a cure to the curse crawling through my veins for decades. Dozens of women. None of them strong enough. None of them worthy.

Until her.

A filthy human dragged into the slave pits, snarling like a cornered beast. Small. Defiant. Fragile-looking. But she doesn't flinch. Doesn’t bow. She dares to smile when struck.

I don’t want her surrender.
I want her to run.

Because when I catch her—
When I own her—

There will be no escape. No mercy. No god to save her.

She’s not the mate fate promised me.
But I’ll brand her anyway.

Let the dark elves come. Let the gods watch.

She’s mine. And I'll never let go.

Read on A dark and possessive monster romance where a cold-blooded naga warlord claims the fragile human he was never meant to keep. Brutal devotion, twisted magic, and a captive who stops running. Obsession coils tight — HEA guaranteed.

244 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 1, 2025

About the author

Anne Hale writes paranormal romance about dragons. All of her stories include smoldering, hot, dragons that claim their fated mates and protect them from a world that doesn’t understand shifters. Anne’s alpha male heroes protect their mates and provide for them during the day, and at night wrap their arms around them and make them forget the world. She lives in a world of magic and also writes urban fantasy. Anything to escape from her day to day life!

Reviews

[Courtney · Rating 3 out of 5]

i really enjoyed the overall story, but it was very 'this happened' then 'that happened' - if it had been a bit longer to allow some deeper dives in their emotions & really just overall details, i think i would've liked it better. not bad though.

[Nina Diab · Rating 5 out of 5]

'The girl lifts her chin and smiles.
It is not the forced, trembling simper of a girl attempting to charm her way to softer treatment. It is the smile of a predator moments before it sinks its teeth in.
Something stirs in my gut.
Not the curse. Not the bond I have sought for decades. Something else.
A quiet, insidious intrigue.
I recognize that walk.
It is the stride of a hunter disguised as prey.
Fascinating.'

I really loved this book. I love the naga romances, and Celeste King and Anne Hale paired together create some awesome stories! Great world building and wonderful characters. Seren is a human slave- unbroken and defiant. Calm, collected, and calculating. She shows no fear. Naga lord Xirath is searching for the one who will break his curse. But he is completely fascinated by Seren, who doesn't react at all like he or anyone else expects her to. I loved the dynamic between them. The way they interact, even from the start, was magnetic and I was completely entranced.

"You are mine," he says simply.
A statement. A claim. A challenge.
I stare up at him, refusing to cower, refusing to flinch.
"Then break me, Lord Xirath," I whisper. "Or let me go."

This story was a battle of wills, a warring between them at every turn. And I absolutely loved it! I didn't want this story to end! 5 stars.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dark romance all abour a human slave Seren and the Lord Xirath Va'Therin a naga that has been cursed, he has been searching for his mate and when he sees her on the bidding block he has to have her for himself.

She is a strange human so tiny like a "Mouse" which is what he calls her, she is so brave and stubborn, a fighter that has been learning to fight the Naga, she demands that he call her by her name Seren. The interactions between them is something that cannot be correctly identified and yet it is almost as though they might be something closer to mates but the clear indicators are not present.

There is a darker story to her though and this may have something to do with this fact, read this wonderful book I guarantee that you will be captivated and there is a great twist at the end of the story.

[Ramona · Rating 5 out of 5]

This dark romance Protheka story is about Seren a slave and Lord Xirath Va'Therin a cursed naga warlord who's looking for a cure was an engaging read. Xirath is at the slave pits when the feisty Seren is dragged on stage to be sold. Her defiance intrigues him, so he buys her. As they walk to his house, he called her "little mouse". She demands he call her Seren. What happens afterwards when they reach his house and what occurs between them was an enjoyable read. They were interesting characters, they had drama with their challenging attitudes, and a simmering chemistry for the romance. I'd volunteer to read and review this copy I'd received.

[Debdutch · Rating 4 out of 5]

“The Naga Lord’s Pretty Little Mouse” by Anne Hale & Celeste King

-A dark, possessive romance between Xirath, a reptile like naga and Serena, a human slave. I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily sharing my honest opinion.

Xirath’s need for a cure turns into desire as he claims Serena as his own.
Their clash of wills, fiery chemistry, and survival stakes add gripping tension.
Twisted, tender, and addictively dramatic—perfect for dark monster romance fans.
I found the anatomy description interesting at the end of the book.

[Andi Downs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another co-written book from this author and Celeste King. Always enjoy their collaborations and the characters they create. In this book, we meet Seren. A slave but one this Naga becomes quite taken with. It is a dark monster romance, and a great afternoon read.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Xirath and Seren. He buys her at an auction. She doesnt act like a slave she fearless and defiant.
These two authors never disappoint with their sexy monster tales. These two charecters exciting and balanced. their journey is full of action danger and suspense. The story is intriguing and entertaining.

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

[Betty Minchey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very entertaining story. Kept me on my toes for a while. He’s infatuated with her and she is denying her attraction to him. But love and desire are strong and he is a very strong warrior. She’s taken but he doesn’t give up. Their fated bond flares and love takes over. I loved it. Writing was superb.

[Chrissi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really good read and kept my attention the whole time. With a few twists and turns, and secrets revealed this book is a wonderful addition to Protheka world.