The Complete Lion Mistress Collection

Lion Mistress #1-3.5

by R.A. Steffan

The gods promised her a savior.
The gods are a bunch of lying bastards.

Instead of delivering her from a life of slavery, they ripped away everything she ever cared about.

Now, Kathrael must choose. Lie down and accept her fate, or risk her life and try to change the future.

Destiny is calling, but she won’t face it alone. She has a gentle Seer, a crazy lion-shifter, and the ghost of her dead best friend on her side. Of course, none of them have the faintest clue what they’re getting themselves into. But that’s all right. Because Kathrael of Rhyth has chosen to fight for freedom.

And as far as she’s concerned, the gods can either step in line, or get the hell out of the way.

* * *

The Complete Lion Mistress Collection is a reverse harem/poly romance trilogy with an exclusive bonus epilogue story. It clocks in at over 800 pages (300,000 words), and the ending is HEA.

A special note for reverse harem lovers: I had never heard the term “reverse harem” when I wrote this series. It was always conceived as a poly romance story, just like The Horse Mistress . That said, it features one amazing woman who ends up with three adoring men at the end, and she is the glue that holds the four of them together.

The pace is medium burn, and the books contain explicit sex with strong LGBT content. If you dislike M/M, you’ll dislike this series.

Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Paranormal, Audiobook, Shapeshifters, Paranormal Romance, Menage

829 pages, ebook

First published February 19, 2018

About the author

USA Today bestselling author R. A. Steffan lives in New Mexico, where the sunsets paint the mountains purple, and roadrunners roam the desert endlessly in search of their coyote victims. When she’s not busy writing stories about people loving each other in all sorts of different and interesting ways, she can be found taking care of her small menagerie of critters.

A rebel to the core, she is currently sticking it to the man by illegally harvesting graywater from the kitchen and bathroom sinks to water trees outside. This fearless disregard for societal norms extends to her writing, as well. There, you will find polyamory along with straight, gay, bisexual, and non-gender conforming love of all flavors. You will also find families of choice, profound friendships, adventure, danger, and good triumphing over evil.

That, and sex. Lots of sex. Most of which is not the vanilla variety.

If any of that appeals, sign up at http://www.rasteffan.com/ to get a free starter library featuring the first books in several of her series. You can also follow her on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/RASteffanAut..., or on Twitter at https://twitter.com/RA_Steffan.

Reviews

[Teo Ojog · Rating 5 out of 5]

Returning to the realm of Eburos was for me like coming back home. It is not just meeting old friends (see The Horse Mistress), but also understanding better this imaginary land and learning a lot from these great people.
I loved joining Favian in his journey from being the elder son and brother, a talented apprentice to the stables of Draebard, then becoming the orphaned acolyte, adopted and educated by the High Priest Senovo, his bondmates and the temple, and finally becoming a fine young man, a dedicated priest, a seer, a lover and a hero. His complete commitment to the gods, people and horses made him the special person everybody loved. I enjoyed the complete freedom, trust, respect and love he shared with Senovo, his spiritual father, his two lovers, Kathrael and Ithric, his sister Frella and his horses. I admired his will to learn and serve the people, the depth of his love, self sacrifice and spirituality.
Ithric is the secret and powerful lion shapeshifter who wants to be free, who loves and protects his family and those who are weak, fights for justice, a brilliant storyteller and business man, a great lover and a happy father.
Kathrael is a former slave who learns (from and with Senovo, Favian and Ithric) to be free, to love, to trust, to hope and to fight for life and the freedom of her people. Together with Favian, Ithric, with their family from Daebard and the rebels from the catacombs of Rhyth Kathrael fights and wins the freedom of her city. The image of her, joined by Senovo and Ithric as wolf and lion, followed by the people and priests of Rhyth in their fight for freedom was very much like the scene from Les Miserables, everyone there singing and supporting each other in the battle.
And the peaceful end of the story, when Vesh, the lost friend of Kathrael, joins their family at the Old Stones, makes me happy that they are together, complete, and living their lives, but also sad because I had to say goodbye again to these people I come to love so much. Hopefully we'll meet them again in the next story of the dragon.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

ok so this is a hard one to review or lets say its hard to explain the Stars given withough ranting for hours or giveing to many spoilers. This was once again a masterpiece by an amazingly talented auther and yes i know this is a boxset but its one Story so i will give it one overall rateing. I loved every minute of it the pain the fear the love the gilt and grief every emotion in this story just cuts right into a reader its all yours your pain your love your happyness or grief its truely spectacular how R.A is able to make the reader feel as deeply as the characters in her story they become your friends your children your lovers and perants for the time you spen in there world your truely with them each step of the way and thats something thats realy worth more then words themselves as it offers you what every amazing book should an adventure in another world where you live love laugh cry and meet characters that stay in your heart even after your done with the book. I feel like thats a gift R.A shares with so much compation in her works that they are often just on a compleatly different level then others so even though i gave her book 5 stars its realy not enough.
please feel free to enjoy her books if you are open to love in all its forms i am sure you will see a buity in them you wont find in many other books. enjoy

[Toma · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was not ready for the enormous length of this book but I liked the story.

Kathrael at first annoyed me. For some reason I could not relate to her. Maybe it was because her full story and reason for revenge becomes known only later. I liked Favian and Ithric much more though.

It was a relatively dark book. Characters were well developed and distinctive. I wanted more details about the world and had a feeling that it was disclosed in the Horse Mistress, which I have not read. Still it did not bother me much.

It is a raw, honest and deep story that is totally worth your time.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Lion Mistress complete collection from RA Steffan continues in the world established in The Horse Mistress series. The island of Eburos is a composite of what Britain might have been if the Roman invasion had not been successful. The specific story is about Kathrael, a former slave and prostitute who has been badly scarred. In the first book, she meets the novice priest Favian, who has visions, and the Lion-shifter Ithric who has an uncomfortable history with Favian. Despite their differences, they form a polyamorous bond that works for the people involved. Through their united strength, they work together to achieve Kathrael’s goal of leading a slave rebellion.

If you’ve already read The Horse Mistress and liked it, you shouldn’t need too much convincing to continue with this series. The star trio from the previous series all show up in the three main novels. If you’re a new reader unsure of whether or not to start a fantasy like this, it is very easy to understand. The world building is quite natural. As a reader, you don’t have to know the previous series to understand The Lion Mistress, but you do get better insight into the color of the world and past relationships. Favian, in particular, has a strong role in the previous series before taking one of the leads in The Lion Mistress.

I did listen to this on audio, and Gwendolyn Druyor has earned all praise. She is adept in voices in a way I haven’t heard from other narrators. You’ll hear multiple accents, genders, and even subtle shades of sleep in the voice or even the way voices change when people try to talk with food in their mouths. As an extra treat, Druyor gets a chance to sing in the audio for Lion Mistress 1.

Audio note: The collection IS a long audiobook, but it is wonderfully organized so it’s easy to start and stop where you need. I had previously listened to books 1 and 2 on their own audios, so when I wanted to jump directly to book 3 on this collection, it was easy to find. There are short announcements between chapters that say “End of book 2” so you know for sure where you are.

As an added bonus to the audio, there is an exclusive short story Pride of Dreams. It is fully of the vivid sex and sensuality that Steffan is known for. While The Lion Mistress has less sex on the page than the previous Horse Mistress series, this short story makes up for it in a very creative way.

I’m a fan of Steffan, especially with Druyor as her narrator. This is a high value collection, so if you’re open to fantasy, give this a chance.

[S.B. (Beauty in Ruins) · Rating 4 out of 5]

R.A. Steffan does it again with another wonderful story, once again populated by dynamic characters and (very exciting) a reverse harem relationship. It mixes fantasy with romance, but is much darker in tone than the Horse Mistress stories, although that darkness makes it more powerful.

[Claire Letnic · Rating 2 out of 5]

I decided I don’t give a shit on this Goodreads BS with not accommodating real-time feedback on top of audiobook listeners… so here’s the gist… I’m updating this real time and my rating is how I feel at the moment. That said, I’ll be proceeding my rating as I go… bc Goodreads is as useful as Twitter on upgrading and not allowing a tyrant force them to do their job. *ahem*

But when the author says “medium burn”, I’d have to say BS! I’m way too far in and I haven’t heard of anything in a sexual manner. LAME!!

I’m at 22h6m left and kinda peeved… bc according to Audible it’s a 37h+ book… NO ONE HAS HAD SEX!!! Wtf?! And they’re all stuck trying to forage for food and clothing?! Why do you need clothing when you SHOULD BE NEKKID!! Yes, I can resort to my inner 13 year old boy monologue at times… that’s my bad…. But fuck! Stop being depressing and do some cool shit, already!

**** 22h6mn above… I’ll keep updating when I get annoyed ,or otherwise, further down this “review” ****

**21h41m***
Yes! Finally! Kinda… but not really.,.

———Update 1/6/23 ——

I started re-reading this thinking I haven’t before, but thank goodness for GR. And thank goodness for not spending extra money on a book to review it AGAIN poorly.

My snark factor got ratcheted up to 100 today… so eff it.

My only thoughts are of the way the author gouged my ears out (listening via audible) with WAY too much information… and the narrator exasperated my BS tolerance….

It’s the novel + voice actress’ tone of voice that made me feel like I wasn’t well versed in “nerd” nor “cool enough” to have the patience to listened to this entitled sounding whiner of an FMC…. I just can’t…..

******** This is the SECOND time I’ve tried to get through this book/series… and the thought of sexy MM scenes is something to look forward to IMHO…. But I’m at 23:57 left and all I want to do is throw things… or punch someone in the nose….

And I swear on my life I am not an angry person 95% of the time. My triggers: entitled/aristocratic-type whiny assholes & obliviously stupid drivers. Since I didn’t and won’t finish this book anytime soon, I’d assume both happen in this book which solidifies my reason to DNF one of maybe 2-3 books I’ve ever read.

Sad.


++++++++ spoiler-ish for DNF at 20% +++++++
I’m not even sure how the author could fix it. The voice actress sounded the way she should, given the implied era and location of the time. Since the FMC is a pesant, at best, given she’s a former SWer but scarred and ostracized, she seems too “haughty” given she’s lower if not lowest in the aristocracy…. Then she sexes up (as agreement for payment) a “grotesque” worker for taking her to her destination and “kindly” tells him to bigger off… when in reality HE is the one that has more to offer than her. Bitch had an inflated ego for no damn reason and the air of entitlement (for legit no reason, bc they suck) is the kind of thing I avoid IRL.… so I’m going to avoid finishing this book because of it.

And NO, I’m STILL not returning the book… the author still gets my money. Im gonna label this on GR as a DNF, mark the book as finished on Audible… then maybe 2 or 3 years from now I might be in a better frame of mine to attempt this again.

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so overcome with deep and heavy emotions especially since I went on a binge reading for this trilogy.

First of all, I loved the buildup of the world/settings in this series. At first, I didn't think I had that much clue on what was happening. But if I was to look back at it, now that I had finally caught up to it, it gave off a feeling of a (kind of) disoriented familiarity. It had felt like I had always knew that fictional world that was Eburosi. The distinct cultural differences between the north (Rhyth) and the south (Draebard). The injustices, corruption, poverty-stricken places, political & religious issues. Though all were discussed tastefully, the rawness of the characters' feelings were laid out painfully. It was unapologetic in that regard. And I loved it even more for that.

Another thing I loved about this was the development of the plot. Since the pacing or buildup was perfect, the unraveling of layers of this story came out amazingly, too. I have ugly-cried, laughed, gotten upset...then ugly-cried some more. The best thing that happened though was all those hardships were honored and rewarded in the end. That's got to be the most fulfilling feeling ever; to be given hope and receive what they more than deserve in the end.

Kathrael. She's one of the most unconventional heroines I'd ever have the honor of reading. And I really, really, adored her for that. At first, she might had came off as very detached and unfeeling from all the unfair treatment she's had all her life. But deeply concealed inside her was a daughter, sister and mother yearning to care and be given care for in return. Ithric and Favian were able to coax and free that side of hers. And in turn, she became the emotional glue in this trio. If wasn't for her, Ithric and Favian wouldn't be together. And though the two men loved each other the most at first, they wouldn't be able to see past their differences. She banged some sense in them. Thank God.

She was already beautiful, strong and smart but became even more so as she developed. She broke me that moment she set the temple of Utarr on fire. For me, that was one of the two moments she broke free of her painful past. Second was THAT one in the end. *winks*

Ithric. I love how almost all of the characters pertain to him as unruly, sexually-centered & laid-back guy. But I learned that he had the biggest, softest & noblest heart of all. He practically bleeds for the mistreated ones. He's the psychological glue in the trio. He was the one who was able to soothe Kathrael when she was 'plagued' by the spirits. He was also the one who understood and accepted Favian when he decided to play martyr; this one I was absolutely surprised. And I thought he's the most selfless of all.

Favian. At first, I thought I liked him better than Ithric. He's the epitome of a noble man, the rarest of his species. The fact that he nurtured Kathrael when at first she intended him and his adoptive father ill? I was definitely smitten. But he, too, had to change. His change was a little later, much closer to the climax of the plot. And at first, I was inwardly fuming at him. The most painful thing about the kind & gentle souls were if they hardened, they were also the most menacing about it. I kept cursing at him when decided to play martyr for their cause, when he distanced himself to everyone else and was just ready to give himself up. If I was his, I'd about lose my sanity---good thing I wasn't. Good thing he had Ithric to believe in him and Kathrael to fuss about him.

I think that was the most selfish thing he'd done. Which in turn made him a well-rounded character. Anyway, a give and take thing.

Senovo, Andoc and Carivel...I fully intended to read about them, too.

Vesh. Oh Vesh, you sweetheart. Although his circumstances with the trio wasn't convenient, the very fact that he was able to be with the three in the end in the first place? *commence another episode of ugly crying* THAT EPILOGUE!!!!!!!!!!

If I'm being honest, if I was to single out the climax, it really wasn't the most challenging thing that happened in the story. But accumulating all those struggles and grievances, they deserved so much happiness and more life in turn.

What a read.

[Chrissy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent Follow Up To The Horse Mistress

This trilogy is a continuation of the first four books in the Eburosi Series. The trilogy is self contained but the first four books give a great deal of background and world building, plus we are introduced to many of the main characters in this book when they were younger.

The story focuses on three individual Favian, a young novice priest, Ithric, a lion shifter and Kathrael, an ex-slave/prostitute. Favian and Ithric have known each other for years and have a very difficult relationship. They have feelings for each other but Favian ran away from it because it scared him and felt it took him away from his need to serve the gods. Favian is a Seer and has true dreams, one of the main reasons he wants to be a priest.

We first met Kathrael in The Horse Mistress books when Carivel, Andoc and Senovo travelled to Rythe. Senovo stopped Kathrael getting a severe beating and allowed her to escape her slave master. Ending up alone she became a prostitute to stay alive. She hates Senovo who was prophesied to rescue Rythe and lead a slave uprising. He never returned to save her and her loved ones and believes that he turned away from his fate. Her hatred leads her to travel far North, to confront and kill Senovo, who she believed destroyed her life.

These three very different people end up working together towards helping the North, by helping the South free themselves.

It’s a really good story and the three main characters are well written and believable. The sex scenes are steamy and this is a true polyamorous relationship, with equality between the people involved, both in the relationship and the bed.

I enjoyed the world building in The Horse Mistress and my enjoyment continues in this trilogy as we get to know more about the various gods that are worshiped in Eburosa and how the societies of the various parts of the country have altered the way those gods are worshipped.

Some parts of the story are not easy to read because they are about slavery and the reckless disregard for life shown by those in power in Rythe. These horrors add to the story and show the strength that those fighting against their oppressors have.

As this is a trilogy there is space for the story to grow and we are shown really interesting supporting character that enrich the story. Showing the environment in which the three lead characters exist gives their relationship depth.

A very enjoyable read. I’m sure I’ll read more in this series.

[E · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 disappointed stars

The Lion Mistress Collection begins a few years after the final events in the Horse Mistress series ends, and nearly all of the main and sub characters appear to varying degrees. Although the Lion Mistress has all of the elements that made its predecessor such an amazing story, this book isn't as engaging or well-timed as the Horse Mistress and has a wholly dissatisfying ending. Perhaps if I hadn't just re-listened to the thirty-seven hour Horse Mistress series before this one, my review would be better, but I did, and another thirty-seven + hours for the Lion Mistress series seemed to drag and lag. I think at least four fewer hours would have made the Lion Mistress series more succinct and engaging, especially if the entire new storyline at the end were omitted. It just wasn't necessary. The entire paranormal trope (actual events vs personal/cultural beliefs that govern thoughts and actions), IMO, took away from an otherwise brilliant story.

[Kolbie · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. Book one was great, filled with all sorts of tension and intrigue. But book 2 was definitely a drag, and once the trio got together, it was insta-love, which isn’t my favorite. I wish that there was more relationship development in the early stages, figuring out how everyone fits together. I think more relationship tension that way would’ve made book 2 a little less painful to get through. Book 3 was back to being intense, but for plot reasons — and it definitely ended with a bang!

All in all, I can’t decide if I liked this one or Horse Mistress better. They’re similar in some ways and different in others. This one probably could’ve been cut by 200 pages to level out the pacing. Also, I just didn’t felt much chemistry between Kath and either of the boys, but Ithric and Favian’s chemistry was sizzling.

[Rachel Marylani · Rating 4 out of 5]

audiobook! Really good once you realize its an epic story not just a menage typical romance (Also I do not consider a manage an RH, but that could be just me). I was listening to it like "when are we getting to the saucey time?' and "Is she gonna be with this dude? or this dude?".

I'm excited to go back and read/listen to the Horse Mistress which features Carivel, Senovo and Andoc. When they came into the story I was like, "oh there was a story i don't know about".

Also super stoked to learn that Favian's sister gets her own series! Book 4 is out soon. I will probably wait for the collection in audiobook as well. The Dragon Mistress.

[Jocelyne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Series isn't just a hot poly Romance (Reverse Harem), but it is so much more. This Fantasy Romance is complex, filled with action, adventure, romance, and a lot of twists. This is a huge Box Set, and if you like the fantasy romances, and RH stories, you should like this Series. Gwendolyn Druyor did an amazing reading, as always. I received this free review copy audiobook at my request and I have voluntarily written this review.

[Jess Seevers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent story

This was a great story in a very well fleshed out world. I’ve read a lot of RH novels/series and this one was very different in the sense that it was plot focused, rather than steam focused but it was a welcome change! I very much enjoyed it and plan on reading the other books in these chronicles!

[Shasha · Rating 2 out of 5]

I cried.
The terrible things the characters go through and help each other recover from will touch your heart like it did mine.
I only read book 1 however. While the writing and world building were good, I didn't realize this was a tribute to alternative lifestyles. The preaching got old.

Mature content, mm, mmf

[Carolyn R Swickard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read

Enjoyed the 3 book story of these folks. Hard life, but learning to trust and love lead to a remarkable conclusion. A continuation of The Horse Mistress stories, but it could be read as a standalone. Travels and travails, maturing and gaining completeness, trust and tolerance and righteous reform, all are themes here. Very enjoyable.

[Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unique!

I've never read stories quite like the ones in these, but they're fantastic! Sensitively exploring themes of gender identity, LGBTQ+ and polyamory within an eventful plot of revolution in times long passed, plus shapeshifters! I highly recommend the whole series :)

[Li Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

excellent

A totally brilliant book in the Eborosi series. Loved it so much. The characters are great and so is the plot line. Whilst it does say you don’t need to read previous books I think it should be read in order. Highly recommended

[Virginia Carolyn Francis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful stories you can't put down.

I really enjoyed the Horse Mistress and just finished Lion Mistress. Wonderful stories ❤️.
I will be starting Dragon Mistress. Next I would wholeheartedly suggest these books.

[Kyrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Steffan's world of Eburos. After reading the Horse Mistress years ago, I was so happy to return to see everyone.

[Dominique Reid · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read all three

Simply amazing!
From beginning To End This book keeps you hooked especially if you been reading since the horse mistress series

[JMBooher · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW What a series

I have adored this series. It has taken me a while to read though them, the characters and their stories are the best. Thank you Ms. Steffen for the books.

[Laurie Gaudreau · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lion Mistress Series

Characters are very developed and dialogues engaging. Enjoyed this series. Will follow this author and read other books and series.

[Maddox · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars.