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Esther

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On the brink of losing her position as a maid for the Pickering family and with no prospects to go on, the offer of a place at Rooksgrave Manor—a house of ill and unusual repute—sounds like a perfect fit for a young woman with Esther’s inclinations. Even better, the invitation comes by the hand of the handsome Dr. Underwood, a delicate gentleman with a ferocious alter ego who knows exactly what he wants from Esther.

Arriving at the Manor, Esther’s never felt so sure of being in the right place in her entire life. But waiting to meet the men who will claim her is agonizing, especially with the stone butler Booker so conveniently at hand. Will she be able to follow Madame Mortimer’s house rules? Will she please Auguste, the first of her lovers and a vampire just like in the stories? Most concerning of all, the manor might not be as safe from the outside world’s curiosity as it needs to be to protect its rare and magical patrons.

Esther - Book 1 is the first of the fast burn Rooksgrave Manor series, and a novella meant to thrill and delight in the spirit of penny dreadfuls and gothic romance!

60 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 19, 2018

28 people are currently reading
635 people want to read

About the author

Kathryn Moon

40 books5,355 followers
Kathryn Moon is a country mouse who started dictating stories to her mother at an early age. The fascination with building new worlds and discovering the lives of the characters who grew in her head never faltered, and she graduated college with a fiction writing degree. She loves writing women were are strong in their vulnerability, romances that are as affectionate as they are challenging, and worlds that a reader sinks into and never wants to leave. When her hands aren't busy typing they're probably knitting sweaters or crimping pie crust in Ohio. She definitely believes in magic.

You can reach her on Facebook and at ohkathrynmoon@gmail.com

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5 stars
88 (47%)
4 stars
64 (34%)
3 stars
24 (12%)
2 stars
6 (3%)
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5 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
Profile Image for Alicia Schultz.
83 reviews4 followers
October 12, 2018
Well, this book is utter perfection. It takes tropes of female hysteria, Victorian prudity, repression and classism, and completely turns them on their head in a thoroughly liberating tale of a housemaid who takes a position to serve supernatural beings. Rooksgrave Manor is a house established to cater to the special needs of it's exclusive clientele, and the main character slides willingly into her position there. This book is extremely sensual, the relationships unconventional but deeply nuanced, the themes explored are quite delightful, and honestly, it's an exceptional read. By the end of the book, I found myself asking the author if there were any positions vacant at Rooksgrave Manor, and I have a feeling that you will as well! I cannot wait to read the next book in this series.
Profile Image for Amanda.
804 reviews184 followers
August 21, 2020
Really fun erotic short based on Penny Dreadful monsters and a very unique "home for ladies" that services them. Esther manages to be both very sexual and a sweetheart who is open to new experiences.

And that opening. As soon as I saw the first hint, I was delighted. For as prudish and repressed as the Victorians were, curing "female ailments" with doctor-induced orgasms and their tired fingers and wrists leading to the development of the first vibrators? Priceless and so happy to see that weird bit of history in the mix.

Profile Image for Jess.
74 reviews4 followers
October 14, 2018
Esther is a young lady in service during the victorian period. Not a good place to be when you have a voracious and unquenchable appetite for sex and pleasure. Luckily for Esther, she is noticed and taken right to the manor. A place that seems to meet all of her many needs and desires. This book has a lot of steamy heat and mystery, and multiple...shall we say man. I enjoyed it and was hooked from the very first page. In addition to the historically accurate introduction to hysteria and the treatment, we see a young lady taking her sexual power back in a world that suppresses it. We learn little of the other women living with Esther but I love the unknown that surrounds them and their lovers. It keeps the storyline intriguing without taking away from Esther and her exploits. I look forward to the next book in the series and to see who else Esther meets and what else happens in the manor.
6,044 reviews46 followers
October 14, 2018
The family Esther is working for loses their fortune, and must let the servants and fancy house go.

A Doctor who called on the lady of the house has an unusual suggestion for Esther.

Turns out he is some sort of shifter, and he would like to introduce Esther to a Manor for Ladies, so to speak, that caters to unusual clientele like himself.

It appears to be a task that she greatly enjoys - until she discovers an invisible Irishman in her room.

What to do? She promised not to disturb the territorial sensitivities of the gentlemen callers. Will she get bounced from this position too?

On the other hand, Magdalena said the Manor was warded against any who do not belong there. So if the Irishman can come in, does he belong there?

Steamy supernatural erotica.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Ashley.
72 reviews3 followers
October 14, 2018
Esther, our protagonist, is straightforward, coquettish, and not in the least ashamed of her sex drive. Her willingness, and eagerness, to embrace her enjoyment of such carnal delights set her apart as odd and uncouth in a hypocritical society seemingly occupied with gentility and proper etiquette. But Esther isn't the only one who stands out.

When provided with a unique opportunity, Esther discovers that there are many suitors, each with his own dark secret, eager to make her acquaintance - and fulfill her every desire and need. Be prepared for a new look at some classic characters and to be roused by a leading lady who can't wait to be satisfied by each one. This novel is definitely 18+ and will have you squirming in the most delightful way.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Dharia Scarab.
3,255 reviews8 followers
April 21, 2019
Light, steam fun, easy read.


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.
Profile Image for Carol 27.
1,095 reviews
October 15, 2018
I really enjoyed this introduction to the Rooksgrave Manor series. It’s a super quick tease that’s well written with intriguing characters, many of whom are supernatural. As a “deliciously wanton” young woman with a curious and open mind towards sex, Esther has struggled to find her rightful place within prim and proper Victorian society. In this introduction, we find Esther happily settling in at Rooksgrave Manor and meeting Auguste, her vampire lover. There are several very steamy scenes along with a bit of mystery. I’m curious to see how the series progresses and how the elements of gothic romance are assimilated into future stories.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Stacey.
107 reviews2 followers
October 21, 2018
What can I say? Kathryn has done it, again! She captured my attention from the first page and I could NOT stop reading until I had finished the book. Esther's voracious appetites and the unique gentlemen she encounters at the Manor are the stuff of deliciously dark dreams. This is the first installment in an ongoing serial and I CANNOT WAIT for the next bit to come along. So much naughty fun to be found within the walls of Rooksgrave Manor. If you're a fan of shows like True Blood and Penny Dreadful and wish the romantic/erotic elements were more centerstage, then you will appreciate the style of this story. This is a whole bunch of fast burn fun. Enjoy!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Erika Robles.
92 reviews1 follower
October 20, 2018
Sooo Kathryn has solidified her place in my top 5 favourite authors with this short but wonderful novella. Her description for her facebook group was "inspired by penny dreadfuls", I have to say I never read a penny dreadful before, but this was short, fast and so satisfying to read. A touch of paranormal/urban legand and what have you, a touch of romance, a sparkle of women independence in a time that women were not supposed to be so. Sassy, sarcastic, not apologetic fun. Cannot wait to read the rest of the series, and Penelope Wren has a tough job to keep up with Kathryn's side of the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Set.
2,195 reviews
April 27, 2022
gfsdf
I'm not into polyamorous relationships but I'm definitely not into relationship with demonic entities. I finished this book mostly because of sunk cost fallacy but I wouldn't say that I enjoyed Esther's story. I don't who I would recommend this book to that would actually enjoy it but I certainly didn't. Esther is a Victorian harlot or kept mistress at a house that caters to monsters and demons. She is practically a succubus that can't get enough of the depravity.
Profile Image for Meri.
156 reviews26 followers
October 18, 2018
Absolutely enjoyed this book, it really does remind me of those penny dreadfuls. Loved the added paranormal element, not often you read a story that mentions a sphinx, a vampire, werewolf and someone reminiscent of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde. Such a fun read and the sex is steamy! Definitely not safe for work! Can’t wait to read the rest of the series at the Manor.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Scarolet Ellis.
7,445 reviews53 followers
October 25, 2018
Esther: A New Position by Kathryn Moon this is an awesome book by a brand new author for me. This story is number one in the series, I am so glad I read this story. It has strong characters and an awesome story line I fell in love with this story. I recommend this story to everyone who wants to read an awesome story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Katie.
2,009 reviews16 followers
October 16, 2018
Loved it Loved it Loved it!!! This is Esther story book 1 in series. Definitely a must read. If your not into erotic paranormal then might not be for you. I on the other hand love This story. This is a short story so my only problem is it ended way to quickly!! I can't wait to read more!!! Hopefully part 2 comes out quickly!!!
Profile Image for Lolly.
97 reviews
November 24, 2018
Wonderful if confusing

I immediately borrowed this book from KU based almost entirely on the fact that I've loved all of Moon's other books. The blurb was a bit dizzying but the story itself is well worth it. My only questions now: Why the different author for book 2? and Will we ever get back to Esther's story?
Profile Image for Kathy Landis.
656 reviews4 followers
April 5, 2019
Fabulous, till the end.

Up until the very last chapter I really enjoyed the story. I'm not sure if Esther will get another book or if the Eleanor book is the only other one. I'm also not sure why it's by a different author. Maybe it's a pen name? But that doesn't make sense. But I hate, no despise, cliffhangers with no purpose other than to leave you hanging.
241 reviews32 followers
April 10, 2019
Where is the next book?!

Where!!! Is!!! It!!!! Guys, if hot bedroom stuff, ladies who enjoy themselves, and delectable words are your thing, you’re going to need to pick up this book stat. I NEED the next book! It’s not a want, it’s for sure a NEED NEED NEED. Holy hotness, the scenes in this! What?!?! More please!
6,497 reviews23 followers
October 18, 2018
Right off the bat I fell in love with this story. While it might be short and a part of a series, it packs a punch.

I loved the Jeckle and Hyde inspiration and influence.

I received an advanced copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an unbiased , honest review.
8 reviews
October 20, 2018
Amazing story, great characters! This is a steamy amazing story that I read quickly & can't wait to read more!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Melanie.
297 reviews2 followers
October 21, 2018
A New Direction for Moon

Esther is a more gothic styled novel with a main character who is not afraid to embrace her sexuality. While I enjoyed the story, I did have a few questions left unanswered. I am looking forward to seeing where the story goes next.
Profile Image for Jessica Feeney.
369 reviews3 followers
October 14, 2018
This book is hot, fast paced and the story flows from one page to the next. Loved Esther and the men that she takes. Can’t wait to see where this series takes us. Definitely a must read
44 reviews
October 17, 2018
This was a fun, quick, sexy read. I loved the way characters were introduced and enjoyed the sex scenes. Made me feel the intrigue that was happening! Can't wait for the next one!!

402 reviews29 followers
November 9, 2018
pure carnality. i just wished it was longer but any other else? so. freaking. damn. good /drools
Profile Image for Ann.
328 reviews5 followers
December 1, 2018
Esther loses her maid position and is offered a different kind of "job". This book was
short and steamy. Esther had a new chance at life and fully embraced it. I will
continue to read this series.

42 reviews
January 20, 2019
Good

Nice quick read, good writing and decent plot. Contains enthusiastic consent between romantic partners and no rape or sexual assault scenes.
Profile Image for Jami Kehr.
1,101 reviews15 followers
May 29, 2019
Sexy Monsters

Definitely a hot paranormal read! Take RH add some sexy monsters and you get gold!

A twist on the RH world for sure. Loved every word!
29 reviews
June 24, 2020
Such a fun story!

So good. I love the faster pace but still feels well fleshed out and pulls you in like a longer book would. Can't wait to read more!
973 reviews1 follower
October 14, 2018
A wonderful witty book. Loved the characters and can't wait to see what Esther gets up to next. Look forward to reading future books. An amazing author.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews

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