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Gesa's Menagerie #9
Perfect Pride
The final book in the sexy, snarky, no-holds-barred Gesa's Menagerie series!
Gesa just wanted to finally settle down for some damned peace and quiet with her pride. But of course her kraken has decided to go off looking for long-lost family...and now the ancient sea monster has fallen into the clutches of the sirens.
Once she gets Kai back home, Gesa is going to ban the pride from leaving the house. Permanently. Krakens attack, gryphons rampage, demons plot, and all the monsters finally find a home.
This is the last book in the main series, with a spin-off planned at a later date.
Author’s Note:
I was tired of reading the same old thing over and over again in reverse harem. Sick of all alpha male and fainting female all the time—and desperate to be able to tell the male characters apart—I tried to infuse some variety into my story. Gesa might not be your cup of tea, and that’s okay—she doesn’t care. Her lovers are as varied in physicality and personality as they are in supernatural race. And the characters all have their own definition of sexuality. I know reverse harem is all about the fantasy, and my fantasy is a bit outside the norm. You’ve been warned.
Story length definitions:
Flash fiction: 200-2,000 words
Short story: 1,500-7,500 words
Novelette: 7,500-15,000 words
Novella: 15,000-40,000 words
Novel: 50,000 words and up.
*Gesa’s Menagerie books are novellas of between 30,000-40,000 words.
*This is a series. There will be unresolved plot threads at times/ occasional cliff hangers.
*Do NOT read this series if you are easily offended. Contains: mentions of past trauma/rape, adult language (that’s cursing kids, lots of it), and sexual content (including male/female, male/male, female/female, male/male/female, female/female/male and any other combination you can think of. Oh, and probably some tentacles and diphallia).
115 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 26, 2019
51 people are currently reading
52 people want to read
About the author
Kaye Draper
135 books265 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...
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
February 25, 2020
Aaaaaand, that's a wrap.
Gesa has brought her mage home, her fae is more himself every day, her hedge witch is learning more, her fox is centered, and now her kraken has decided to go walkabout. The sirens say that they've seen another kraken, and even if she doesn't want to leave her pride mates she refuses to leave another sea monster lonely. But sirens are cold creatures, for all their allure and they decided having an all powerful being at their beck and call is too tempting to leave to a grumpy gryphon.
Spoilers ahead.
This is a pat wrap up. There's still threads dangling. Enough to either come back or for a spin off. I can see both happening. It's more HFN than HEA. The group still doesn't feel cohesive to me. There's caring, the need for comfort and familiarity. But so much was left out. Emotions, desires for the future- as individually and as a family unit, and long term residency. If their family is doing to grow, that bookstore isn't going to work much longer.
*We still don't know much about demons and all the other races.
*The merkid stayed there for weeks. We heard nothing. No one talked to him?
*How did the sirens hack Kai's email? Backwards island dwellers, with next to no technology, and only access to magic is renting mages?
*She drank while pregnant. Not just thought maybe, but after she knew. One minute it's gryphons are strong, the next it's they have trouble conceiving and carrying to term. Why risk it???
*The council went from bloodthirsty tyranny to incredibly docile. Does no one find it concerning?
*They're trusting that the mages are going to play nice and send their rejects? Knowing that their most powerful mage has escaped them, hates all they stand for and wants them all to die? Sure.
*Why hasn't anyone mentioned looking for free mages and inviting them to study with Halstead? Combine knowledge and make them all more powerful.
*So, Halstead saw his own bond break. Why isn't he sneaking around, snatching mages and breaking bonds? Turn the oppressed on their oppressors! Especially since the oppressors don't have magic.
*Why is Gesa the only one who can breed for her clan? Is it only her family that can breed heirs? How big is this clan, outside immediate family? We're never told.
*Does Kai have other kids?
*I'm guessing Oisin never spawned from his reaction. But he flipped awfully quick to happy dad. Seeing him come to terms, reach for that happiness, would have helped readers. Happy outcomes are good. Bonding over the struggle is better.
*Kai's constant begging to borrow the guys. I get it's supposed to be funny but comes off as indifferent objectification. And Gesa, she went from hetero to bi without a waffling hesitation. No confusion over what goes where, just dived right in (pun intended). Snap decisions, mate bonds, even with all that, most people would at least blink and consider when your new lover is built differently than any other lover you had before.
*Con sort of faded into the background. Other than his demon suppression herb muffins, and general caretaking from the sidelines, he gets lost the last few books.
*Halstead as a sub. It's not a rigid niche, and many abuse survivors actually find comfort in those roles. They don't want to be in control. But, as much as Gesa bucks authority, she doesn't really have a commanding alpha personality, either. I feel like she has to adopt a mask she isn't comfortable with. The only thing that saves that relationship is Oisin.
*We still don't understand how crossing species affects the children. One of my complaints about lack of world building throughout the whole series.
*Magnets, how do they work? Um, I mean, magic. Still not sure if mages were born with it, or were pushed into it. Is it from fae heritage? Are they the same as witches, just s different name? Human? A whole different species? World building!
*How many other organizations have supes? Aside from the police. Are there FBI, CIA, CDC, politicians, foreign governments? Shouldn't there be if they're worried about a big reveal? A sort of, "you shouldn't fear us, we're everywhere and always have been" set up? Some of these species are far too long lived to not have set this up better.
*For having already been somewhat revealed, humans- usually panicky herd animals, are surprisingly complacent. And lacking picketing hate groups.
*Magic both affects, and doesn't affect, technology throughout the series.
I'm just rambling here. It's a fun fluff read. I made it all the way through, even with my complaints. The author displays a fun self deprecating humor in her characters and a true appreciation for sarcasm. I just would have loved to see more of this world they live in. We can only assume so much, because although it's set in modern times, supernatural tropes are far from rigid. Mythology, fantasy, artistic feelings, they add nuances that change things. I'd loved to have seen the author invest just a bit more into the series.
Gesa has brought her mage home, her fae is more himself every day, her hedge witch is learning more, her fox is centered, and now her kraken has decided to go walkabout. The sirens say that they've seen another kraken, and even if she doesn't want to leave her pride mates she refuses to leave another sea monster lonely. But sirens are cold creatures, for all their allure and they decided having an all powerful being at their beck and call is too tempting to leave to a grumpy gryphon.
Spoilers ahead.
This is a pat wrap up. There's still threads dangling. Enough to either come back or for a spin off. I can see both happening. It's more HFN than HEA. The group still doesn't feel cohesive to me. There's caring, the need for comfort and familiarity. But so much was left out. Emotions, desires for the future- as individually and as a family unit, and long term residency. If their family is doing to grow, that bookstore isn't going to work much longer.
*We still don't know much about demons and all the other races.
*The merkid stayed there for weeks. We heard nothing. No one talked to him?
*How did the sirens hack Kai's email? Backwards island dwellers, with next to no technology, and only access to magic is renting mages?
*She drank while pregnant. Not just thought maybe, but after she knew. One minute it's gryphons are strong, the next it's they have trouble conceiving and carrying to term. Why risk it???
*The council went from bloodthirsty tyranny to incredibly docile. Does no one find it concerning?
*They're trusting that the mages are going to play nice and send their rejects? Knowing that their most powerful mage has escaped them, hates all they stand for and wants them all to die? Sure.
*Why hasn't anyone mentioned looking for free mages and inviting them to study with Halstead? Combine knowledge and make them all more powerful.
*So, Halstead saw his own bond break. Why isn't he sneaking around, snatching mages and breaking bonds? Turn the oppressed on their oppressors! Especially since the oppressors don't have magic.
*Why is Gesa the only one who can breed for her clan? Is it only her family that can breed heirs? How big is this clan, outside immediate family? We're never told.
*Does Kai have other kids?
*I'm guessing Oisin never spawned from his reaction. But he flipped awfully quick to happy dad. Seeing him come to terms, reach for that happiness, would have helped readers. Happy outcomes are good. Bonding over the struggle is better.
*Kai's constant begging to borrow the guys. I get it's supposed to be funny but comes off as indifferent objectification. And Gesa, she went from hetero to bi without a waffling hesitation. No confusion over what goes where, just dived right in (pun intended). Snap decisions, mate bonds, even with all that, most people would at least blink and consider when your new lover is built differently than any other lover you had before.
*Con sort of faded into the background. Other than his demon suppression herb muffins, and general caretaking from the sidelines, he gets lost the last few books.
*Halstead as a sub. It's not a rigid niche, and many abuse survivors actually find comfort in those roles. They don't want to be in control. But, as much as Gesa bucks authority, she doesn't really have a commanding alpha personality, either. I feel like she has to adopt a mask she isn't comfortable with. The only thing that saves that relationship is Oisin.
*We still don't understand how crossing species affects the children. One of my complaints about lack of world building throughout the whole series.
*Magnets, how do they work? Um, I mean, magic. Still not sure if mages were born with it, or were pushed into it. Is it from fae heritage? Are they the same as witches, just s different name? Human? A whole different species? World building!
*How many other organizations have supes? Aside from the police. Are there FBI, CIA, CDC, politicians, foreign governments? Shouldn't there be if they're worried about a big reveal? A sort of, "you shouldn't fear us, we're everywhere and always have been" set up? Some of these species are far too long lived to not have set this up better.
*For having already been somewhat revealed, humans- usually panicky herd animals, are surprisingly complacent. And lacking picketing hate groups.
*Magic both affects, and doesn't affect, technology throughout the series.
I'm just rambling here. It's a fun fluff read. I made it all the way through, even with my complaints. The author displays a fun self deprecating humor in her characters and a true appreciation for sarcasm. I just would have loved to see more of this world they live in. We can only assume so much, because although it's set in modern times, supernatural tropes are far from rigid. Mythology, fantasy, artistic feelings, they add nuances that change things. I'd loved to have seen the author invest just a bit more into the series.
February 24, 2020
Enjoyable
Great series! The books were short, but the meaning large. Well done. Characters are unique and represented- again, well done
Great series! The books were short, but the meaning large. Well done. Characters are unique and represented- again, well done
April 19, 2024
The final book in the series!! Ahhhh!!
This was such a wonderful book and it did a great job of keeping up the action and drama we’re used to, plus sprinkling in a bit more sentimental moments for our Pride. I loved it!
We see our newest member Halstad come into his own, and sea adventures for our Kraken Kai that keep the crew on their toes! Gesa has a secret and not everyone has predictable reactions - which we get to enjoy and work through! We
Some really wonderful moments for our couples, for the Pride, yes that kind of spicy scene for the Pride too (ooooh), and there’s a good set up for their future together.
Also good happy-for-now for Derek White and his affiliates, which you can read more about in the completed Gods and Demons trilogy!! Oooh.
This was such a wonderful book and it did a great job of keeping up the action and drama we’re used to, plus sprinkling in a bit more sentimental moments for our Pride. I loved it!
We see our newest member Halstad come into his own, and sea adventures for our Kraken Kai that keep the crew on their toes! Gesa has a secret and not everyone has predictable reactions - which we get to enjoy and work through! We
Some really wonderful moments for our couples, for the Pride, yes that kind of spicy scene for the Pride too (ooooh), and there’s a good set up for their future together.
Also good happy-for-now for Derek White and his affiliates, which you can read more about in the completed Gods and Demons trilogy!! Oooh.
June 23, 2020
This series is perfect !!! One of my favorites! You knew how to balance the reader and writer who lives in you! I just loved it !! I would like to see more about Gesa and her Pride, especially her baby's 💓💓💓 I'm going to start reading the next series to continue in this incredible universe that you created
June 28, 2020
Freaking fantastic
This series was amazing. I couldn't put it down. I really do enjoy how out of normal it is but at the same time it is normal. Poly relationship is need more books that showcase that it will be difficult but worth communication and understanding amazingly out of this world.
This series was amazing. I couldn't put it down. I really do enjoy how out of normal it is but at the same time it is normal. Poly relationship is need more books that showcase that it will be difficult but worth communication and understanding amazingly out of this world.
March 6, 2021
Love this series
I love this series! Love the different characters, the atypical roles. Love that there are all manner of combinations, m/m, f/m, f/f. This is the third time I have read these books, and I still can't wait to turn the page.
I love this series! Love the different characters, the atypical roles. Love that there are all manner of combinations, m/m, f/m, f/f. This is the third time I have read these books, and I still can't wait to turn the page.
February 17, 2020
Really enjoyed this series
March 9, 2021
Loved
Absolutely perfect ending to the series. These books continually made me laugh and hit me in the feels. Gesa’a pride is awesome!
Absolutely perfect ending to the series. These books continually made me laugh and hit me in the feels. Gesa’a pride is awesome!
May 8, 2021
Really enjoyed this series. My only complaint is that I wish the books had been longer!
August 6, 2021
Lovely. There were... some scenes that I wish had been more... descriptive... but other than that, I loved it.
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
November 27, 2021
I feel that this book is definitely lacking an epilogue! Maybe I'll get some glimpses of them in the spin off? 😩🙏
February 9, 2022
Awesome series! Very hot and snarky. Highly recommend!
December 14, 2023
Now I want a Pride!
I loved this whole series highly recommend it read all 9 books in 2 weeks. Wish she would add more to her series
I loved this whole series highly recommend it read all 9 books in 2 weeks. Wish she would add more to her series
Read
June 4, 2025🔴 This is a poly romance, not a RH 🔴
January 28, 2020
Absolute best series!
Each time a new book came out I reread from book 1. The variety of characters and their continually evolving relationships was only one great aspect of the the plot development. It was the perfect blend of sexy hotness and snarky humor. I've started to read the other of Kaye Draper's series and have enjoyed every one of her books!
Each time a new book came out I reread from book 1. The variety of characters and their continually evolving relationships was only one great aspect of the the plot development. It was the perfect blend of sexy hotness and snarky humor. I've started to read the other of Kaye Draper's series and have enjoyed every one of her books!
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.
December 17, 2019
All in all, this was one of the better Reverse Harem series I read. I was entertained, and it had a lot of good points. I also felt that a lot of its potential was wasted, which was a bit of a shame.
The most problems I had with the shallow relationship building, the characters basically love each other from one moment to another, without reason or sense. Furthermore ... the heroine was just duuuuumb at some points. They even make fun of her, more than one time, for her „behaving“ blond. If she used her brain a little more, I would have had much more fun.
I liked, that the male characters all had their own voices and were really different.
The books had a very lgbtq and diverse feeling, which I enjoyed the most. The men aren‘t the typical alphaholes, some are bisexual, some submissive and their tastes vary.
Unfortunately the most interesting characters wasn‘t one of her pride, but the spin-off could be interesting for it. I like brains. Please be good.
The most problems I had with the shallow relationship building, the characters basically love each other from one moment to another, without reason or sense. Furthermore ... the heroine was just duuuuumb at some points. They even make fun of her, more than one time, for her „behaving“ blond. If she used her brain a little more, I would have had much more fun.
I liked, that the male characters all had their own voices and were really different.
The books had a very lgbtq and diverse feeling, which I enjoyed the most. The men aren‘t the typical alphaholes, some are bisexual, some submissive and their tastes vary.
Unfortunately the most interesting characters wasn‘t one of her pride, but the spin-off could be interesting for it. I like brains. Please be good.
October 28, 2019
Good Ending To a Really Fun Series
This is the last book in the series and I’m going to miss it. The only good thing is that there is going to be a spin off series, so I’m assuming we will get to see Gesa and her Pride in the future. I really hope so because these fabulously weird characters have got under my skin.
In this book Kai goes off to find out if the reports of another kraken being sighted are true. While she’s away, the Pride becomes friendly with Troya, the girl that White has had them watching. Gesa also has to find a way to tell the rest of the Pride she’s pregnant.
It feels like a lot happens in a very short space of time, with this book, but I think it’s just because so many story arcs come to fruition in these few pages. It’s a good ending to a series, but I really wish there was an epilogue, I want to see what family life for the Pride looks like. Maybe we’ll see that in the spin off. We can always hope.
This is the last book in the series and I’m going to miss it. The only good thing is that there is going to be a spin off series, so I’m assuming we will get to see Gesa and her Pride in the future. I really hope so because these fabulously weird characters have got under my skin.
In this book Kai goes off to find out if the reports of another kraken being sighted are true. While she’s away, the Pride becomes friendly with Troya, the girl that White has had them watching. Gesa also has to find a way to tell the rest of the Pride she’s pregnant.
It feels like a lot happens in a very short space of time, with this book, but I think it’s just because so many story arcs come to fruition in these few pages. It’s a good ending to a series, but I really wish there was an epilogue, I want to see what family life for the Pride looks like. Maybe we’ll see that in the spin off. We can always hope.
December 16, 2022
Ratings - completed series:
#1 Gryphon's Pride: ★★★★☆
#2 Heart of the Pride: ★★★★☆
#3 With Pride: ★★★★☆
#4 Pride Before the Fall: ★★★☆☆
#5 Wounded Pride: ★★★★☆
#6 Pride and Perdition: ★★★★☆
#7 A Matter of Pride: ★★★★☆
#8 Haunted by Pride: ★★★★☆
#9 Perfect Pride (this book): ★★★★☆
#1 Gryphon's Pride: ★★★★☆
#2 Heart of the Pride: ★★★★☆
#3 With Pride: ★★★★☆
#4 Pride Before the Fall: ★★★☆☆
#5 Wounded Pride: ★★★★☆
#6 Pride and Perdition: ★★★★☆
#7 A Matter of Pride: ★★★★☆
#8 Haunted by Pride: ★★★★☆
#9 Perfect Pride (this book): ★★★★☆
June 10, 2021
The last book in the series was well done. I loved all of the characters and how well they fit for each other. I liked that there is an even number in the poly relationship and that there was a variety of sexual preferences and personality types. I had imagined Orion or Derek White to become included in the Pride. I was hoping to get more of Derek and Troya's stories too. Still I loved what I did learn about Gesa's Happily Ever After.
November 3, 2019
Extra Ordinary
This book series was engaging, funny, violent, erotic and joyful. I loved the stories and all of the incredibly different characters. Oisin is my favourite but I loved them all ! The mark of a good read is that I know I will come back to it to re-read again, that to me is a book to treasure. Til next time Gesa’s Pride x
This book series was engaging, funny, violent, erotic and joyful. I loved the stories and all of the incredibly different characters. Oisin is my favourite but I loved them all ! The mark of a good read is that I know I will come back to it to re-read again, that to me is a book to treasure. Til next time Gesa’s Pride x
September 27, 2019
Need More of Gesa
Outstanding book with great writing and characters. I don't want the series to be over. I know that I'm not the only person who feels this way. Please give us more of Geez and her pride.
Outstanding book with great writing and characters. I don't want the series to be over. I know that I'm not the only person who feels this way. Please give us more of Geez and her pride.
October 7, 2019
Wow!
The series as a whole was engaging. This last book I could NOT put down! Read all night until 4 am. Can hardly wait for the spin off.
The series as a whole was engaging. This last book I could NOT put down! Read all night until 4 am. Can hardly wait for the spin off.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews