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When two kingdoms go to war, only the monsters will remain.

My job for the queen used to be simple. All I had to do was spy on the higher families and make sure no one was planning anything too nefarious. My life was comfortable, and when I was able to see my three sexy men—the queen’s guards and my tavern friend—I’d even go so far as to call it pleasurable. (If you get what I mean, *wink*.)

But ever since the king came back from his journey to the fae realm—the queen’s homeworld—our city has been growing tense. Somehow the treaty between the fae and our human world was broken, and now our king is planning something, something bad. If I can’t find out what those plans are, war will come. And my comfortable life? Yeah, not looking so good.

It gets worse. (I know, right?) Turns out the queen is hiding secrets of her own. She’ll do anything to save her fae people, including using her forbidden magic. We’re about to discover that monsters can be very real. And that love life of mine? Yeah, it’s about to get a whole lot more interesting.

This is a reverse harem romance novella for audiences 18 years and older.
*Language warning *Med-burn romance

87 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 14, 2022

77 people are currently reading
443 people want to read

About the author

Mia Hartson

12 books166 followers
Mia Hartson is an Australian author who loves writing stories about feisty heroines who aren't afraid to get their hands dirty, hunky, misunderstood heroes who would do anything to protect their girl, and intriguing fantasy worlds filled with magic.

To receive writing updates and get your hands on exclusive, bonus content, sign up for Mia's mailing list via her website: www.miahartson.com

FB page: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorMiaHar...

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5 stars
75 (33%)
4 stars
77 (34%)
3 stars
55 (24%)
2 stars
13 (5%)
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2 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
Profile Image for Emily Rose.
609 reviews4 followers
October 24, 2024
This was a really good prequel! I often find prequels to be a bit hit and miss, but this set up the series really well by introducing the world, the characters, and the romance without leaving me wanting for anything. There was even proper romance, which was great. I'd have liked a bit more backstory about the fmc, but I expect that will come in the following full-length stories, and it wasn't confusing not knowing her backstory. I'll definitely continue this series.
Profile Image for Debbie Eyre.
5,926 reviews116 followers
June 20, 2022
This novella is awesome! There is so much world and character building to set the story. Action packed and fast paced this draws you in and makes sure you are ready for the main series. Exciting, entertaining, spicy and so so good, I look forward to reading more!
Profile Image for Ines.
1,340 reviews47 followers
August 13, 2024
I’m actually happy I read this prequel after reading the rest of the series. This part of the storyline explains how the monsters came into existence, and it was enjoyable to read, but I’m quite happy I didn’t know about this before reading the other books. If you read this first, it might feel like one very big spoiler.

That being said, if you’ve already read the cursed protectors series, this prequel is a nice extra. I got curious about these characters, and I’m happy to get to know them a little better. Still, it’s a short story so character building is limited, but I like the part they played.
Profile Image for LaurenReadsRomance.
69 reviews2 followers
May 26, 2022
Not gonna lie…I first clicked on this because I really liked the cover and think it’s gorgeous! I really enjoyed this prequel novella. There’s a lot of world building, but a lot of action as well to keep you engaged. I would agree with the medium spice level especially given how short the book is. Because it is a prequel it’s a very short and quick read. And even with all the info, I was never bored with this book. Very good balance between info and action.

Although there was one error I noticed and one of the scenes with the guys had me a bit confused on who was where at first, I feel like overall it was written really well. I’m very intrigued to see what’s going to happen moving forward. There is a blurb for book one at the end of this and it makes me think that it will be set further in the future? So I really hope that we still see the main characters in this book in book one as well.

It’s really hard for me to review a novella because it is so short and I don’t want to give anything away!! But basically there is a fae world and a human world and the fae come to the human world and at first everything is okay and there seems to be a sense of peace between the two. The king marries a queen fae and they really seem in love and happy and all is well…until it isn’t and all that may come to an end. You get a lot of answers, a lot of world building, and at no point was I left wondering what is going on or had an overall feel of something was missing. I do feel like it ends and leaves you with that feeling of ‘I want to know what happens next’ but I feel like that’s just good writing and typically how a prequel novella is. The FMC, Lyr, comes off very strong, flirty, and since she’s the queens spy she’s really good at going unnoticed. There are three guys; Dean who is the sweet one and then Nic and Soren and these two did read a bit similar to me, but I feel like Nic is a bit more serious/broody? And Soren is the more fun one. Their relationship feels very surface at the moment which really makes me hope that in the first book we get to really dive in more to their relationship as well as everything that’s going on in the world. I’m not sure if this is Mia’s first book or not, but I really look forward to what else she brings us in the future! And really hope she keeps up with these amazing covers!





I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Hannah Morse.
Author 26 books161 followers
June 4, 2022
I really enjoyed the writing style of this novella and the characters are top-notch, so I have to get this out of the way first ... this is not a capital R romance. There are no romance beats. The relationship between the main character and her men is already established and the most important part of this story is the establishment of the fantasy world setting. As the genres listed for this story when I picked up the ARC were: Paranormal Romance, Shifter Romance, Reverse Harem Romance, Fae Romance, the fact that there is no romance story left me slightly confused. There is also the fact that the only fae character is not involved in a romance with the main character.

This book is a fantasy story with strong reverse harem elements.

As such it's a lot of fun! I really enjoyed Lyr, she is a kick-ass woman in charge of her own life, that as a talented spy working for the queen. Lyr has three lovers, two who are guards for the queen and one is the tavern owner in the city below the castle. They are used to sharing her at the same time. There is a niggle with the first sort of sex scene, where it starts, then is interrupted, then fades to black. It's a big missed opportunity to show us Lyr with her men prior to the curse taking effect, and then it could have been nicely contrasted with the final sex scene in the novella, letting the reader see how things have changed (assuming for the better)

I don't want to spoil things, but when the curse takes effect the story just roars along! I loved the descriptions of everything that happens and how visceral it is. That part of the story just soars! There's a touch of humor to this story as well that made it all the more perfect. I'll be picking up the next book by this author for sure (the plot sounds more traditionally a Romance).

If you're looking for well-done fantasy worldbuilding with a side of spice, this is the book for you!

(tbh this felt like a very fanfic plot? Where I'm already supposed to know and care about the characters and root for them to stay together? Nothing wrong with that, it just doesn't fit the Romance genre)

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Ashley.
93 reviews2 followers
June 13, 2022
There will be notes here as I've read, because this book is on KU. I received a free copy of this book & am voluntarily leaving this review 😊
This novella was easily one of the best I've read. The author does a wonderful job with world building and descriptions. The characters are easy to get to know and adore. The plot was engaging and refreshing. The spice gets an A+ and I would agree that it is medium burn for this novella. Well done to our author 👏

Do not cross this point if you don't want major spoilers. The purpose of me adding these notes is for people to be able to talk about what they felt and thought during the book. 🙂 I truly enjoy talking with people to see if we thought the same things or how others reacted to certain events.
Lyr is the Queen's spy. After the queen had caught her trying to steal a painting she offer Lyr a job. Both ladies are worried something had happened before their king returned. They both assume a war is coming. There is also the issue of a drug, silver sand, at a house in the city. I'm not sure if this is important to the plot, but the queen is very upset about this. Here's where we're at (providing a quote) "Whether King Jazrec had attacked King Adrien or not, King Adrien had slain the fae king while visiting their realm. The fae would invade our world and demand retribution . And without the treaty, there was nothing to stop them from using magic and annihilating us." War is coming 🗡️🛡️Well holy hell. This got real good. We knew the queen was Fae and that her marriage to the kings was a form of alliance. She finds out that the king killed her father and curses him.Except he isnt the only one cursed. Lyr & two guards are also cursed, the queen hadn't meant to do this. She then flees into a portal after the king hits her. And I'm almost positive there is something between the guard (Vasken) and the queen. And.... the curse went beyond the room they were all in. People are turning into diffent sorts of creatures. Her men (Nic, Soren & Dean) are all changing, too. Her beast is trying to protect them from a demon. The Queen's curse wasn't restricted to only the castle, it's made it's way into town, as well. The demon is the guard she threatened in the tavern when he was trying to force a woman to go with him. Now he's out for blood 😬 & now he's dead. Nothing to worry about here, folks. Just an impending war, the Queen's curse and people turning into all sorts of things 🤣
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Jemma James.
69 reviews3 followers
October 1, 2023
I really hate prequels.

They always seem like either a money grab or pointless waste-of-time-storytelling to explain away a character's bad behavior BUT THIS PREQUEL? THIS PREQUEL WAS FABULOUS.



In general I also despise starting off a story with an MC that we won't be following, as an MC for future books... but God this MC was so amazing to get to know that I didn't mind it At All.



This is basically a first-shifter origin story.

(Something I've never read before&something I never even knew I needed until it was put in front of my eyes..)



Her men were great, she was great&the tiny world building was also great.



I'm just so excited now to jump into book 1...



I can't wait to find out how far into the future book 1 mc is&discover what her personality is like.


I kinda hope we get forwarded 500 years into the future or something absurd like 1,000 or more but I feel like that's getting my hopes too high 😭



I also hope none of book 1 mc's love interests were in this book cuz I want to be introduced to new characters

(+no options seem good: °king doofus does not deserve redemption&if he were hers he would inevitably get redemption, °that other guard was clearly in love with the queen&who wants to be 2nd choice&that other other guard was about to Kill this books MC&who wants a wimp who can't tell what's right from what's ur duty)



I can't give this book 5 stars for some reason but this is pretty much a 4.8 flirting with a 4.9 if that makes any difference....



Regardless here I go--- on to book 1! Hopefully that one is ten times as good as this one so I can give it 5 stars 😳
Profile Image for Ellie .
735 reviews21 followers
July 13, 2022
Reviewing a prequel can always be hard since they're so short and I also don't want to give anything away. One thing I loved about this book is that the FMC Lyr already has an established set of lovers. Two of them are guards for the queen, and the other is a tavern owner who allows Lyr to stay above the bar.

Lyr is a kickass FMC that is a very talented spy who works directly with the queen. The 3 men she has in her life are also powerful and equal to her sass level. This book has great world building, and find out what's possibly in store in the series. It's a mix of Paranormal, Shifter, RH, Fae, and plenty of suspense and drama.

There is a curse that comes to fruition during the story and we see how it impacts their realm and the characters individually. It's crazy how much Mia has packed into this book getting readers ready for the first official book in the series! Can't wait to read more!
Profile Image for Brad.
707 reviews3 followers
May 31, 2022
This is a short, but engaging prequel to the series. The first half plus of the book develops the character of the protagonist, Lyr, and her three men. Dean, Soren, and Nic get enough background to give them some dimension.

The world view is clearly provided through the narrative and the dialogue. The viewpoint is all from Lyr so we only know what she says and what she tells us.

The setup for the origin of the curse is a little contrived but the overreactions are easy to ignore. The aftermath is horrendous while setting up the world for the book series. I did like the comeuppance for a soldier who misbehaves early in the story.

Based on the prequel, the series has promise and the writing really supports good story telling.
Profile Image for Sam.
186 reviews
May 31, 2022
I'm going to be honest, I picked this book up due to the cover art (so pretty) and the promise of it being a reverse harem. And I am so glad I did, I love how protective and fierce the FMC is and how she refused to take sh*t from anyone.

After picking it up, I realized it was a prequel to a new series coming out soon and now I'm excited for that series, since I fell in love with the universe and cannot wait to see how what happened in this book truly impacts the series.

Overall it was well written and had a good balance of spice and story, while not being too long. I finished this in an afternoon while sitting outside and enjoying the sun.
Profile Image for Anastasiia.
445 reviews1 follower
October 30, 2025
It honestly wasn’t even that bad. In fact, it started off pretty interesting. Dare I say, there was enough plot and worldbuilding to get me hooked. But then… it just went downhill, page by page.

The writing didn’t do it any favours either. It felt oversimplified, almost like we were handed bullet points instead of prose, the shortest, driest descriptions imaginable. I get that it’s a short novella, and you can’t pack in every detail, but come on. Either trim the story or make it a full book.

Overall, it’s fine. Maybe 2 stars is a bit harsh, but by the end I was cringing so hard my eyes rolled on their own. Definitely not the series for me.
265 reviews2 followers
August 5, 2022
This is a reverse harem prequel, as such there is a cliffhanger.

Lyr is the personal spy of Queen Izla. She is the fae wife of King Adrien. There marriage came about to secure the peace between the fae world and Katakin.
As a thief, Lyr tried to steal from the Queen, instead of punishing her, she offered her the job of spy and they became friends.
This prequel includes friendship, love, and acceptance.
I recommend this prequel and await the next installment.

“I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader copy of this book.”
Profile Image for neeshreads.
371 reviews17 followers
May 20, 2024
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️.5/5

This prequel was a quick read and a great way to see how the monsters of Katakin came to be outside of the flashback from Her Cursed Protectors series. Lyr was an important side character in Her Cursed Protectors, and in that series, you definitely wanted to know more about her and her mates. This novella was a nice teaser to how Lyr met her guys prior to the curse, and how their bond initiated once the curse hit. Given it being a quick read, there was plenty of action, intrigue, and spice!
90 reviews1 follower
June 21, 2022
This was a great way to introduce the series! The characters, their dynamic & chemistry, the storyline, the spice-all absolutely amazing! This really drew me in & got me so excited for the series to see where it can possibly go from here. Super short (read it in under an hour) & super spicy, while still being able to maintain a great plot & storyline. If you like PNR, monster romance, RH, fantasy romance-this book is for you!
10 reviews
July 8, 2022
This prequel left me on the edge of my seat. I just couldn't put it down and I am so curious to find out how the story continues. As a prequel the book was a quick read but I don't mind being kept in suspense for a while.

If you love Shapeshifters and Reverse Harem, I can totally recommend this novel to you.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
52 reviews3 followers
August 11, 2022
The story is told from the perspective of the Queen's personal spy, who is in a relationship with two of the Queen's guards and the owner of a local tavern, no matter how much she wants to deny it. It starts after the King has returned from the Queen's homeworld, where something happened. 


This is such an interesting introduction to a series. The main point of it is to explain how the monsters were created. I can't wait to read more and see how the world has adjusted to the curse that turned everyone into monsters and if they are ever able to lift the curse. 


I received a free copy of this book through Voracious Readers Only and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Carmen.
926 reviews2 followers
December 16, 2024
Sounds great

The queens spy I can hide in the shadows and I'm a the if that's how the queen found me trying to steal from her but instead of imprisoning me she kept me as her spy the king has returned but something isn't right when I sneak into the meeting I find out why I have to tell the queen I go to her and just finishing telling her when the king comes in you want believe what happens next
Profile Image for Genoveva.
1,516 reviews12 followers
May 18, 2022
I loved the steamy scenes in this book, I love RHs! As it is a prequel it is a short read but I do love how the author is able to paint a picture of the world the future stories are to take place in. I found the story interesting and am looking forward to read more.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Mary Ann.
655 reviews14 followers
May 28, 2022
This is a good prequel. It has world building and action. It is action packed and keeps you entertained. The dynamic between the fmc and her mcs is set and gives us just enough of a start to lead into the series. If you like fae, a flirty and fun fmc, spies and humans, you will want to keep your eyes out for this series.
800 reviews4 followers
July 23, 2022
This is the first book that I read from Mia and I loved it!! I'm addicted already and can't wait to read more of the story!!

Great storyline and I love the characters who you feel a pull towards straight away. This I feel, will be a great series!!

I highly recommend this series! I received a complimentary copy of the book and I'm leaving a voluntary and honest review.
Profile Image for Tanya.
53 reviews3 followers
August 1, 2022
Knowing it’s a prequel and a novella it still seemed a very fast paced book. Complete cliff hanger but does make you want to pick up the series.
The book explained why they became what they are and their relationship as the way it already existed.
I’ll pick up the next book to see how this series continues.
Profile Image for fred jones.
1,799 reviews11 followers
August 7, 2022
An entertaining and we'll written prequel. This story has A really interesting premise, some great characters and some heat. I liked Lyr ex thief and now queens spy and her three men. This is a prequel and is a quick read but an enjoyable one. I received a complimentary copy from Voracious reader and am leaving a honest voluntary review.
2 reviews
January 8, 2024
Definitely would love to see more of Lyr's story!

I've read this kinda short prequel and all 3 of the Her Cursed Protectors Series that it is the prequel to & Mia Hartson does not disappoint. I thoroughly enjoyed them all and I'd love to see more of Lyr & her guys' story before & until they meet up with Raine in Her Cursed Protectors. Definitely looking forward to more!
Profile Image for Sadie Forsythe.
Author 1 book287 followers
July 23, 2024
This started off better than it finished. It does a decent job setting up the world for the rest of the series. However, after the big event, when the monsters show up, the characters are too calm and too knowledgeable. How do they know what a "wraith form" is or that an ifrit is an ifrit? I'd probably continue the series if I found it free. I don't think I'd buy it.
Profile Image for Eye in Bookland.
993 reviews4 followers
May 17, 2025
Estuvo entretenido y con buenos personajes? Si, los disfruté mucho! Sin embargo, no creo que esta historia sea necesaria. Pensé que la serie seguiría con estos mismos personajes y no, por lo tanto la historia de ellos se quedó incompleta y solo fue creada para justificar la creación de los Katakin, cuando con menciones aquí y allá se da a entender en el primer libro.
Profile Image for MB --.
101 reviews2 followers
May 18, 2022
I received an advanced copy of this book. This is a short novella and a quick and easy read. I’m looking forward to the rest of the series after this great introduction.

The writing was good, the story captivating.
1,638 reviews21 followers
June 29, 2022
This novella is a good start to a new series. The fae queen curses her husbands people and they have to figure out what happened and how to get out of their situation. I can't wait for the first book in the series.
Profile Image for Karen.
337 reviews1 follower
August 8, 2022
I really enjoyed this prequel and I can't wait to read the first book in the series. The interaction between the Lyr, Soren, Nic and Dean was fun and the sexy scenes hot. I love the back story and build up to the series.
Profile Image for Cait.
29 reviews2 followers
September 22, 2023
Honestly, a good read! I'm glad I scooped it up on stuff your kindle day. Short and sweet, but well written, if a little confusing how it ties into the other books. Enough to intrigue me though, I'll probably read them as well now :)
Profile Image for brit.brat666.
20 reviews5 followers
April 14, 2024
Wow

I couldn't get to the next installment fast enough! This is why choose, with paranormal/monster which are my fav tropes. Very excites to see where things go and if the curse can be lifted!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews

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