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The Bestiary #1
A Cursed Legacy
My family is dead and gone. But they left their grimoire behind. Now it's my job to free the powerful magical beings trapped in the pages. I might just find a whole new family…if they don't kill me first.
I was just a kid when my family was executed for starting a magical war, forcing me to live my life in the human world, far away from the judgment and scorn of the magical world—and far away from the weirdos who want me to tell them all my dangerous Lovell family secrets. But when a cursed grimoire containing enslaved magical beings falls into my lap, I can't continue to avoid my family's craptastic legacy of pain and suffering. Now, thanks to the nagging of an annoyingly moral ghost, I'm off to free the powerful (and pissed-off) creatures in the bestiary.
I'm nothing like my horrible family. But my newfound attraction to dangerous magical beings who could murder me without a thought… yeah, that might indicate otherwise.
Author's Note
This story is part of my serial, The Bestiary, on Kindle Vella. It is part of an ongoing series, and I will continue to release new books as the story progresses. A Cursed Legacy is 141,000 words long. The major plot arc is resolved, but since this is a series, a new complication is introduced at the end of the book, so expect a little twist/cliffy. If you don't want to wait for book two and would prefer to read along I write it, you can find it on Kindle Vella and on my Patreon page. (Season 2/Book 2 starts on episode 43.)
Content Warnings
*poly romance, contains MF, MM, FF, NB/intersex romantic interactions, as well as multiples
*swearing and explicit sexual content
*some characters have suffered trauma in their past, most of which is off page/mentioned in passing
*there is one scene where a character with PTSD loses control during a BDSM session. The MC is not actually harmed, but this may be triggering to some readers
*stupid humor and a sarcastic main character who is just done with the world's bullshit, but also has a moral compass no matter how much she wants to wish otherwise
I was just a kid when my family was executed for starting a magical war, forcing me to live my life in the human world, far away from the judgment and scorn of the magical world—and far away from the weirdos who want me to tell them all my dangerous Lovell family secrets. But when a cursed grimoire containing enslaved magical beings falls into my lap, I can't continue to avoid my family's craptastic legacy of pain and suffering. Now, thanks to the nagging of an annoyingly moral ghost, I'm off to free the powerful (and pissed-off) creatures in the bestiary.
I'm nothing like my horrible family. But my newfound attraction to dangerous magical beings who could murder me without a thought… yeah, that might indicate otherwise.
Author's Note
This story is part of my serial, The Bestiary, on Kindle Vella. It is part of an ongoing series, and I will continue to release new books as the story progresses. A Cursed Legacy is 141,000 words long. The major plot arc is resolved, but since this is a series, a new complication is introduced at the end of the book, so expect a little twist/cliffy. If you don't want to wait for book two and would prefer to read along I write it, you can find it on Kindle Vella and on my Patreon page. (Season 2/Book 2 starts on episode 43.)
Content Warnings
*poly romance, contains MF, MM, FF, NB/intersex romantic interactions, as well as multiples
*swearing and explicit sexual content
*some characters have suffered trauma in their past, most of which is off page/mentioned in passing
*there is one scene where a character with PTSD loses control during a BDSM session. The MC is not actually harmed, but this may be triggering to some readers
*stupid humor and a sarcastic main character who is just done with the world's bullshit, but also has a moral compass no matter how much she wants to wish otherwise
468 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 9, 2022
197 people are currently reading
598 people want to read
About the author
Kaye Draper
134 books264 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...
Ratings & Reviews
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
September 27, 2022
I really loved this book. It’s definitely different and out there but it’s worth the wild ride. There’s FF, implied MM, FFM, MFM, MMF, and amazing plot.
This is a why choose romance that is simply good. I can’t wait to read the next book when it is completed. Especially with how this one ended
This is a why choose romance that is simply good. I can’t wait to read the next book when it is completed. Especially with how this one ended
September 26, 2022
Must read!!
I loved the diversity in this book. And it was something new even the characters types arent often seen. It had a great plot and steamy scenes along the way. Can not wait for book 2
I loved the diversity in this book. And it was something new even the characters types arent often seen. It had a great plot and steamy scenes along the way. Can not wait for book 2
March 7, 2024
This is definitely the most diverse RH I’ve read. Not as far as the mythical creatures, even though these mythical creatures are pretty new to me too, but I feel like the themes are very diverse…you have short man, tall girl, plus size girl, FF, MM, They/them, etc. which is pretty cool I will say. Also, I love Andy, the FMC. I love her sarcasm and she is hilarious. The chapters where they release the boogieman where they all go through their individual nightmares was so sad to read…I felt bad for them, but I felt the worst for The gargoyle. He is too sweet and he really did not deserve that. ALSO wtf Aahil?? The epilogue was unexpected….and to know he STILL was acting like that in the beginning just to have done that??? Crazyyyy. I love the book so far, but I’m wondering if there’s a main plot other than what has already happened.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Read
June 13, 2024Two things irritated me about the story.
1. Andy being diabetic but that was more of filler for the book. Then how do you shoot up glucagon and not do the whole testing/eating afterwards to confirm you're sugars are level? Then I've never used a glucagon pen but I know bringing your sugar back up isn't like TV medicine, it is not adrenaline so that scene pissed me off and just stuck in my brain.
2. The book was taking the long road to nowhere and I finally understood as it's a Kindle Vella book. Like there is a story there, there are enough characters, you want to get to them hareming, but majameni the time it is taking to develop into anything!
I got till the end of Chapter 5 and could do no more. DNF. As a result will not rate.
1. Andy being diabetic but that was more of filler for the book. Then how do you shoot up glucagon and not do the whole testing/eating afterwards to confirm you're sugars are level? Then I've never used a glucagon pen but I know bringing your sugar back up isn't like TV medicine, it is not adrenaline so that scene pissed me off and just stuck in my brain.
2. The book was taking the long road to nowhere and I finally understood as it's a Kindle Vella book. Like there is a story there, there are enough characters, you want to get to them hareming, but majameni the time it is taking to develop into anything!
I got till the end of Chapter 5 and could do no more. DNF. As a result will not rate.
October 1, 2022
Not your best
I have read your books before and this one wasn't your best. I would say it is your worst. I felt like i was reading a fantasy journal of a teenage boy. You didn't take the time to build character development at all. The only reason you got a second star was because of how cute bis was. It was like you were summarizing three books into one.
I have read your books before and this one wasn't your best. I would say it is your worst. I felt like i was reading a fantasy journal of a teenage boy. You didn't take the time to build character development at all. The only reason you got a second star was because of how cute bis was. It was like you were summarizing three books into one.
November 28, 2024
There’s a problem if I can’t even make it to the halfway point of a book. It’s the same shit over and over again.
FMC saves someone, almost dies, naps, fucks them, repeat. I couldn’t wait for it to end. It was mind numbing torture.
There’s a gender neutral character, which is cool and all but it gets so confusing to understand when the author uses they (plural) and they (gender). It also doesn’t make sense when these characters have no idea about modern technology, being stuck in a book for centuries will do that to you I guess, and yet they’re aware of gender neutrality.
I love poly relationships, but the smut was so… bland . I need more details, Kaye!
Aahil is the only saving grace. He’s an arrogant a-hole but so funny and hot (both literally and figuratively).
There’s a crazy plot twist at the end but I won’t be reading the rest of this series.
FMC saves someone, almost dies, naps, fucks them, repeat. I couldn’t wait for it to end. It was mind numbing torture.
There’s a gender neutral character, which is cool and all but it gets so confusing to understand when the author uses they (plural) and they (gender). It also doesn’t make sense when these characters have no idea about modern technology, being stuck in a book for centuries will do that to you I guess, and yet they’re aware of gender neutrality.
I love poly relationships, but the smut was so… bland . I need more details, Kaye!
Aahil is the only saving grace. He’s an arrogant a-hole but so funny and hot (both literally and figuratively).
There’s a crazy plot twist at the end but I won’t be reading the rest of this series.
January 21, 2025
3.5
Let me start with what I didn't like to rip the band aid off, so to speak. I hate how Andy was described by herself and Aahil. It honestly felt very weird and fatphobic. Aahil called her fat more times than I can count and her "plumpness" was something that was constantly brought up. I know Aahil is brash and off the cuff, but I felt it unnecessary.
Like every other chapter, she was either being called fat by Aahil or reflecting on how she doesn't meet typical beauty standards. It felt weird.
Now on to why I gave this book a 3.5 regardless of my complaints. I enjoyed the story, diversity of characters, and the smut. I feel like the wlw parts could've been more in quantity and quality but that's not here nor there. The universe Kaye Draper created is pretty neat and I loved finding out what was going to pop out of the bestiary next.
Let me start with what I didn't like to rip the band aid off, so to speak. I hate how Andy was described by herself and Aahil. It honestly felt very weird and fatphobic. Aahil called her fat more times than I can count and her "plumpness" was something that was constantly brought up. I know Aahil is brash and off the cuff, but I felt it unnecessary.
Like every other chapter, she was either being called fat by Aahil or reflecting on how she doesn't meet typical beauty standards. It felt weird.
Now on to why I gave this book a 3.5 regardless of my complaints. I enjoyed the story, diversity of characters, and the smut. I feel like the wlw parts could've been more in quantity and quality but that's not here nor there. The universe Kaye Draper created is pretty neat and I loved finding out what was going to pop out of the bestiary next.
October 16, 2022
Wow!
The summary did not do this book justice. I’m so glad I took the chance. I was gripped from the very beginning. The writing created such a natural flow emotions. The multiple POV’s showed such in-depth descriptions of how their minds work. It loops in the entire story in such a way that it flowed perfectly from one chapter to the next. I loved the fmc, she had a rough childhood, being a Lovell is hard enough but she chose to help those who her family wronged. She is determined to not be like her family and it made for an incredible character. It’s easy to see the guys all falling for her one page at a time. That ending though. Like What the heck!? I can’t wait to read the next book! It’s also the Perfect book length!
The summary did not do this book justice. I’m so glad I took the chance. I was gripped from the very beginning. The writing created such a natural flow emotions. The multiple POV’s showed such in-depth descriptions of how their minds work. It loops in the entire story in such a way that it flowed perfectly from one chapter to the next. I loved the fmc, she had a rough childhood, being a Lovell is hard enough but she chose to help those who her family wronged. She is determined to not be like her family and it made for an incredible character. It’s easy to see the guys all falling for her one page at a time. That ending though. Like What the heck!? I can’t wait to read the next book! It’s also the Perfect book length!
October 28, 2024
1.75 stars
I usually read KU RH, and only buy those that sound exceptionally interesting to me, or KU I know I would re-read.
The idea behind this book was so promising. I immediately wanted to purchase it after reading a bit of the sample. But once I got into it I was wholly disappointed. The first 50% doesn't read so much like plot as it does like a formula or recipe.
I forced myself to finish it since I purchased it. But, outside of book club reads, no RH should take me over a week to read.
I usually read KU RH, and only buy those that sound exceptionally interesting to me, or KU I know I would re-read.
The idea behind this book was so promising. I immediately wanted to purchase it after reading a bit of the sample. But once I got into it I was wholly disappointed. The first 50% doesn't read so much like plot as it does like a formula or recipe.
I forced myself to finish it since I purchased it. But, outside of book club reads, no RH should take me over a week to read.
July 14, 2023
First of all WOW!!
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
What you’re going to find:
Smut
Witty banter
Forced proximity
Hate to love
Enemies to lovers
Trauma
My thoughts:
I was NOT expecting that ending! I adored the diversity and the spice in this book. I haven’t experienced characters quite like these ones before and I have read a large variety of books. I love the multiple POV’s and I feel like it really allows you to get to know each character. I have already bought the second book and cannot wait to dive in.
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
What you’re going to find:
Smut
Witty banter
Forced proximity
Hate to love
Enemies to lovers
Trauma
My thoughts:
I was NOT expecting that ending! I adored the diversity and the spice in this book. I haven’t experienced characters quite like these ones before and I have read a large variety of books. I love the multiple POV’s and I feel like it really allows you to get to know each character. I have already bought the second book and cannot wait to dive in.
January 27, 2023
This book is SO GOOD! I just didn’t want it to end.
Loved the originality of the story and each character we met along the way. Obviously from the blurb I know this is an ongoing series so I knew we’d have a twist or something there at the end...but I did not expect that😱
Can’t stop recommending it to people! Now i’ll just be over here patiently awaiting the next instalment🥰
Loved the originality of the story and each character we met along the way. Obviously from the blurb I know this is an ongoing series so I knew we’d have a twist or something there at the end...but I did not expect that😱
Can’t stop recommending it to people! Now i’ll just be over here patiently awaiting the next instalment🥰
October 7, 2023
Something different but very good surprise!
Not my normal read but so glad i took the chance! Loved it and can not wait to read the next one! Not sure which character i loved more so WHY CHOOSE!!!!
Not my normal read but so glad i took the chance! Loved it and can not wait to read the next one! Not sure which character i loved more so WHY CHOOSE!!!!
July 14, 2025
I loved Andy's screw you I have nothing to prove to you attitude. Her strength and determination to doing what's right in righting horrors that the "Lovell family" legacy left her with. And the steamy scenes holy hotness!!
August 13, 2022
Pulls you in
This was a fun twist on magic. It pulls you into the story and to each of the characters. Downside.... it ends in a cliffhanger.
This was a fun twist on magic. It pulls you into the story and to each of the characters. Downside.... it ends in a cliffhanger.
October 9, 2023
Yo, when the hell are We getting the second book?!!
April 13, 2025
Of course... typos. It would still be 3 stars without the typos
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June 4, 2025🔴 This is a poly romance, not a RH 🔴
dnf
November 12, 2025Dnf at 43%
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews