Gryphon's Pride

Gesa's Menagerie #1

by Kaye Draper

Alternate cover edition of ASIN B07PQBCX8Z


Not your typical reverse harem...

Gryphon shifter Gesa Lionheart isn’t your typical heroine. Screwed over by her family—a stunningly medieval gryphon clan that is supposed to value loyalty and truth—the former bodyguard sets out on her own to a remote city growing in the Michigan wilderness. With little in the way of life skills outside her clan training, and no one to depend on, she becomes a bounty hunter—chasing down low-level supernatural criminals for the local human police department.

Gesa knew life would be hard outside the clan, but she had no way of predicting just how strange her life would become, all thanks to a beautiful but dangerous male fae and a simple missing person’s case. Now she’s over her head in a world that isn’t what it seems, where humans can almost see the truth, rich supe philanthropists make people disappear with ease, and harem lion prides aren’t just for males….

Gryphon’s Pride is a reverse harem romance novella with an urban fantasy feel. Starts as a medium burn romance in this first book (ie: fewer sex scenes), and increases from there. Suitable for mature readers (and those with a sense of humor) only. If swearing, sex, or talk of past trauma are offensive to you, this might not be your thing.

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.

* 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).

Genres: Reverse Harem, Fantasy, Paranormal, Romance, Shapeshifters, Urban Fantasy, Fae

133 pages, ebook

First published March 25, 2019

About the author

Sometimes 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...

Reviews

[Zen · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars

Not really sure about this series. It has potential, but although I didn't hate it, this first novel didn't really pull me in. I'm going to stick with it for a couple of novels since they are so short to give it a chance to grow.

[AℳY♔Queen of Fat cats♔Ain't no lie Baby Byebyebye]

LOL I shelved everything under 50000 words as novella and yet all these authors have a taxoxomy...novellete, flash fiction, whatever... for me it's just a novella.
This was recommended to me so...

[Michelle Miller · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not very good.

The storyline was very basic and there were no sex scenes just the 'fade to black' kind of thing. So not what I read this genre for, lol. I like a good story with juicy lemons , not whatever this was, because it had none of that.

[Darcy · Rating 1 out of 5]

I made it about 20% before giving this one up. I didn't care for Gesa, she came off as cold and harsh, I was also bored while reading. This one just wasn't for me.

[Coco.V]

🎁 Books 1 -3 in the Series are FREE on Amazon today (2/23/2020)! 🎁

[Chrissy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting Start to An Urban Fantasy Reverse Harem Series

I’ve not read this author before and I decided to take a risk on a book that wasn’t actually in Kindle Unlimited, which is rare for me when I don’t know the author. However, I was really pleased with my purchase. The book itself is a longer length novella, so it didn’t feel like I was being short changed. It was a nice bite sized treat.

The story revolves around Gesa a gryphon who has left her clan and is trying to make it in a human city. Humanity is aware of supernaturals but don’t really ‘see’ them. Gesa is working as Supernatural Bounty Hunter and she is quite inexperienced and undertrained. She is searching for a missing man when she comes into contact with a fae bartender, Oisin. Oisin is also living separate from his clan. Both characters are lonely, and are attracted to each other.

I like how Gesa is a big strapping lethal killing machine. She stands 6’ 3” tall and is muscular. Oisin is much more slightly built and shorter. There is a nice reversal of roles here and Oisin isn’t your usual alpha male. He’s a surprisingly complex and interesting character. He ends up joining with Gesa in her hunt because he likes her, is lonely, bored and fae naturally love to hunt.

I think this series shows great promise and I look forward to treating myself to future books.

[Myth · Rating 4 out of 5]

So this is a short and adult urban fantasy where dudes (including a hot and competent redhead) are falling over themselves for a six foot something nothing but muscle gryphon shapeshifter PI with a spiky exterior and a heart of gold.

Obviously I loved it.

[Natalie H · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn’t read the full blurb so didn’t realise ‘screwed over by her family’ meant rape. It was short, a nice start and interesting. A lot going on with just the two of them. I liked the fae, he was nice and dark. Couldn’t stand the mother or the smug idiot trying to be Gesa’s mate. Curious where this one will go, not on KU though so back on the TBR for now.

[Cinnia Literary Raccoon · Rating 5 out of 5]

To quote Gesa, "Oh, what the hell!"

I don't think I've had so much fun reading a fantasy novella in a looooooong time. Five stars for making me smile and laugh during a really rough couple of days and for the incredibly entertaining characters and plot premise. Also, Gesa and Oisin have such a great character dynamic and they cracked me up but are also terrifyingly Not Human at times, good lord. I can't wait to read more of this series!

(I mean, if I had to nitpick, I'd point out the typos here and there and the somewhat random not-first-person POV chapter midway through the book, but since neither of these things made me enjoy the book less, I stand by my rating.)

[Kit · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read :March 7?, 2021
Rating :4 Stars

I read this and promptly read trough the whole series after so this is a sort of whole series review.
This was good although all the books are pretty short novella length ones, this does not detract from the story since that's a lot of fun.

This is definitely a fast burn but I think it works well here.

I'll do a full review of all the books once I find time.

[Crystal]

DNF at 25%
Nothing really wrong with it, just not feeling the story. Writing is good, no errors.

[Stephanie Martinez · Rating 2 out of 5]

Boring, cheesy, forgettable.

[OneDayI'll · Rating 4 out of 5]

The devil you know

Gesa beat feet from her clan. For a species that prides itself (pun intended) on sniffing out lies, they sure missed the neon arrow she was pointing at the truth. Deciding that being put down like an animal for slaughtering those that had hurt her wasn't how she wanted to live, or not live, her life, she bolted. Even supe blind humans were better than those feather brains. So, a P.I.-ing she will go to make rent and that all important grocery bill. But when her job leads her into the path of an inquisitive far life starts getting a lot more interesting.

Spoilers ahead.
Trigger warnings. Gesa, for all that she's so strong, was raped. Drugged, held down and hurt. It's simply stated, not relived, and she doesn't linger on it. But it is mentioned, and warnings should be posted for readers.
I love that authors are writing about more than the over fetishised tiny women. Yes, I'm 5'1". No, that doesn't mean every female character needs to be written from that POV. I can still empathize with someone who is taller and stronger. And can I say that I love, love, love that Oisin is shorter than her?? I don't understand the stigma attached to tall women dating shorter men. Some stereotypes don't just need to be broken, they need to be smashed. A tall woman doesn't need to be paired with a NBA star, just to make her feel more feminine and delicate. This was, aside from the brief backstory sharing, a fun read. The mystery was discovered quickly, and wrapped up fast. But, then again, it left some threads dangling, too, that maybe we get more of in book 2. I adored the quips and witticisms, the snark and that she wasn't a bully, and he wasn't overly effeminate in his role.

[Vintagebooklvr · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 1/2 stars. A nice start to a reverse harem series. There is plenty of time to get to know both Gesa and Orisin who have great chemistry.

Gesa is a bit of a departure from the usual for a female lead, but no outrageously so. As one reviewer has noted, many female leads I have read lately have been short than the average woman. Gesa, is not. She's 6 feet and muscular, as befitting a bodyguard. She sometimes feels ungainly. Other than that, she's confident, gets down and dirty in her job (not the most glamorous wading through swamps), and doesn't have any major magic abilities other than her shifting.

Orisin is more of a departure for a male lead. He's much shorter than Gesa and looks delicate. He's still confident in himself, his looks and his abilities without being arrogant. Orisin is an all opportunity flirter. He has snark but also a softer side that allows for a few moments of real emotional connection between Gesa and Orisin.

And there is a good story with plot, and action. Even though relatively short, there's a lot packed in here. Welcome to Gesa's Menagerie.

[Heather Gilbert · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great start!!

This is, admittedly, a novella, but it actually feels longer than that. So much action and connection is packed into the plot that it might feel overdone if it was stretched out, though it does leave quite a bit left unsaid. On to book 2!

First person mostly single POV with limited third person, multiple POV.
RH - unsure of ultimate dynamic.
Rating = mature
Character age range = 30+

Pros:
- FMC is over 6 feet tall and muscle bound, totally different from the norm in must genres. Can’t help but love.
- The Fae.
- Details are given, but not overwhelmingly so.

Cons:
- She needs more confidence in her sexuality, not just her ability. But this is a plot point, so not really a con?

[Rahsheen Kidwell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gryphon’s Pride

Short and sweet. I can see myself reading the whole series in a day. What an odd couple to start a harem but whatever floats your boat.

[Devon Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay I am reading the omnibus edition of this series with the first three books crammed together so maybe I don’t notice enough to be annoyed at how short this book is....but, after reading through about half of the version I am reading I feel compelled to leave a review:

I read a LOT of PNR, Alien romance, dark romance, urban fantasy (hundreds of books a year if I’m being honest) and this is so interesting a new in so many ways that my eyes have been glued to the screen for an hour without my even realizing it.

The premise threw me at first because I know RH and usually it’s very heavy with cliche and tropes and, honestly, it’s gotten so boring....but a TALL, muscular woman leading a group? Intriguing....and the author’s note about bending all the rules and writing the stories she wants to write and not going by typical standards was also something I took as a challenge. Those are strong words, but could she live up to them?

So far, yes. I am rooting for this “beautiful beast” of a woman and her little fairy consort. It took a minute for me to reconcile the characters in my mind I’m so accustomed to the typical wailing female and alpha male standards....but now that I have pushed beyond that initial barrier my mind has been opened to something so new and fresh!

I am looking forward to finishing the series and I hope it continues along this path.

My only critiques would be maybe taking more time to flesh out the characters. Such out of the box story telling could really benefit from in depth details and feelings. BUT that would make this story more novel and less fun-quick-read.

Also, might I mention that I love that the sexy scenes leave stuff to the imagination....it isn’t chaste but it isn’t XXX rated, overly detailed porn either. Very refreshing.

[kkissreading · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent start to the series! I’m so excited to start another series by this author - especially a long and completed one! I believe there’s 9 books and some shorts too.
We start right off the bat with great action, and a quick paced story of our leading lady Gesa on the case! I love this character, and the challenge of Gesa being a big strong woman (and a shifter!) as well as a self conscious, sometimes vulnerable woman (rarely, but her squishy side is there!).
We meet our first love interest (of many, I assume, based on the series premise, but our one and only for this book). Oisin is such a fun character! I love him and his snarky personality, and the way that, like Gesa, that attitude is hiding some deep hurt and mystery.
There’s first person perspective from Gesa, and third person perspective for Oisin, which is interesting! I think I like it.
Ooh also, lots of steam, but only a little spice in this book before it fades to black. Having read more by this author, I’m hoping we get more on page spice in the other books, because I know they’re excellent at it! I want more 🌶️s!!
Book 1 wraps our current case, and leaves our characters in an exciting place. No cliffhanger, but I’m so excited to continue right onto the next book!
I would say these are novella style, quicker reads, so be sure to stock up on the series before you start; you’ll want to devour them and have them at the ready!

PS - if you’re interested in the author, read this before the Gods and Demons series, for the best experience. I did it the other way, and while it was okay for those characters, I did spoil some things for myself (like who’s in the group, who had what powers, etc.).

[Sydney · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Resting Murder Face Stars

Gryphon’s Pride is the first installment in the Gesa’s Menagerie series by Kaye Draper.

Ugh! I’m so in love. I very nearly want to give this book less than five for being so annoyingly short, but only because I’m desperate for more Gesa and Oisin in my life. Draper’s disclaimer is what drew me in, and I’m overjoyed to find something so fulfilling in RH.

Gesa left her home, ran from all she ever knew, built an inkling of a life. All to escape their disregard and expectations. To have a mother or a community you trusted dismiss your mistreatment, especially given their truth-seeking powers? Really nailed home her need to leave.

Oisin matches her in this way. Two people running from their homes, in search of a fulfilling and supportive ‘family’ to call their own, away from their oppressive origins. I adore their banter, and personalities. Especially Oisin’s quickly changing disposition, and protectiveness.

Add in Concord? And you can just see the safe space and camaraderie they’re already creating.

So Derek White is already cracking up to be the big bad of her bounty hunting lifestyle. At first I was hopeful he’d join their group, but he does seem devious. Now I’m merely interested in which supe he’s representing. Demon?

[Samantha · Rating 3 out of 5]

The description isn’t really fitting for this. I love love love Gesa and Oisin and the world building seems like it’s gonna be great. I will say though that I was excited for a paranormal RH book but this isn’t one. I’m assuming it happens later in the series but it isn’t in the first book and I wish that was made more clear. It’s also almost entirely fade to black, with one scene involving discussions of rape during it which was a lady boner killer obviously. I personally don’t consider it medium burn or medium spice due to that. It’s also VERY short. It’s a novella so that makes sense but the rest of the series are novellas too apparently. The first book is free though which is obviously awesome but I’m not sure the cost of the rest of the series will be worth it ($5 each plus tax or $32 plus tax for the other 8 digital novellas or $10 each plus tax for paperbacks) when I’m not sure if they’ll all be spicy or RH or what. I may still try buying the second one to see because $5 isn’t a lot but if that isn’t RH or spicy I don’t think I’d read the third.

TL;DR: Great characters and decent world building, very short, mostly fade to black, no RH in the first book, rape discussion during one sex scene, first book free. I would give 3 1/2 stars if I could.

[Taryn Moreau · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this novella so much! It was well-written with a very likable cast of characters and a fun plot.

What really compelled me to give Gryphon's Pride five stars, though, was what a breath of fresh air it was. Sometimes I get so tired of reading about perfect-looking conventionally attractive characters. I loved that Gesa was this tall, well-built Amazon of a woman and her fae lover was short and svelte. I loved that both of them had a combination of masculine of feminine traits. This reader found both of them attractive and all-around interesting characters, and I 1000% ship them.

If I had things my way, everything I read would be bisexual and non-monogamous, but, alas, I live in the real world, so this book was a rare treat. It only establishes the beginning of Gesa's "harem," but I can already tell that it's going to give me some beautifully healthy, legit polyamory, and I am so here for it.

I'm not saying goodbye to dark, toxic alpha males anytime soon, but sometimes I need some goddamned variety, and I have high hopes that Kaye Draper will be one of my go-to authors in that respect.

[J.L. · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author warns in the book description that this is “not your typical reverse harem.” I would also happily argue that this is not a typical romance or typical urban fantasy. With that combination, I was immediately sucked into the world-building, the plot, and the characters.

Gesa is the “strong female character” taken to the extreme, with height and muscles as her defining physical characteristics. However, I appreciate that this does not prevent her from embracing her sexuality. I look forward to seeing how the drama with her family progresses over this series.

Oisin is another traditional fantasy character taken to almost caricature levels — but it works, especially when Draper reveals tidbits of information that set this fae apart from expectations.

This is a novella rather than a novel, but the non-romance plot is thorough and well-executed. The relationship aspect feels like a natural part of the story. I immediately jumped into the next tale in this series, and I’m excited to see where this atypical adventure of all sorts goes.

[Spotted Writer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect Monster Romance

This is the perfect blend of snark, smut, and a genuinely interesting plot.

Tropes include:
Found Family
Beautiful violent Fae
Imperfect relatable Badass FMC
Acceptance of who you are
Sexy Fantasy Smut
Funny, accessible prose

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟/5
As the first in a long series I wasn't expecting a ton of development character wise or plot...and yet there WAS! Gesa at the beginning was so different from Gesa at the end. Still true to her core personality just...more. And the plot was never too slow or too fast. I'd absolutely reread again.

🧚‍♂️🧚‍♂️🧚🧚‍♂️🧚‍♂️/5
The magic and worldbuilding was easy to understand and so interesting. I love when magic is used in the modern world. And this book checked all the boxes for me.

🌶️🌶️/5
The smut was really well written and hot even though there wasnt a ton, I'm OK with that since the book was short. It makes me want the book on that alone.

Absolutely will be picking up book 2!

[Mwanderer79 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've enjoyed this series. I like the character and the fact that the paranormal protagonist is not a werewolf or a vampire. (I like a were wolf over a vampire. If you've ever read Sunshine by Robin Mckinley you'll understand why.) But, who ever heard of a Gryphon shifter? Without being overly dramatic about the properties of a Gryphon, this book has a lot of character involvement. The reverse harem elements are significant but, not raunchy. And each of the characters are unique and yet fill a niche in the group. I recognize that an LGB harem probably isn't for everyone. Another thing I like is that each book has some mystery or other conflict to resolve so it's not all about who love's who or who has this or that angst but, about trying to live life.

[~TheBlasian~ · Rating 3 out of 5]

heroine \\ Gesa Lionheart
harem \\ Oisin

Entertaining, short story with a tough gryphon warrior heroine.

Although this turns into a RH series, this story introduced the first of her "pride", her fey lover Oisin. He was certainly different from the types of males I tend to prefer. While Gesa is over six feet tall and built like the bodyguard she used to be, Oisin is shorter and slim with the beauty of his race. However, he's far from frail with the power and cockiness that comes with being fey. I really enjoyed their banter and the bond they created.

After looking ahead in the series a bit, this series turns into a harem with males and another female. So if that isn't your cup of tea, you may not want to proceed.

[Katie Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kaye warns us in her Author’s Note that these characters are very different and unique, and I gotta say, I LOVED them! Gesa is a powerhouse: super tall, super strong, and super not typical feminine. Oisin is... well, he’s hard to describe. He is slender and fae, and yet totally badass at the same time. He manages to be everything but alpha male and super masculine dude brah at once: he’s lethal, he’s sexy, and he is all about life lived pleasurably. Both of them are breaking the mold of their family traditions, and both have open emotional wounds. This was just an absolute delight to read, and it’s so easy to get lost in the world that Kaye Draper has created.

[Debra Potter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic!!!

I just am so excited for more!! Fantastic book 1, Gesa is a strong MFC w snark and bite and a good heart. Dealt a crappy hand she starts over determined to make her life worth living and follows her own rules and her own heart.

Gesa is a strong character gathering up her own clan of like minded souls... griffin fae and human -- all different but all yearning for a connection. The PI w a heart, she loves the hunt -- and is fierce and protective. Just a fantastic start to her story.
Well written, good storyline, can't wait ro find out more about the mysterious Mr.White.

[another halima]

this was an okay straight to the point urban fanatsy rh. the thing i like about this and the reason i picked it up it rh with diff body types including the main character being above six feet and muscular. most rh harems(lets be real most romance books) do this thing where no matter how tall or big the woman is the man HAS to be bigger, i read one that the women was six foot and the just made the men zeven feet and half T_T. anyway it was refreshing is what im saying. this first book focuses one guy you meet some potential i thin not sure that how uninvolved they are.

already started the second

[Agnieszka · Rating 5 out of 5]

The whole series is very unusual compared to other titles I've read. First of all it's NOT a RH but a menagerie so if you're uncomfortable with m/m and role fluidity do not read it! It definitely stretches limits of what world considers normal and shows that love can take beautiful and more complicated forms. For me Gesa and her family dynamics are very much forefront in the stories and their adventures are just a background to showing their development and formation of their bonds. I would call this series a beautiful love story and categorised it as a uf romance. 💕

[MsRHReviewer · Rating 4 out of 5]

A pretty good start to what's hopefully an amazing series!

I saw in the description of this series that the first book starts off somewhat slow, and gets better as the series goes on.

Considering I haven't yet read the entire series, I'll take her word for it! It's only 88 pages long, so I'd say it's a fair length for an "introduction". I did find it a bit slow, but not bad, but any means. I'm jumping right into book #2, so let's see where it goes from here! :) If Amazon let's me edit this later, I'll try to update it after the series is read!