The Horse Mistress: Book 1 — R.A. Steffan

Through hard work and determination, Carivel has carved out a reasonably successful life as assistant to the Horse Master in the Bronze Age village of Draebard. Unfortunately, Carivel also harbors a scandalous, destructive secret which could bring everything crashing down in tiny, broken pieces at any time… and that's completely separate from the hopeless romantic infatuation with two utterly unattainable people.

On further reflection, Carivel's life is actually a bit of a mess.

Senovo struggles to keep a lid on his “furry little problem” almost every night. Being a shapeshifter is a challenge he never asked for or wanted, any more than he wanted to be castrated and made into a eunuch after his parents sold him to the Priests' Guild as a child.

Andoc, First Warrior of Draebard, firmly believes that most problems can be solved by the liberal application of a) natural charm, b) good food, and c) really great sex. Or, failing that, by banging heads together until the parties involved see sense. Now, however, the Alyrion Empire is invading, and the village chief wants him to travel to the rival Mereni tribe with Carivel and Senovo to negotiate a defense treaty.

It's an easy two-day journey there and back, punctuated by a couple of ritual challenges and some boring diplomatic talks.

What could possibly go wrong?

Author's note: This book contains descriptions of graphic sex, including sex between men, sex with multiple partners (MMF), and elements of consensual BDSM. Additionally, it deals with issues of gender identity and gender fluidity. It is intended for a mature audience.