Riding the Centaur Lord - Evangeline Priest

 

I love a bit of regency romance. My first human crush was Mr Darcy in the 1995 BBC adaptation of Pride and Prejudice, so imagine my joy when I found there was a monster romance with the same vibes I had to give it a try. I had read Priest’s contribution to the Monster’s Ball series beforehand and thoroughly enjoyed it, so was expecting the same with “Riding the Centaur Lord”. 

While not set within the realms of nobility, quick wit and gorgeous outfits, this book still has the charm and flavour of the era. Our centaur Lord, having to leave the Monster’s Ball without making a match due to a family emergency stops at an inn on the way to rest, the innkeeper's daughter catches his eye and his heart. Throw in some nefarious characters, some threats to virtue, attempted kidnappings, successful kidnappings, watery pasts and a commoner who can be a better Lady to the people than those born to the role. 

The spice level was higher than I expected,but not necessarily fun. A lot of riding jokes to be sure and a very interesting saddle contraption. Anahera, our innkeeper's daughter, has to practice before she can take her centaur Lord so there’s quite a bit of toy play. It did concern me that she was using what was essentially a dilator, wearing it all day every day in order to “stretch”. This is incredibly bad advice, can lead to some pretty nasty scenarios and just plain uncomfortable, regardless of how desperate one is to get utterly destroyed by an equine lover. 

Obviously influenced by Bridgerton with the gossip columns that absolutely everyone reads, everyone apparently knows everyone in this fantasy regency world, I see what the author is trying to achieve, but I will admit to things being a little messy. It would have benefited from tightening things up, especially with timelines. I found having to read some parts a couple of times and still be none the wiser, putting it down to just a mistake in the book. I was also looking forward to the fact that Kadeus (centaur) was a Scottish lord, being Scottish myself and you know we love the representation but barring mention of heather and everything being tartan, it could have been anywhere. Not a wild haggis or Irn Bru spring in sight. 

Despite my complaints I still liked it, it was a fun read but I was frustrated that, with a little work, it could have been so much better. Mistakes were plentiful, but the characters were solid enough to carry the story, and the interest in it. I can’t honestly say I would bother with it, the dangerous (and not in a good way) sexual practices put me off very quickly, size differences can be possible and the “practice” could have been done in a much safer way, which would have taken longer yes, but since the author mixes up her weeks and months anyway, would it have mattered?