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Wed to the Barbarian

Barbarian Duet, Book 1

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Wed to the Barbarian

By: Keira Andrews
Narrated by: Michael Ferraiuolo
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Summary

Will an innocent prince forced into marriage choose passion?

Sheltered in the palace with his books, Jem’s life is peaceful. Even if he’s lonely and yearning for romance, the big, strong men he wants don’t crave small, timid princes.

Then he’s forced to marry a mysterious barbarian.

Jem must do his duty—even if it means being stuck with Cador, a brute who dismisses him as weak. Even if it means a fake marriage in name only for the sake of their homelands. Even if he must leave behind everything and everyone to journey to a forbidding island of ice and stone.

Even if there’s only one bed.

Alone with this wild—yet tender?—man, Jem discovers desire that burns hotter than he ever imagined. Can two strangers learn to trust, or will dangerous lies tear them apart?

Wed to the Barbarian by Keira Andrews is a gay romance fantasy featuring enemies to lovers, an age gap, forced proximity, first times, and of course a happy ending (eventually). This is the first action-adventure romance in the Barbarian Duet and must be read before The Barbarian’s Vow.

©2021 Keira Andrews (P)2025 KA Books Fantasy Literature & Fiction Romance Royalty
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The Barbarian's Vow cover art
The Barbarian's Vow By: Keira Andrews
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This is one of my favorite books ever! I have lost the count of how many time I have read and reread this wonderful story about a forced marriage that finished in one of the best love stories I read this year. Jem and Cador complemented each other in a perfect way, they were meant to be together in spite all the intrigue, lies and hate. Even if the story broke my heart and made me cry a lot, it was also an amazing tale full of intense emotions, desperation and above all love. It was a delight hearing how Mr. Ferraiuolo captured all the feelings and intensity in a wonderful narration with his smooth voice and great acting skills. An enjoyable book in any format! Loved it so much!

A favorite of mine!

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Listener received this title free

There were moments I was grinning and laughing like a loon. I adored Jem and his x rated, vivid imagination. He surprised me at every turn; becoming more confident and bolder.

Cador was harsh and mean towards Jem. Did Cador redeem himself? Will their relationship survive Cador’s ultimate betrayal?

Can’t wait to see what happens next. Ends in a cliffhanger so be warned.

Narrator’s performance was fantastic.

Ends in a cliffhanger

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This was an enjoyable listen, and I look forward to the next one in the series.

Enjoyable listen

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I over looked that this is the first part of a duel which is something I normally don’t do unless I have my hands on the whole story.
The author does a great job of describing the scenery and characters. Jem has led a sheltered life mostly spent with his aviary nursing wounded birds or he is entirely focused on his books. He doesn’t really fit in with his siblings because he is a small protected guy while they are more the guy’s guy. Then he is to wed Cador a total barbarian.
Cador life is totally different than Jem’s so when he is faced with caring for his husband he does a poor job of it. He is rough and not trying to make anything of this relationship. Then he finds Jem is tougher than he looks. He also finds himself being attracted to Jem.
There is a underlying story to the marriage. What all it involves is horrible for Jem but somehow things seem to work themselves out. It is in the middle of this solving the problems that ends the book. I have not read/listened to the second half of this story yet. I feel the narration by Michael Ferraiuolo made the characters visible. His portrayal of Jem is perfect and then his ability to completely change into Cador and others smoothly made me feel like it were actually different people talking.

Opposites

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Listener received this title free

I have really two reviews for this audiobook. The first half was a 5 hour exercise in ridicule, mocking and degradation that I found unpleasant to listen to. I understand the point was to show how little the barbarians thought of Jem (and pretty much the rest of the world), but that point came across quickly. It didn't need to go on and on for half of the story. It was slow and boring and I almost stopped listening several times. After the boat reached Cador's homeland, however, the pace and action picked up and the story became compelling. It's a story of finding one's way alone in an unfamiliar land amidst secrets, schemes, and betrayal. I loved the way Jem learned, grew, and adapted to his new environment, becoming less of a victim. I especially appreciated the way he took control in the end and withheld his forgiveness. Trust betrayed should not be easily overlooked, and it wasn't. So for me, the first half merits two stars, while I would give the second half 5 stars. Still, taken as a whole, I thought it was interesting and worth 4 stars.

This ends in a cliffhanger, which I wasn't aware of when I requested it, but it ended in a good place for me. An eventual HEA has been promised, and I am looking forward to seeing the ultimate end, but I hope there is some massive groveling and atonement, or I will be severely disappointed.

The narration was good, but I am more used to hearing Michael Ferraiuolo voice lighter, funnier stories, so it just seemed a bit jarring to me. That's all on me and my expectations, not the narration. I confess that the rather cheesy cover made me think this would be a comedy. It's really not. It's a serious story with hardship, illness of children, death, and threats of maiming. Their are some funny bits and thoughts, but mostly it's quite serious,

I received a free copy of this audiobook via Gay Romance Reviews and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.

Mixed feelings and split decision

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