My King's Seraglio

by Ann T. Ryan

This edition is no longer available.

Tobey Mitchell dreamt of many things but none included being a part of any man's seraglio. That choice was taken away from him when the High King of Naverya, Adam Radcliffe, met Tobey and wanted him for his own. Against Tobey's will, his body and also heart fell prey to the man everyone called High King and the man he simply called Adam. As Tobey becomes Adam's favourite concubine, jealous rivals threaten to tear asunder the love that they have created together.

Genres: M M Romance, Fantasy, Romance, Royalty, M M Fantasy, Gay, Paranormal

94 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 7, 2011

About the author

A bibliophile at heart who loves to make up stories in her mind.
"If there's a book you really want to read, but it hasn't been written yet, then you must write it." ~Toni Morrison

Reviews

[Bookwatcher · Rating 3 out of 5]

Did I enjoy this Mpreg story?

well... I think this book deserve 5 stars, but I can't give more than 3. It's a pity, because I almost find everything I like, all together, in one book!

The plot
Adam, the High King of Naverya will fall in love at first sight for a beautiful (and sometimes wild) man, Tobey. For someone so important as Adam Is impossible to date , so the only way to have Tobey by his site is taking him in his seraglio. Yes, Tobey will be taken as a Concubine, forced but the king.

Ok, if you read some of my reviews you will see I ADORE male pregnancy, slaves, domination and submission, butt plugs, etc.... So I had NO problems will all this aspects of the story

The reason of my 3 stars are:

*Adam is the biggest jerk on earth, when he sleep with other men from his seraglio, just to make Tobey see what he was missing (when Tobey preoccupied with HIS safety tell Adam others from his seraglio were jealous)

*Tobey was a sonofabitch and I hate him at the end because I can understand the fear of more poison. Tobey was scary, trying to protect his son... I can understand it, the fear and the need to protect the unborn son. BUT I CAN'T UNDERTAND WHY THE HELL HE WAS THINKING!!!!!! He could tell Adam, about the second unborn, the twin still alive after the poison, NO??? NO??? No, he, the sonofbitch, run and didn't tell Adam about it! It's such egoist way to deal with a treat! Come on! A little faith in his partner no? Tell him, and ask for HIS help no?. After that fact I read up to the end just to finish the story, but I really hate Tobey, and even if I can try to understand him I just can't.... Adam change a lot, and also change the seraglio, and maybe nothing would happen if Tobey decided to stay in the palace to the birth of his son.... but.... But.... I can't... Tobey was egoist and a sonofabitch.

*the last motive to take one star is the rush. I think (most of all, at the end) the story start to lost the appealing. Everything was rushed, and all the great details in Adam and Tobey life as a couple was lost. With more facts, also little and insignificant the book (in my personal view) would be so much more adorable! An example, they never EVER eat together, had a romantic walk in a garden, take a long and sweet bath... Anything, to add more credibility to their love. I miss that, and I think some more details would just improve this book. The writer certainly is able to do it. The writing is compelling, and it's a page turner book, without doubt... Maybe it's just me, but certainly I miss more details. Maybe I would also understand and "forgive" Tobey after is JERK way to protect the twin of his stillborn son, with more pages about it... About his suffering, for example. I think he would redeem himself if the writer tell the reader more about his angst..
I think the WORST part skipped was the birth. Ok, you, the reader of this review please tell me: in a male pregnancy book, which part you want to read most????? Yep, that is missing... With less rush the writer could tell us about it... Because let's face it, everyone attracted by the Mpreg tag of the story will be disappointed like I was knowing the birth was not that important to be described.

Maybe there will be more, the king has brothers and more could be told about that world. I will read it? Certainly YES, because as I told, I like the writing. I just wish if there will be more the writer will describe more, writing also about little and romantic things I adore so much ... Because this story is a romance, but the romance was too much rushed to get in my heart, and convince me Adam and Tobey are really the best couple I ever read about.

3 stars

[Michael Joseph · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is really a short story, and would have greatly benefited in being developed a lot more. It would make a good novella, as the story line is rather sweet, but the author missed a lot of opportunities to fill in some details that would make this a much richer story. It also felt like some of the details weren't well thought out. It's funny how tiny little details can grate when you read, like character names. If you're going to create an alternate universe where men can get pregnant, put a little more thought into character names too. "Jeff" just doesn't sound right as the name of a chamberlain of a royal court.

[Beck · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm always a bit dubious about m-preg but yet again I was pleasantly surprised ... I loved the sci-fi/fantasy aspect ... I think the whole jealous concubines sub plot was nicely done too ... I loved Tobey & Adam & was well-satisfied with their HEA ... I would happily have read a longer version of this story because I didn't want it to end ... highly recommended.

[Trish · Rating 2 out of 5]

more like 2.5

hmmmm, cannot believe i read this story. the writing was ok. the concept of mpreg is way out there for me. i'm very practical and mpreg to me is just not feasible. (fiction or not i couldn't wrap my brain around it)

I almost didn't finish the story...i decided to pretend Tobey was a female character. In the beginning, his character seemed strong and a bit defiant...then he deflated completely for me. Then came the pregnancy... which only confirmed for me this is not my type of story.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have a soft spot in my heart for mpreg for various reasons. I loved this book not just because it has mpreg but because it also has a king, a snarky boy who you can't help but love, intrigue, a happy ending and so many other little elements that I just adore. Ann Ryan is an amazing author and this is one of my favorite books by her. If you like mpreg, it's a definite book to check out and even if you're not a huge fan but love a good fantasy m/m book, you should check it out!

[Kati · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the first "official" - as in published - mpreg story I've ever read and I enjoyed it very, very much. I was glad that the author didn't get stuck in heaps and piles of unnecessary detail and even though I would've preferred more world-building - what with the story taking place in a fantasy setting - it flowed nicely and I found all the characters more than likable.

[Serena Yates · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set in an undefined alternate world where kings rule the day, and the powerful ones have seraglios, this sweet romance has a few edges, and a male pregnancy as a bonus. The romance between the two main characters is neither ordinary, nor is it easy, but that is what added the slight edginess to the story. Without that, it would have been far less enjoyable to me. There is just enough of an "alien' feel to it to make the society and ways of dealing with life interesting without overwhelming even a 'beginning' sci-fi/fantasy reader. Much is familiar, and that makes the unusual parts stand out even more.

Toby is a man who wants a life, not to become part of a king's seraglio. Unfortunately, he catches Adam's eye and isn’t given much of a choice. Once he makes it to court, the real problems start. Internal politics, jealousy from the other concubines, a former favorite who tried to get back into the king's bed…. And that is only for starters. Toby is strong enough to deal with much of it, but when he advises the king to be careful not to show too much favoritism and to go sleep with other men as well, Adam is so hurt he turns cruel and stop sleeping with Toby altogether.

Adam is a powerful man, but he is very inexperienced in matters of the heart. He also doesn't have the best advisors, so I can understand him making a mistake. But hanging on to it and not apologizing until it is almost too late is just stupid. He definitely has a steep learning curve – but at least he does learn. His attitude once Toby asks for a time out is great, and the way he lets him know he is still loved made up for a lot of the pain. To be honest, they both had a part to play in the "big fight", I think one was as bad as the other. Luckily, they love each other enough to figure their way out of the impasse!

If you like your men a little stubborn, flawed, and in for a learning experience, if you enjoy reading stories set in strange new worlds where even men can get pregnant, and if you're looking for a read that is as sweet as it is hot, then you will probably like this story.




NOTE: This book was provided by Silver Publishing for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.

[Lily · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting concept but the everyday names jarred a bit with the "fantasy" theme for me. The first half or so was well done but it seemed to lose a bit towards the end. Perhaps a longer length would have worked better.

[Moniqee · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is a sweet little story with mpreg thrown into it that keeps you smile at the end of the story.

[Det · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really love mpreg stories! ♥(ˆ⌣ˆԅ)

[Taintedskyee (Books Books&More Books) · Rating 3 out of 5]

A short story which reminded me of once upon time kind of scenario with a arrogant King with multiple queens and one favorite queen story only with a gender change otherwise everything was same.One favorite and other jealous only in this story its Seraglio and not king's quarter another difference,all male concubine
not Queens.Fantasy cause the favorite concubine Tobey Mitchell getting pregnant and to my utter regret still doesn't happen in our world so fantasy it is.A story of jealous less favorite trying to kill the baby and favorite.How Tobey was reluctant first to love the Adam Radcliffe the arrogant/possessive High King but couldn't stop himself.Then he fell for the King and even tried to share him as the King rightfully belonged to the others too....
*Big Yawn*


Oh I don't want to give up the story if you already don't know what happens from your childhood stories.....everyone knows it.
This story...very original...and I am being sarcastic here,come on even kids know this story not male pregnancy though. Shouldn't give them high hopes, even gay couples wont dare to share this story with them giving them false hope and all let them stick with the original common version
So why the 3 star?
1 star for the authors effort,second loved Both the MC's personality. Tobey having lots of fire in him,being so strong and not a whinny bitch. Adam the King being all arrogant/possessive as well as loving.Third star goes to all the fights and hot scenes between the to MC....very cute oh did I mention it had a epilogue.YaY

[Cole Riann · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.75 stars

Not bad, per se, but the story took a lot of short corners, spanning a long period of time and only quickly narrating the naughty bits (which were good!) and the very important plot points.

Tobey wants more in his life than furthering his family's name by becoming a concubine in the King's seraglio, but when King Adam sees him and demands his service, all he can get away with is a grace period of 6 months before he's duty-bound to report for service as the newest of a 16 man harem. Once there, however, his honesty with the King, his good looks, and his natural easiness with the King earn him the favored first concubine position and the King begins to neglect the others' beds. The rest of the seraglio is not happy...

This was still a quick read and though not much to it, it was still pretty enjoyable to read.

[Rachel Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

Despite a few problems I had with this, it was still an interesting book. I really enjoyed some parts, I didn't enjoy others. I think the thing that hurt this book the most was the pacing and how choppy and short some scenes were and then how it would skip ahead to a much later time. I think if the story was a bit more fleshed out, it would have been a stronger read. But, anyway, I thought the set up and concept were very neat, and I would read more from this author.

[Enny · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first half was really good and then it was like the author had lost interest in the story and tried to finish it as quickly as possible.

[M/mromanceaddict · Rating 3 out of 5]

Author Ann Ryan had a pretty good premise but this storyline would have worked much better in a fully-fleshed out novel rather than an extremely short novella.

[Lexi Ander · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very enjoyable. I just wish there was more.

[Bübü · Rating 5 out of 5]

OH GOD that was too cute.

[Shadowsword · Rating 3 out of 5]

Only one hour long. Dont read recaps before. Most of the plot becomes clear in the first few pages with a twist though. Liked the problems in the seraglio, but not the drama at the end. Book would have been better if it would have been longer. Good one-time read.

[Ulaumes · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not a fan of concubine/multiple lover stories, not awful, just not to my taste.

[Dark_Shadow · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was.. ok. Things happened too fast. it was not believable. The characters were flat. Not memorable at all tbh. *shrugs*

[LexiLovesBooks34♡ · Rating 2 out of 5]

Only finished because it was 60 pages.

[Angelica Balderas · Rating 3 out of 5]

It has more potential, but it's a sweet short story

[Nix Buttons · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can't tell you why I liked this story so much, nothing much happens and feelings develop in just a few pages. Still, it was a really nice read, gentle and loving.

[Lucia Rukia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hope it can get longer with more Mpreg scene.

[Lissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's a okay romance but the story is almost the same of Mate of Tsatrya

[♥ D a n n a ♥ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3/5

Con más desarrollo hubiera sido un 5 de 5. Pero es entretenido.

[Bb · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read this book many years ago and reread it. Not sure why. Thought it was a weak story before and it still is. Super quick read but not a great plot.

[❀Laiz❀ · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5⭐

No fue malo, pero simplemente muy corto.
La primera mitad estuvo bien, pero la segunda me dio la impresión de que el autor se estaba quedando sin ideas, e hizo todo muy apresurado... Saltos en el tiempo y huecos en la historia, además de intensos cambios de personalidad en Adam.

[Stella ╰☆╮╰☆╮ · Rating 3 out of 5]

I premise that The King's Seraglio has been my first Mpreg book. I'm a little doubtful about the rating. I really liked the story.
Adam is the High King of Naverya and has a seraglio of male concubines. Tobey had never tought about becoming part of the High king's serraglio but from the first time Adam laid eyes on Tobey, his serraglio is the last thing he can think about. What start as a story of lust quickly develope in love and in a sweet story and after some little problems, the happy ending is garantee.
The plot was good but I think I need to blame the lenght of the book, some scenes were very short and something was missing or too obvious in some part. The only thing that took me by surprise was the happy living twin of the dead one. I was like, really? What was looking at the physician? But ok it is fantasy after all.
I feel I needed more details about everything about this story. I think I'd love a longer version of this story.
Honestly I'm sure I'm not going to reread this book but I'm happy to have read it and I recommend it cause it's a sweet story that will make you smile at the end.

[Harry · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ryan packs a LOT of plot into such a short story. Tobey, in particular, journeys from loathing to reluctance to loving the king and his situation as a concubine. Were there more space, I'd have liked to have seen what happened in the six months the king gave him before arriving at the palace - did he contemplate fleeing, did he decide to submit to save his family, etc. - to heighten the tension. I appreciated the epilogue, but it does refer to the king as Tobey's "husband," which brought up some more questions. It wasn't clear before that marriage was even done in the kingdom, and I'd have liked to have seen Adam arrive at the decision to marry Tobey, despite the fact that Tobey wasn't a royal, etc, etc. Still a good read for something short, with a nice emotional journey along the way.