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Sons of Britain #4
Tempted by Ruin
It’s hard to be a ruthless mercenary when the man who owns your heart won't stop risking his neck…
Gawain has earned his place in Arthur’s small gang of warriors with a bold agility that pays in their secret missions against the Saxons. Capturing the heart of a certain mercenary has been the hawk’s only failure.
“Try again in seven years,” Palahmed said. As if Gawain had nothing better to do than mark the hours. He has plenty of things to do, and waiting for any man—even one as tall, dark, and miserable as Palahmed—isn’t one of them.
Not that he’s above showing the sell-sword what he’s missing.
+
Six and a half years ago, Palahmed threw down the stupidest challenge of his life, and he’s regretted it every day since. He wasn’t wrong to do it; his history with younger men has been a disastrous journey, pierced through with guilt and shame.
And Gawain is young—and cocksure and beautiful and entirely infuriating. Every time the hawk slips into enemy territory, Palahmed must shore up his inner defenses or lose his mind to worry.
But every stronghold has a weak point.
+
When an unexpected mission threatens to set Gawain on a collision course with the brutal father he escaped, Palahmed can’t help but swear his sword to back him. Gawain must agree or appear a coward, even as Palahmed braces himself to get closer than ever to the one man who could bring his fortress crashing down.
Amid the cold, harsh beauty of Britain’s far north, the two will have to face the truth unspoken between them, or neither will survive to tell the tale.
+
age gap, brooding older hero, forced proximity
Content violence (physical & verbal), animal cruelty (attempted drowning), an intimate situation involving an adolescent and an adult (witnessed by a main character), murder, attempted murder, and killing in self-defense
Gawain has earned his place in Arthur’s small gang of warriors with a bold agility that pays in their secret missions against the Saxons. Capturing the heart of a certain mercenary has been the hawk’s only failure.
“Try again in seven years,” Palahmed said. As if Gawain had nothing better to do than mark the hours. He has plenty of things to do, and waiting for any man—even one as tall, dark, and miserable as Palahmed—isn’t one of them.
Not that he’s above showing the sell-sword what he’s missing.
+
Six and a half years ago, Palahmed threw down the stupidest challenge of his life, and he’s regretted it every day since. He wasn’t wrong to do it; his history with younger men has been a disastrous journey, pierced through with guilt and shame.
And Gawain is young—and cocksure and beautiful and entirely infuriating. Every time the hawk slips into enemy territory, Palahmed must shore up his inner defenses or lose his mind to worry.
But every stronghold has a weak point.
+
When an unexpected mission threatens to set Gawain on a collision course with the brutal father he escaped, Palahmed can’t help but swear his sword to back him. Gawain must agree or appear a coward, even as Palahmed braces himself to get closer than ever to the one man who could bring his fortress crashing down.
Amid the cold, harsh beauty of Britain’s far north, the two will have to face the truth unspoken between them, or neither will survive to tell the tale.
+
age gap, brooding older hero, forced proximity
Content violence (physical & verbal), animal cruelty (attempted drowning), an intimate situation involving an adolescent and an adult (witnessed by a main character), murder, attempted murder, and killing in self-defense
217 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 7, 2019
82 people are currently reading
369 people want to read
About the author
Mia West
49 books188 followersEpic romance, two heroes at a time! My story universe features warriors and blacksmiths, rescue swimmers and hockey players, treasure hunters and time travelers, and quite a few shifters. My favorite kind of hero: a grumpy f*cker who’ll do anything for the man he loves.
Read my entire universe free on AO3!
Novel-length ebooks are free on wide vendors.
Happy reading :)
~ Mia
Read my entire universe free on AO3!
Novel-length ebooks are free on wide vendors.
Happy reading :)
~ Mia
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
June 9, 2022
There’s no shortage of couples to fall in love with in this amazing series! ❤️ Gawain and Palahmed were great together, and the mutual pining was really well done. Some parts of this book were a bit slower, others a little rushed, but I still enjoyed it very much. Some things are universal: Lot is such a bastard in every Arthurian retelling, and Morgawse the real power behind the throne. Wouldn’t mind reading a bit more about those two.
On to Safir’s book!
On to Safir’s book!
February 12, 2022
The world building and cast is amazing!
Love how magic makes its way slowly. There were hints about it all since Wolf’s and Marcus’ story 🤭
I NEED Uthyr story right now! But reading about Cai in the meantime will work too.❤️
The main romance here was a little rushed to me. But the series storyline keeps being awesome. A love the whole cast!
Love how magic makes its way slowly. There were hints about it all since Wolf’s and Marcus’ story 🤭
I NEED Uthyr story right now! But reading about Cai in the meantime will work too.❤️
The main romance here was a little rushed to me. But the series storyline keeps being awesome. A love the whole cast!
November 26, 2022
For the purposes of this review, I'm going to need to use Tristan and Galahad gifs to express myself because Dancy looks exactly like Gawain does in my head.
Mads unfortunately does not look like Palahmed, but it's happening, I can't stop it, so here we go:
THEM:
THEM:
THEMMMMMM:
For the foreseeable future I'll be scream/sobbing PALAHMEDDDDDD, GAWAINNNNNN, MY LOVESSSSSSS into the void.
Because I love them, they're adorable, and their pupper child is endorphining the shit out of my brain.
...
WHY ISN'T THIS SERIES TALKED ABOUT MORE?!
Screw making more Game of Thrones, let's make this into a tv show!
Mads unfortunately does not look like Palahmed, but it's happening, I can't stop it, so here we go:
THEM:
THEM:
THEMMMMMM:
For the foreseeable future I'll be scream/sobbing PALAHMEDDDDDD, GAWAINNNNNN, MY LOVESSSSSSS into the void.
Because I love them, they're adorable, and their pupper child is endorphining the shit out of my brain.
...
WHY ISN'T THIS SERIES TALKED ABOUT MORE?!
Screw making more Game of Thrones, let's make this into a tv show!
May 12, 2020
Lagged a little in the middle. 4 stars.
May 16, 2021
Now that I think about it.. it’s just 2 stars.
September 25, 2025
Very readable series. I am taking a pause since the next couple have shifters and I can’t follow the author there. The last book isn’t finished so I’ll wait to return until it’s available. An NC-17 rendition of Arthurian legend with lots of queer representation. I only give these three stars because they are lacking in enough substance to keep me engaged.
August 2, 2021
me immediately after finishing reading this book: FUCKING MASTERPIECE. IM SPEECHLESS.
easily one of my best reads of 2021. the angst, the 7 years of pinning and longing. plus a cute pup and a damned family. how can I not cry reading Tempted by Ruin????
this series is amazing and with each pair it keeps getting better and better.
easily one of my best reads of 2021. the angst, the 7 years of pinning and longing. plus a cute pup and a damned family. how can I not cry reading Tempted by Ruin????
this series is amazing and with each pair it keeps getting better and better.
Want to read
February 8, 2022🎁 FREE on Amazon today (2/8/2022)! 🎁
February 23, 2022
I liked it for the most part. I was pretty much hooked on the story telling and that had a lot to do w/ the well-written pining on Gawain's part. I had a harder time connecting w/ Palahmed's longing for Gawain, his guilt over whatever he saw as a 17 year old (spoiler so won't share). I feel like the actual conflict in the story wasn't all that well done - why did Gawain run away again? I didn't understand. I didn't connect w/ Gawain's need to stay w/ his family towards the end and then... "I have been here for 3 days already" (or something like that part...) I feel like the author maybe ran out of ideas for conflict or got tired and lazy (sorry, I know it's harsh.) It felt like Gawain was punishing Palahmed for no reason and Palahmed forgave him far too easily given I didn't really connect w/ his desire of Gawain.
However, some of the dialogue is so fucking on point though, I had to read some scenes over and over again.
I didn't read the first 3 in the series so I was slightly confused by some of the side characters (who were main characters in other books). But I did enjoy Arthur and Bed's POV as well. I liked the world-building and how it was really well done.
I would highly recommend this book.
Another reason for 4 stars and not 5: I didn't think the author can write folks of color (aka middle-eastern decent/north african aka Palahmed and Safir) very well. It felt quite exoticized and as a POC myself, it felt off to me.
However, some of the dialogue is so fucking on point though, I had to read some scenes over and over again.
I didn't read the first 3 in the series so I was slightly confused by some of the side characters (who were main characters in other books). But I did enjoy Arthur and Bed's POV as well. I liked the world-building and how it was really well done.
I would highly recommend this book.
Another reason for 4 stars and not 5: I didn't think the author can write folks of color (aka middle-eastern decent/north african aka Palahmed and Safir) very well. It felt quite exoticized and as a POC myself, it felt off to me.
February 14, 2022
Actual Rating:
3.5 stars
I liked a Kobo freebie!
I know it sounds insane but it finally happened, after years of sleepless nights and terrible books and rant reviews, I finally found one I genuinely enjoyed, and not in a "it's so bad it's good" kind of way.
Before I start my review let me first say I'm an idiot, because this is the FOURTH book in the series and I didn't notice that (despite the giant 4 in the cover) until I was more than halfway through it, by then I was already committed so I just finished it.
However, to this book's credit, minus not getting a few things here and there I wasn't really bothered by the fact that I didn't read the previous books. The story stands on its own very well and I could tell it was still related to the rest of the story.
Tempted by Ruin is book 4 in a retelling of the Arthurian legend, where it explores each character's love story. This one follows Palahmed and Gawain.
It was a very interesting story, there's quite a lot of angst and it's very slow-burn, I mean the characters have been pinning for each other for 7 years for god's sake!
The writing was very light and yet still felt appropriate to the setting of the book, it felt time-appropriate but I could understand it, which was great.
Overall this was an enjoyable read and I may pick up the rest of the series (in the right order this time) in the future.
I liked a Kobo freebie!
I know it sounds insane but it finally happened, after years of sleepless nights and terrible books and rant reviews, I finally found one I genuinely enjoyed, and not in a "it's so bad it's good" kind of way.
Before I start my review let me first say I'm an idiot, because this is the FOURTH book in the series and I didn't notice that (despite the giant 4 in the cover) until I was more than halfway through it, by then I was already committed so I just finished it.
However, to this book's credit, minus not getting a few things here and there I wasn't really bothered by the fact that I didn't read the previous books. The story stands on its own very well and I could tell it was still related to the rest of the story.
Tempted by Ruin is book 4 in a retelling of the Arthurian legend, where it explores each character's love story. This one follows Palahmed and Gawain.
It was a very interesting story, there's quite a lot of angst and it's very slow-burn, I mean the characters have been pinning for each other for 7 years for god's sake!
The writing was very light and yet still felt appropriate to the setting of the book, it felt time-appropriate but I could understand it, which was great.
Overall this was an enjoyable read and I may pick up the rest of the series (in the right order this time) in the future.
February 6, 2023
So I need to make this clear this is a series that most definitely needs to be read in chronological order. I think I’d you picked it up in book 3 or 4 it would be really tricky to pick up the minutiae of this storyline.
This instalment was seven years (in the book ) in the naming as Gawain had expressed his interest in Palahmed in book 3 only to be put off for 7 years. Palahmed had ALOT going on and he wanted Gawain to be certain about the choice he was making.
This book was much more effective in giving more of the history of each of the main characters - it helped they were going back to Gawain’s homeland, so we knew more about his experiences. The books sheds a new light on the motivations of his brother which was a nice subtle twist int he tale.
Arthur and Bedwyr are still fairly central. And Hwen and Elain make an appearance as well as planting the seeds for the discussion with their boys as they grow about their origins (parentage).
This book was a little slower in the relationship front compared to Arthur and Bedwyr’s story and perhaps not quite as steamy, but I appreciated the intricacies of this one more.
This instalment was seven years (in the book ) in the naming as Gawain had expressed his interest in Palahmed in book 3 only to be put off for 7 years. Palahmed had ALOT going on and he wanted Gawain to be certain about the choice he was making.
This book was much more effective in giving more of the history of each of the main characters - it helped they were going back to Gawain’s homeland, so we knew more about his experiences. The books sheds a new light on the motivations of his brother which was a nice subtle twist int he tale.
Arthur and Bedwyr are still fairly central. And Hwen and Elain make an appearance as well as planting the seeds for the discussion with their boys as they grow about their origins (parentage).
This book was a little slower in the relationship front compared to Arthur and Bedwyr’s story and perhaps not quite as steamy, but I appreciated the intricacies of this one more.
August 14, 2023
This is another very enjoyable book in the Sons of Britain series. In this book, the story includes Bedwyr, Arthur, and other characters we've met before, but the main emphasis is on the continuing tale of Gawain and Palahmed. Over six years have passed since Palahmed rejected Gawain's interest in him, advising him to wait seven years and ask again. Gawain's attraction to Palahmed has only increased. Palahmed, however, is locked down and giving no encouragement, although glimmers of his requited feeling sometimes make an appearance.
Now, both men are sent on a mission with Arthur and Bedwyr to journey up north to Gawain's childhood home. Gawain does not relish the return, as his father is an extremely cruel man. As time goes by, the two draw closer, flirting with the truth. Palahmed is still hiding a secret about his past and Gawain has his own sad tales. Can these two find a future together, when so much is unspoken? This book has adventure, strategy, frustration, passion, and a true love. Read the series in order to maximize enjoyment.
Now, both men are sent on a mission with Arthur and Bedwyr to journey up north to Gawain's childhood home. Gawain does not relish the return, as his father is an extremely cruel man. As time goes by, the two draw closer, flirting with the truth. Palahmed is still hiding a secret about his past and Gawain has his own sad tales. Can these two find a future together, when so much is unspoken? This book has adventure, strategy, frustration, passion, and a true love. Read the series in order to maximize enjoyment.
March 11, 2024
This is the story of Gawain finding his love, the Saracen Palahmed, even though they had been fighting together for seven years.
Following intel that Gawain's father Lot was going to make a deal with the Saxons, Arthur, Bedwyr, Gawain, and Palahmed head to the Northmen's home to try to talk him out of an alliance with the enemy.
Along the way, Palahmed and Gawain begin their romance only to be manipulated by Morganes, Bedwyr's Aunt and Gawain's mother into a trap that could get Gawain killed.
A bit of intrigue, danger, love, misunderstandings cleared, and death, this is a tale to remember.
Following intel that Gawain's father Lot was going to make a deal with the Saxons, Arthur, Bedwyr, Gawain, and Palahmed head to the Northmen's home to try to talk him out of an alliance with the enemy.
Along the way, Palahmed and Gawain begin their romance only to be manipulated by Morganes, Bedwyr's Aunt and Gawain's mother into a trap that could get Gawain killed.
A bit of intrigue, danger, love, misunderstandings cleared, and death, this is a tale to remember.
March 3, 2022
Sins of a Father
Gawain, Palahmed, Arthur and Bedwyr were sent on a mission to talk to someone Gawain had thought he'd left behind, his father. Rumors of the Saxon making a deal with his father made him agree to go. His feelings for Palahmed and vice versa was undeniable. Gawain's father was a cruel man, he would kill anyone that got in his way. Gawain and Palahmed journey was bound to end in someone getting hurt.
Gawain, Palahmed, Arthur and Bedwyr were sent on a mission to talk to someone Gawain had thought he'd left behind, his father. Rumors of the Saxon making a deal with his father made him agree to go. His feelings for Palahmed and vice versa was undeniable. Gawain's father was a cruel man, he would kill anyone that got in his way. Gawain and Palahmed journey was bound to end in someone getting hurt.
May 13, 2022
Palamhed
Love found, love ? lost. A son of the north meets and loves a man of the south. This is the fourth book in the series, it can be read as a stand alone story with a HEA ending, but their are several buds that might flower into their own stories. This is Not a given, nor does it detract from this story. I would recommend reading the series in order to get the most from the larger story. I liked it very much.
Love found, love ? lost. A son of the north meets and loves a man of the south. This is the fourth book in the series, it can be read as a stand alone story with a HEA ending, but their are several buds that might flower into their own stories. This is Not a given, nor does it detract from this story. I would recommend reading the series in order to get the most from the larger story. I liked it very much.
November 3, 2020
B- This is the queering / reimagining of some characters from the Arthurian legends that I’m less familiar with - Gawain and Palamedes.
Not quite as good as my favorites in this series (books 1 & 3) but still enjoyable.
Not quite as good as my favorites in this series (books 1 & 3) but still enjoyable.
February 22, 2022
Beautiful writing
Imaginative use of familiar Arthurian characters. The plot twist is somewhat predictable, but the character development is so smooth that it doesn't matter. A very enjoyable read.
Imaginative use of familiar Arthurian characters. The plot twist is somewhat predictable, but the character development is so smooth that it doesn't matter. A very enjoyable read.
April 13, 2024
Another couple that I couldn't help cheer for. Gawain and Palahmed are just so cute together!! They are so wholesome, and I just couldn't get enough of them.
This series has been a surprise to me, which I have loved
This series has been a surprise to me, which I have loved
Read
March 24, 2021great read, accessible yet in the spirit of the time. more time spent on the unrequited relationship than danger/plot.
March 7, 2022
Good :)
I definitely recommend this book. As with the entire series so far, it's plot is gripping and has enough depth to make the characters real.
I definitely recommend this book. As with the entire series so far, it's plot is gripping and has enough depth to make the characters real.
April 18, 2022
Gawain is lovely.
July 31, 2022
I don’t know how it is possible for me to fall in love with yet another couple! I truly loved being on this journey and it was so thoughtfully written. This series is so good!!
November 8, 2022
This was very good. It had lots of action. Battles to be sure and kind of gory description but that I expected in this kind of book where battles are common. Highly recommend.
April 4, 2024
This was decent, I’m enjoying the continuation of the storyline.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews