Prize of the Warlord

Dark Rulers #3

by Rebecca F. Kenney

When Ixiana is kidnapped from her family's fortress by a brutal warlord, she fears physical harm of the worst kind. But the warlord is after a ransom, something to change the fate of his people. Ixiana is simply a means to an end--an annoying captive whose weakness frustrates him. When he starts teaching her to fight, it's painful for both of them--until their mutual anger and frustration ignites a new kind of fire.

This adult romance has mild-to-medium heat and spice, with dark themes.

Trigger warnings and content warnings can be found on the author's website or in the front matter of the book.

Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Enemies To Lovers, Romantasy, Fantasy Romance, Dark Romance, Spicy

375 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 1, 2023

About the author

Rebecca F. Kenney writes spicy fantasy romance about sassy, strong women and hot guys with tragic backstories... pirates, warlords, demons, Fae, and royals. Her main series are the "Wicked Darlings" series (spicy Fae retellings of the Nutcracker, Wonderland, and Oz), the "Dark Rulers" series (standalones in a shared world), and the "For the Love of the Villain" series of genderbent fairytales. Other books include a post-apocalyptic vampire romance trilogy ("The Vampires Will Save You"), a demon romance "Interior Design for Demons," a dark mermaid fantasy duet, and other spicy retellings.

Rebecca is represented by Eva Scalzo of Speilburg Literary. She lives in upstate South Carolina with her handsome blue-eyed husband and two smart, energetic kids.

For updates and information about upcoming novels, follow on Instagram @rebeccafkenneybooks, on Twitter @RebeccaFKenney1, and on TikTok @rebeccafkenney

Reviews

[Koisty · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Jäkel Stars ⭐️

Thanks to my Lila Darling ❤️ I’ve definitely followed that white rabbit and fallen down to Rebecca F. Kenney's Wonderland! This is the third book in the Dark Rulers series, and what I love about it is that she has maintained the easy readability of her writing but does manage to bring a unique voice and feel to each story that they feel surprisingly different even though they are all set in the same universe.

Whilst not explicitly stated you can feel the Norse/Scandinavian influences, the plot takes place in mostly snow-covered wintery wastelands and the Warlord and Warband remind me of "Thor Look-alike Vikings" with their braids and long blond hair and muscley muscles!

This story follows our weak sickly "little mouse" Ixiana, who is kidnapped by Cronan the Barbarian mighty Warlord. He intends to ransom her to her father and fiance (the third Prince) Havil to change the fate of his clan and lessen their struggles. Ixiana is an annoying captive and as a "punishment," the warlord teaches her how to fight and defend herself, but then things start getting tricky as they start to hear each other's voices in their dreams.

Whilst I did enjoy this it didn't grip me as much as the Captive of the Pirate King.
- This book feels more serious and not as "light-hearted."
- Its plot seemed a little weak and was wrapped up too easily. It's a journey "there" and then two days later, it's a journey "back".
- The characters didn't have too much depth to them and almost the only thing that made Ixiana interesting is that she has some form of asthma and possibly IBS. Cronan, I know hardly anything about and I just read a whole book about him. In my mind, I see him as a caveman with all his grunting, little dialogue and hair-pulling. The next book is from his POV so I guess maybe that will unravel the enigma of his character more.
- The relationship was too convenient, due to the soul bond explaining their instantaneous attraction and love and almost too quick to the "falling part".
- The book is light on the smut and we only get a few brief scenes sprinkled in and one decent scene at the end, "mild to medium" was mentioned in the blurb and it's the perfect description. It was hinted that there might be slight BDSM in their future but none of this is explicit on the page - but Ixiana didn't particularly mind being manacled and crawling to him on her knees.
- The world-building and magic were one of the best parts of this book but it was hardly explored except for a few action scenes...and so I am left with an ache of wanting more.

Overall this was enjoyable, but not something I'd obsess over or reread. If you want a quick "escapism" story with some Viking influences, I don't think you would regret picking this up! It gave me my trope candy of Enemies to Lovers, One Horse and One Bed.... So I was happy 😊

[❁ lilyreadsromance ❁ · Rating 2 out of 5]

Woof. This book reads like a first draft of something.

It feels disjointed, which might be because it was originally a part of Kindle Vella, so the writings left much to be desired. Also, it was very boring despite the kidnapped-and-on-the-road trope that I really like in fantasy romance. How did you make this trope so unbearably boring?

The characters were also dull. The chemistry was janky and sudden. We didn't explore much of the world and the thing with the 'voice in the ether' plot. It was just not as interesting as I thought it would be. Which sucks.

[maga · Rating 2 out of 5]

no tengo ni idea de lo que acabo de leer

[Averie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ixiana is kidnapped from her family home by a rival warlord named Cronan. He kidnaps her in hopes of ransoming her to get his land back from her father. While waiting for negotiations, Ixiana is the warlord's captive. She has to stay with him, gets to know his people, and is even chained to his bed. But what happens when Ixiana realizes she wants to stay with the man who kidnapped her?

I really enjoyed this one! I love a good captor-captie story so this was fun. This book used to be on Kindle Vella, so the chapters are pretty short. I love short chapters, so that was perfect for me.

I loved the representation in this book! Ixiana has asthma and tummy problems so I really related to her. I loved seeing this type of representation in a fantasy book!!!

MEMORABLE QUOTES:
"I fight every day of my life. I fight harder than everyone else just to seem normal, because my body is always battling me."

REP: (it never explicitly stated since it is a fantasy book) dairy allergy, IBS, asthma

TROPES: barbarians, captor-captive, chronic illness rep, fantasy romance, fated mates, forbidden, rivals to lovers, he brushes her hair 🙈, kidnapping, KU, possessive hero

[vi.isreading]

these are published wattpad books. why do i keep reading these.

[Lyra (Cardan's tail's version) · Rating 3 out of 5]

RTC

[Tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This is the kind of book I crave. 😍

✨Strong Warrior MMC
✨Beautiful Maiden FMC
✨Fantasy Kingdom Realm (much like VIKINGS)
✨ICY Winter Landscape ❄️
✨Kidnapped / Captive + Captor Romance 🔥
✨Enemies To Lovers
✨Forbidden Romance
✨Witty Banter
✨Yearning
✨One Horse / One Bed / One Tent
✨Kingdom Political Drama
✨SPICY 🌶️
✨HEA
✨LGBTQ+ Representation
✨Health Representation

All the vibes. ♥️
This book is giving Norse / Vikings vibes without actual historical Vikings. It’s not a historical read at all. Just pure Romantasy. Simply a made up fantasy realm. But the vibe of the story is 100% Vikings inspiration with the landscape being the “northern” territory of snow + ice, as they travel through a frozen forest. ❄️ All the male warriors being clad in furs with long icy blonde hair, tied up in braids with bones weaved into their hair. There are even lodges with runes carved into the wood. The entire story felt very Scandinavian folklore- but a magical fairytale.

FMC Maiden Ixiana is kidnapped by MMC Warlord Cronan. He is described to look much like a typical Viking man, with his golden blonde hair tied in braids with bones weaved into them. He kidnaps her not only in revenge against the Southern lands- but in hopes that he can bargain her out to her rich family and make a deal so that his northern people can move more south and thrive again. It was her ancestors that stripped his people of their lands + homes.. forcing his people to live in a winter wasteland far north. He has lost a sibling and a mother. He has seen his people starve + die of disease. They fight against winter magical creatures that lurk in the shadows of the icy forest. He’s sick and tired of living this way- and it’s his duty as Warlord to provide a better life for his people.

FMC Ixiana is struggling to even live inside the pampered walls of her castle. She is often ill- having a lung + breathing issue (Asthma?) and has to have a special diet. Her siblings are all trained to be warriors- while she is simply trying to live day to day. Ixiana is kidnapped and forced to be on a journey across the rugged wilderness with a rugged man and learn to survive the harshness of the world outside her castle.

The couple instantly has witty banter- as she fights the Warlord the entire way. She desperately wants to go home- but that feeling fades the further north she goes.

I was INSTANTLY HOOKED. This is such smooth easy binge worthy writing. I just flew through it.

I mainly read vintage historical romances- and Vikings are always a YES for me. I find it all super attractive- the primal, animalistic spicy scenes + masculine men trekking through the wilderness. And a maiden out of place, forced to survive and the forced proximity of traveling on horseback with this savage warrior, and share his bed inside his tent during the brutal winter nights. And they’re strangers forced to be up against one another - skin on skin - which naturally leads to romance. 🔥

I’m a SUCKER for medieval journey romances- where the couple travel through the wilderness together and are forced to survive together.

If you’ve read my reviews long enough- you know I’m such a girlie for all things primal and animalistic and survival in romances. Idky but it’s my thing. And this was the ENTIRE plot here.

The book isn’t perfect by any means. There are several things that stood out to me.

👉🏽the plot is a little weak in the end and wraps up entirely to quickly. I felt like the plot could have grown more darker with the political drama towards the end. But I understand this is pretty much a fun kindle romance read. It’s not that deep. But in a good way. Sometimes I feel like I read older books that feel like reading old literature and sometimes I read kindle books that are binge worthy easy spicy fun reads that are way relaxed in writing style. This was a mindless read. It’s easy and smooth. The beginning + middle portion of the book is all world building and landscape and captive falling in love with her captor. And it felt like the best part of the book. Again, the ending just wrapped up so fast + easy.

👉🏽The MMC’s name is barely used throughout the book. The side characters basically calls him Warlord 24/7 - not his birth name. I found this odd- but it didn’t hinder my reading.

👉🏽 The FMC kept referring to MMC’s manhood as his “privates” and that gave me some serious ick. Privates is a word a child would use. Literally what my pediatrician says to my kids during exams. And it just felt way too juvenile and wrong.

Other than that- this is such a binge fun read if you are in the mood for something fantasy- yet feels like the Viking time period.

[Annette · Rating 3 out of 5]

If there's one thing I need in my life it's books with characters who share my health issues and still get their happily ever after, even though their health issues aren't cured by the end of the book. When I found this book on twitter, starring a princess with asthma, I knew I had to get the book. I was incredibly curious to see how the author had portrayed her illness and what kind of romance this would be. Yesterday evening I really felt like diving in.

I'm not entirely sure what I had expected of the book but for some reason it was more than what I got. It's hard to explain why the book didn't grab me as much as I had hoped. I think the first reason might be the writing style. It was very functional. It was very easy to read. But it somehow lacked personality and atmosphere. It was very generic, very simple and maybe at times a little juvenile, especially for a princess who has spent so much time reading and learning.

I had also expected a little more from the romance. The attraction between our hero and heroine is there from the start but the deeper connection the story tells us there is never really shines through. The characters have some meaningful conversation but it somehow feels like their connection is way more physical than emotional. It also doesn't help that the special bond they share is sacred and therefore already takes away a lot of judgment and hate.

And normally it's not much of an issue when the romance is not entirely what I prefer my romances to be but in this case the plot also doesn't really make up for it. The romance is the plot. There is of course the abduction and the negotiations but the latter don't happen before the finale and it's clear that the other "love interest" is portrayed very clearly as a villain which takes some of the intrigue away.

It was not a bad book and I flew through it. The asthma representation was okay-ish too. I had just hoped and expected more.

[Tarryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars

[Maya · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was okay, I had low expectations bc like… warlords are not hot but it’s closer to Viking with a conscience maybe? I liked how the female main character got stronger as little as time went on but it’s pretty funny that’s she’s lactose intolerant in olden days times.

Tbh not my fave, she also constantly calls him the warlord throughout the whole thing which is kinda weird. Also the tension was okay but they clicked a bit fast and when they finally got down to it i was bored bc the book was basically over 🫣

[Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I too am a princess with tummy issues that just wants to read books.

[Gunny · Rating 1 out of 5]

I swear there are entire chunks missing from this book because I missed the part HOW these two fell in love. Hell, even how they fell in LUST in just a few hours. I was pretty much done with the "romance" arc by the 50% mark but I thought maybe something interesting would happen in the plot. But no. There was hardly any world building, plot is flimsy at best and the ending too rushed which also negates the point of the whole book. This author is clearly not for me.

[Giulia · Rating 3 out of 5]

✓ PNR
✓ Captive / Captor romance
✓ Slow burn
✓ Entertaining plot - 2.5 / 5
✓ Mature language
✓ Fast paced
✓ Spice 🌶.5 / 5
✓ Vikings vibes
✓ Villain gets the girl
✓ One bed / One horse
✓ Enemies to Lovers
✓ Standalone - Ixiana pov
✓ Forced proximity
✓ Magic
✓ HEA



---- If the Prize of the Warlord and the Warlord's Treasure had been combined, I would have enjoyed this more.
I preferred more Cronon's pov, so I recommend reading it. ----


A brutal warlord named Cronan kidnaps Ixiana from her family's stronghold. He demands a ransom because he wants to change the fate of his people.
Ixiana is merely an annoying captive and a means to an end. Her weakness frustrates him. But somewhere along the way, something changed.



This book isn't perfect, but if you're looking for an entertaining and sexy distraction that's easy to follow, it's a good choice.
The characters lacked depth, and the plot was resolved too easily.
The world-building was the best part of the book, but it was hardly explored except in some action scenes.

[Mariah Cruz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ixiana is kidnapped by a rival warlord Cronan. He takes her in hopes that he can bargain with her family to get his land back. However he gets much more then he bargained for, a soul bond. now they have to work together to bring peace to their people.
This book had me in its grip. I wasn't expecting to like this book as much as I did. I love the relationship they have together, at first he doesn't want to admit that they are supposed to be together.But he eventually gives in and admits that he actually does love her.
Some good representation with a frail FMC and some LGBTQ+ representation
🌶🌶🌶🌶 3.5/5 spice level

" There was no point... I was an idiot. my craving for you makes me a fool. so while I have the strength, im taking you back to where you belong"
"Faen treasure... you know ill give you anything"

[ForeverBooked · Rating 3 out of 5]

A “weak” FMC who gets her big strong Viking hero to protect her

✨Strong Warrior MMC
✨Beautiful Maiden FMC
✨Fantasy Kingdom Realm (much like VIKINGS)
✨ Fated mates
✨ICY Winter Landscape
✨Kidnapped / Captive + Captor Romance
✨Enemies To Lovers
✨Forbidden Romance
✨Witty Banter
✨Yearning
✨One Horse / One Bed / One Tent in the **extreme cold**
✨Kingdom Political Drama
✨SPICY 🌶️
✨ Size difference
✨HEA
✨FMC with chronic illness
He calls her “mouse” and “treasure”

Fav moments:

He cradles me against his chest, pressing one big warm hand above my breasts. The heat eases my lungs a little.
“Breathe with me,” he murmurs. “Breathe with me, treasure. Please.”
“Air—too—cold,” I manage. He nods, understanding, and turns me toward him, into the warmth of his body and breath. “Breathe with your belly,” he says. “That helped my brother sometimes. From here.” He touches the center of my stomach, just beneath my breastbone, where my ribs arch outward.
With my cheek pressed to his bare chest I breathe with him, drinking slow inhales of the warmer air that lies against his skin. I breathe through my nose, carefully, while my hands grip his with the spastic strength of someone clawing her way out of a yawning grave.
At last, at last, I’m able to haul in a deep, satisfying breath, all the way to the bottom of my lungs. I still have to breathe carefully, but the deadly fog is clearing from my brain. And as it clears, I remember what the Warlord called me.
Not rat, or mouse, or weakling.
Treasure.

The blankets lift, and a blast of cold air washes over me for a second before it’s replaced by the great heated bulk of the Warlord’s body. His naked body. He’s wearing some sort of loincloth but otherwise he’s bare, the warm planes of his chest and stomach pressed fully against me. With a sigh that’s nearly a sob, I cuddle closer to that expanse of heated muscle. His chest is lightly garnished with curly blond hair, and it brushes my cheek as I nestle into him. My frozen toes press against his legs.
Slowly his heat saturates me, body and soul.

Swallowing, I focus my thoughts on him. I wish I could ease your sleep like you eased my breath. And I wish that the craving I have for you would vanish. I know you feel it too, and you hate it as much as I do. It’s only the lust of two bodies put in close proximity. Nothing more, nothing meaningful. Unless you can hear me through the ether, and then maybe it’s more. Wouldn’t that be a cruel trick of the gods? Faen, I am burning up with all this desire. I want you to touch me so badly I can hardly bear it.

I have to make this stop,” he says hoarsely. “How do I make it stop? Would killing you end it? Would burying myself inside you set me free?”
I can hardly breathe through the terror and exhilaration spiraling in my heart. “Just wait,” I murmur. “If you wait, then maybe the ransom will work out, and I can go home.”
He clutches my bound wrists with a snarl, grinding his hips harder against mine. “No.”
“No?”
“If I send you home, that Prince gets to marry you and bed you. He gets to put his tiny dick inside you, and I won’t suffer it—I can’t endure it. You,” he releases my ass and grips my chin, “You belong to me.”

What would you expect from me, as your wife?” I ask.
“I’d expect nothing from you,” he says. “Producing my heir would likely kill you. I’m not even sure I could fit inside you.”
My face heats, and I murmur, “You won’t know until you try.”
His pacing halts abruptly, and he plants both hands against the wall. He’s in a sleeveless tunic now, divested of his heavy outer layers, so I have an unobstructed chance to admire the bulging curves of his muscled arms.

You always do this. You go outside to pleasure yourself—out in the cold. Why?”
“I won’t take your body,” he mutters.
“But you could let me touch you, as you touched me.”
“No.”
“Because you find me frail and disgusting, not worth your admiration or pleasure.” My voice falters.
“No, by the gods! Faen, you—you make me hard simply by speaking to me. By moving, by existing—”
I almost whimper with the thrill of those words. “Then let me touch you.”
“No.” He pulls the door wider, heading outside.
“You’ll freeze,” I protest. “If you won’t let me touch you, at least release yourself here, in the warmth… where I can watch.” My heart shudders with the wicked boldness of those words, and the Warlord’s shoulders tense.
Very slowly, he closes the door.

This is why I must breed with someone hearty and reliable, someone with the health and grit to survive here and produce sturdy children. And this is why I must secure southern lands for those among my clan who need a warmer climate, different food, and better care.”
He knocks my hands away from his hair and rises. “Marrying you, bonding with you—it would ruin my chances for the family I want. But it might secure a chance of survival for others.”

Faen,” he breathes. “Why did the gods make this part of you so damn beautiful?”
He’s hanging over me, a huge impending destruction of male beauty and power. The thick braids I wove have come partly unraveled, and tendrils of his blond hair fall past his jawline, tickling my cheek. I lift my head from the mattress, my mouth yearning upward. He bites his lip, the tug of one sharp canine—but he doesn’t kiss me. He looks down at my parted legs again, at my center spread wide for him. I can feel my own wetness—I know I’m glistening, ready, a dewy field meant to be plowed.

He values being the one to claim you,” he says. “I understand the urge. It’s a primal need, to stake first claim. Though I’d have you even if you’d been with a hundred other men.”
Heat rushes into my cheeks. “You want me that badly?”
He lowers his head, his short beard brushing along the softness of my cheek. One word grates into my ear, hot with need. “Yes.”
“Take me then,” I whisper. “Not like an honorable man. Take me like a beast, like a raider. Like a Warlord.”

After a handful of days, you understand my entire life?” His green eyes narrow. “So prideful, just like all your people. Assuming you can grasp the depth of someone else’s pain.”
“I’m human,” I say. “Aren’t all human experiences somewhat related? We experience them in different degrees, but I can imagine how you feel. I’ve been sad before—I can imagine that sadness multiplied a thousand times in the loss of a brother and mother. I’ve been angry before—I can imagine that anger so much more powerful, running so deep through generations that it sometimes blinds you to the real cruelty of your actions—keeps you from seeing how you are mirroring the very thing that was done to your people generations ago.”

No. It’s only because you and I had time together. We were forced to see through the words we use to describe each other. I had to learn to look past ‘raider,’ ‘ruffian,’ and ‘warlord,’ until I could see you clearly as Cronan, heartbroken son of the North, compassionate man, fearless guide to his people.”
His grip on my hair slackens just a little.
“And you see me,” I whisper. “Don’t you? You see past the weakling, the mouse, the spoiled Southern child of entitled nobility. Who do you see now?”

I choke on a half-sob. “Cronan. Tell me who you see.”
He lets out a long, shuddering breath, and his hand on my hair eases. “I see a girl who annoys me with her whining, her constant challenge of my goals, and her ignorance of my culture.”
I swallow, more tears pooling in my eyes.
“And I see a woman, stronger than anyone knows,” he continues in a hoarse whisper. “A survivor. A warrior who battles every day and wins. I see a sly trickster, an enchantress who could turn my heart into a lush garden, or into a wasteland as barren as the Bloodsalt.”

I’m useless as a warrior. You’ve ruined me. If I lead a raiding party, every villager I terrorize and every guard I slay will have your face. When I steal goods and food, I will hear your disappointed voice in my ears.” His mouth descends, hot breath sifting into my ear. “If I stay on this side of the mountains, I won’t be able to resist coming to you again.”

“I want to stay with him,” I blurt out.
“She cannot stay with me,” Cronan interjects. “The North is a dangerous, barbaric place. She won’t survive, and I cannot allow her to die. She belongs with you.” He pushes me forward.
I turn, sharp words ready to fly from my tongue. But they dissipate when I see the Warlord’s face, taut with restraint, his eyes brimming with bright pain.
My father sees it too. He clears his throat. “You care for her,” he says gruffly. “As she does for you.”

[Amber · Rating 2 out of 5]

- there’s no actual romance , just lots of lust. That’s fine. Not looking for an epic romance. I don’t even care she’s stupid.
- I feel this needs more angst and in general discussions of feelings. Because what do you mean he’s returning you and not once have you mentioned how you feel about it.
- HUH. He just abandons his watch of a potential jakel just to eat you out???? He does NOT deserve this warlord title
- girl why would you kiss him in front of your parents and FIANCÉ at a hostage exchange????? You don’t think that would ruin the deal???? Make it bad for them?????
- crazy. How long did they even know each other for??? Parents should have be more concerned but oh well.

[Isabelle Markus · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun, spicy fantasy romance! At the beginning of the book the author stated that this was originally in Kindle Vella and thus the chapters are relatively short, comparing them to potato chips. That was an apt analogy for me as I most definitely could not "eat" just one and ended up reading the book in a day.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn't help but binge read this book

I'm so glad I was able to read this book (that it wasn't just exclusive to Kindle Vella). I loved the banter and dynamic between Cronan and Ixiana. And enemies to lovers happens to be one of my favorite tropes. If you like Mulan-esq vibes, definitely give this one a read.

[bella · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have to DNF at 40% the world felt very underdeveloped as well as the main characters. I didn’t like how it barely even took a day for Ixiana and her captor to start developing feelings for each other.

[kasey roberts · Rating 2 out of 5]

saw another review that said it reads like a first draft and could not agree more. the book was sloppy and so utterly boring it was painful. there was literally no chemistry between the main two characters and nothing about this book felt natural. such a major letdown after the first two

[A.S · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this somewhat as it was enemies to lovers but I did roll my eyes a good few times.

[ayearofbookswithme #ayobwm · Rating 2 out of 5]

Man, I really wanted this book to rank higher than the others I’ve read. It was so close. I was genuinely excited because, like the others, it started with so much potential… and then it completely flipped after the first hint of intimacy.

One thing I did really enjoy was the main female character not being a total badass. She was actually weak, and that felt refreshing. It’s rare to see an FMC start from that place. I just wish the story had leaned into that more, letting us really watch her grow into confidence and strength.

I also don’t think every story needs a perfectly wrapped up happy ending. The last few chapters felt rushed and unnecessary. Sometimes it’s okay to leave the reader with a little ache, something unresolved. It could have ended in a more open way, letting readers imagine what comes next, or even set things up for a series. Instead, we get a very fast and strange resolution that didn’t feel earned.

My biggest issue, though, was the ether thread concept. Why wasn’t this explored more? It had so much potential and then just faded into the background. This could have been the thing that slowed down and deepened the romance. If they couldn’t spend much physical time together, then more focus on their connection through the ether would have made everything feel more believable. They figured it out way too early, and then it barely got used in meaningful ways. There were so many moments where it could have added something special.

And finally, a smaller gripe but still worth mentioning. If you’re going to write an intimate scene, maybe don’t place it right after a very detailed bathroom moment. It completely killed the mood. We already understand that she’s ill. It’s mentioned often. We didn’t need that level of detail right before a romantic scene.

At the end of the day, the biggest issue comes down to story development. There’s clearly something there, which makes it even more frustrating. I just keep feeling like the potential is getting overshadowed by the focus on spice over substance. I think im giving up on these books, sadly.

[Casey Hayes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was provided an audio copy of this title for free and am leaving this review voluntarily. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Prize of the Warlord is the third book in Rebecca F Kenney’s Dark Rulers series, and can be read as a stand-alone. It follows Cronan and Ixiana.

The deep voiced Warlord and his treasured little Mouse.

Cronan and Ixiana.

Ixana is stolen from her bed by a group of hulking raiders and their brutal leader, to soon learn that she’ll be traded back to her parents—and her betrothed— in exchange for something that the savage with the deep voice is desperate for.

Close proximity cause the pair to spend a whole lot of time together and get to know more about one another than either of them would like. Savage as he seems, Cronan has a gentle side that he allows Ixiana small glimpses of in fleeting moments, and frail as Ixiana may be, there is a ferocity in her soul that calls to him, a magic within her that he resist.

Cronan is the definition of brutal, Ixiana is a fragile thing, and the tension between them is thicker than the braids in his hair.

If Rebecca Kenney writes it, I’m reading it, and I’m LOVING it— as evidenced once again.

Read if you love:
Kidnapping
Captor/ captive
Morally gray brutal MMC
One horse | one bed | one bath
Enemies to lovers
Animal companion
Tension
Soul bonds
Savage MMC

Thank you so much to Rebecca F Kenney for the audio code!

[Tae · Rating 5 out of 5]

100000/10 loved it ❤️

100000/10
I really liked this one, even tho I put it off for so long bc I didn’t think I would. Although it rode the line of stockholm syndrome and I almost quit bc of how rude he was being but honestly, as always, Rebecca made a comeback with love and the MMC fighting his undying love for the FMC and the character development. I think part of my hesitation about it all was not having his first person prospective but we can move passed such things, especially with Rebecca’s writing — on that note, the story writing was absolutely to die for. I love Ixania and Cronan so much, like yesss break those generational trauma bonds and create peace for your peoples lands after thousands of years of war and genocide 💁🏼‍♀️ I just love her books so much I cannot 😭 every single one is a home run 😮‍💨❤️‍🔥 the duality of romance and serious world issues always hits so hard. I also really liked the sickness plot line that the princess has, I thought it added a lot of depth to the overall story. I’m a sucker for strong girls fighting illnesses in romance books, and if that makes me weird, so be it :p
Definitely a must read for dark romance lovers, would recommend!!

[Suzy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m a big fan of Rebecca F. Kenney’s books. While this particular series isn’t my absolute favorite of hers, The Prize of the Warlord is still a great escapist read.

Ixiana, the heroine, is kidnapped by her father’s rival, an intimidating warlord named Cronan. She suffers from chronic health conditions like asthma and what seems to be IBS, and at first, Cronan treats her with harsh disdain, mocking her perceived weaknesses and making it clear he wants nothing to do with her. Of course, fate has other plans as they’re fated mates, and his attitude shifts pretty quickly.

Cronan definitely leans into the alpha-hole archetype, especially in this first book. The story is told entirely from Ixiana’s POV, which means Cronan remains somewhat of an enigma. However, the next book in the series, The Warlord’s Treasure, retells this same story through Cronan’s eyes. It offers more depth to his character and expands the overall narrative, making both books together a more complete and satisfying experience.

I highly recommend reading (or listening to) both books to get the full, well-rounded tale. The narration was fantastic and really brought the story to life.

[Moriahwithan0h · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good grief. wtf was that. That was a blue-haired liberal's daydream if I've ever seen one.
I saw other people talking about there being chunks missing. You'll know it when you get there. They aren't kidding.
Over all, it was a cute story! Fairly well written for a freebie. I thought she tied up the ending nicely, some people drag things out and she just said that's a wrap and called it good. I missed how her ankle got fixed and thought all the crap scenes were unnecessary. Especially the apologies for the smell, etc. Good heavens, I got second-hand embarrassment. Who does that?! Who talks to strangers about their BMs?! Gross, weirdo!
Will I read it again? No.
Will I recommend it to anyone else? No.
Should the writer burn her quill? Also no.
I'm giving a star for the idea, a star for the writing, and a star for keeping me entertained and engaged. Bam. 3 stars. You're welcome.
She did a good job but the health stuff was weird and unnecessary and definitely not for me.

[Emelie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The 𝑫𝒂𝒓𝒌 𝑹𝒖𝒍𝒆𝒓𝒔 series by is a collection of standalone spicy fantasy romances, each featuring morally gray characters, usually in a position of power. The books focus heavily on enemies-to-lovers dynamics, with varying levels of spice.
Early books have moderate heat, while later ones ramp up the intensity, with the 8th book being especially spicy.

As someone who rarely enjoys adult books, the 𝑫𝒂𝒓𝒌 𝑹𝒖𝒍𝒆𝒓𝒔 series truly stands out for me.
Each story had me hooked, and the spice felt like an integral part of the narrative, not just filler that weakens the characters. I was invested in every single book, and the pirate-themed ones were my favorite. Kenney brings in real ruthlessness, addressing heavy themes without shying away, yet balances it with beautiful love stories that feel raw and genuine. The combination of grit and romance kept me engaged throughout.


⚠️Just a heads-up: these are spicy romances with very dark themes — some books are heavier than others — so please check the trigger warnings before diving in⚠️

[Emmarie Vaughan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Most Epic

This feels like a battle adventure romance. The FMC is painfully pathetic and weak. She constantly does things outside of her frail ability and comes out okay. I bet the feeling that she would be better if she actually did something with herself. She figured it out in the end, ditched the coddling to save her enemy love.
The first half of the book was really slow, but the second half was all action.
In the first book of this series, we get the romance, told the evil with no story behind it, and given the happy outcome without any details. The MC passed out then woke up and all was great.
Here, we get to ride the whole thing out. The good, the bad, and the ugly. The MMC cannot fight what he wants and the FMC goes after her man and handles everything like a boss. Their development was great.
This was off to a slow start but left me very satisfied at the end.

[kiwi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm trying not to say "I would've preferred if the book had been a little more slow burn" on every review, but this one really was quite insta-lusty. I found it unrealistic how she was immediately into her kidnapper. The fact that they're fated mates just proves once again to me that I'm not a big fan of those, though their ether connection was a really cute idea.

Otherwise, the book was great. I love weak FMCs like this, I could empathize with her a lot. The fact that her whole family loved her made me really happy, especially after reading many books with shitty families.

[Nayeli Gonzalez · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s been a while since I’ve encountered a weak main character and I loved it. Every time she cried I would laugh because I wanted to cry with her or would imagine myself in her spot having the same issues. I connected a lot with this character because the entire time, I was comparing her to myself. I also really love Ixiana name. I think that if I ever end up having a girl I’ll name her Ixiana. Ixiana’s character does change through out the story and the love chemistry between her and the warlord grows from enemies to soulmates. I absolutely recommend this story. Lulu Russell did a fantastic job narrating this story.