The Doctor, The King, & The Assassin

by Tierra Cox

When Dravengarde’s armies conquer her homeland, royal physician Nerida Biko becomes a reluctant prize of war. Sharp-minded, unyielding, and sworn to heal, she is bound to serve the very king who razed her city—Einar Aesir, a battle-hardened monarch with a secret devotion that burns beneath his brutal exterior.

But as court intrigues fester and old alliances fracture, Einar names Nerida his Princess Paramour, upending every rule of power, loyalty, and propriety. Her heart, once guarded, falters. His enemies sharpen their knives.

Meanwhile, Kåre, the queen’s brother and Einar’s former ally, seeks to turn crown and country against them both.

In a kingdom poised to collapse under the weight of war, plague, and betrayal, one woman must heal the man who destroyed her world, or let the realm burn.

502 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 19, 2025

About the author

I’ve always been a writer. My Pop-Pop was always my biggest fan and encouraged my love of reading. From my first stories about talking wolves to my first published novels with witches and lost love. Crafting an enchanting and riveting tale is nothing new to me.

As a black woman, I strive to put us on the forefront of romance novels. To put us in fantastical and daring situations that carve heroines everyone loves to read about.

Other than being a writer, I fancy myself quite the poet.

When I’m not doing anything that has to do with writing; I enjoy watching my favorite YouTubers, playing video games and sleeping.

Reviews

[Disgusted Reader · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love a long book but only when the pages & words are used wisely. With this, I fear that was not the case… lots of stuff should’ve been kept on the playground (drafts.) And maybe its just me, but the world building is confusing because how do they have lightbulbs that run on gas but then in the same breath have electric cars???

I also found issue with the romance. The book almost automatically puts the two leads in a relationship. The buildup and yearning parts that have readers giggling, smiling & kicking their feet, happens off page. I ZONT like that!!!!!!!

[Erika · Rating 3 out of 5]

So disappointed. The book could have been great. However a few details really grated for me. First of all a submissive king was a turnoff. It also didn’t fit the narrative of Narida and Einar being equal. Lowkey it felt like she was always in charge of their relationship and it was really off putting. For instance, she never wrote to him for months during the plague whilst she could have died at any moment whilst curing people. Even when it was over, she was in no hurry to go seer him, if anything she behaved really put upon.
Her attitude towards Kåre was suspect as well. It’s was almost as she kept him on the hook loving how he “adored” her. She wasn’t honest with Einar, putting her own safety in jeopardy in the end. She “hid” the ring until it was obvious and never told Einar that Philos knew Kåre. She didn’t investigate at all and let him in her inner circle.
Lastly how old is she?

[GoldenEyeOfHorus · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the MCs. The FMC was strong but could be vulnerable, smart, accomplished, and principled. The MMCs were distinctly different but interesting to read, their characters didn't bleed into each other and seem like the same person.

This story definitely kept me on my toes. I didn't know if this would be a ménage à trois, if both MMCs were good guys and she would pick one, or if one MMC was a bad guy.

Also, I love it when an alpha male type character folds for the woman he loves and gives her everything she wants. And bonus points that he begs and whimpers during spicy time. 😌🥵 This story had that in droves.

There were some confusing technology things. There were guns but I don't recall them using anything but swords, mechanical horses, cars, use of real horses, advanced medicine and medical technology, no phones, etc. These things could have been explained better.

[Jolene · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is everything!

This is everything! The world building, the love, and the chaos. The well written words. The characters. The love triangle. ❤️

[manhattan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I lovedddddd this book!!!!!!!! Eniar has to be my new favorite book bf.. the way this man YEARNS????? The way this man LOVES???????? I need a Harvard psychologist to analysis this, thank you. Personally, the only down side (for me) was that it was spicy, but it wasn’t a big deal! I loved the plot and seeing Nerida change from start to finish!!! I will be reading more of her book for SURE!!

[arosenaz · Rating 5 out of 5]

wow

Really great read, I will be gobbling up all her other books in hopes that they are as good as this book.

[Stormy · Rating 5 out of 5]

All encompassing love

This book sat in my library for a month before Ai decided to read it. When I did, I couldn't put it down. Einar wasn't someone to wait around and he proves it in the first chapter. No build up, no slow burn. The man declares his love within the first chapter and he spends the rest of the book showing Nerida and the world why he deserves it.

I did feel bad initially for Karo, but his actions throughout the book put a bad taste in my mouth. Yes, he loved her, but his desperation clouded his judgment many times. Hard to pity him when he is causing chaos and betrayal.

Overall, this book is an excellent read and already one of my top books for 2026.

[Tracy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loyalties were tested

This was a battle of stability vs excitement. On one hand you have a regal king who will submit to no one but his Queen and on the other you have a playboy assassin who has the biggest crash out I’ve read in a very long time. 😂

Just when you think you know who all the major players are another twist happens. There was a dash of spice to keep things interesting. Def a cute and engaging story.

[Rebekah · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely weekend read

Oh rather a three day read lol. I took my time with this one. I absolutely loved the world building, the romance between Einar and Nerida and honestly felt for Kåre. I do hope we get more but if the ending is life open ended I won’t mind! I am also a sucker for the political aspects of fantasy so it was refreshing to see the glimpses of how Einar ran his kingdom and his council.

[Shannon J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great King and Queen

Such a fantastic story! It was nice watching Nerida blossom into a queen. I was so happy she ended up choosing the king and found that love is steady. Secondly, what a way for a man to be written who is not afraid to worship and submit to his woman! King Einar was such a man and so great a lover!!!! I’m glad this story got the HEA it deserved and I’m looking forward to reading more works by this author.

[Christie · Rating 3 out of 5]

interesting storyline

I have never disliked a main character as much as disliked Nerida, I did not feel any chemistry between her and the king. I mean, your supposed man wrote you a letter and you couldn’t find five minutes to write back in four months? What the heck? She annoyed the heck out of me. She had more chemistry with the assassin.

[Portia Jones-berry · Rating 5 out of 5]

strong blank woman

It’s been a long time reading a book about a black Roman who knows what she needs and doesn’t feel the need to coddle.
Love this woman’s strength. Very good love story.

[Theila Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Page turner

Intrigue, lust, and good loving. I highly recommend this book. Happiness bloomed after a stormy end. Fragile but steady. Job well done.

[SonyaG G · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love triangle

I never know what kind of ending this author will deliver but I’m never disappointed. This was a saga with a HEA.