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The Foreign Wife
LeeAnn Young wakes to find herself suddenly a Foreign Wife, a royal companion whose duty is to provide comfort to a prince and produce an heir to the throne of a kingdom ruled by a dictator. Trapped in a world away from home, LeeAnn must navigate the kingdom of Typress with intelligence and strategy while finding herself opening up to her assigned companion—the celebrated and enigmatic second heir to the competitive throne whose stoic demeanor hides a heart longing for connection and freedom.
Jochlan "Jack" Altair had worked hard to put duty above all else and has kept himself reclusive and apart so that no one—especially the brotherhood—can gain access into his protected inner world, but when he unexpectedly falls for LeeAnn whose very presence shakes his foundations, he realizes he must reject his father’s regime to fight for her—or risk losing his own soul completely.
As their intimacy turns to love in an impossible environment fraught with secrets, espionage and danger, LeeAnn becomes the catalyst for Jochlan to challenge the controlling system that binds him, causing him to turn his back on everything he has ever known in order to follow the path of freedom and love.
Content Warning: The book is best read by a mature audience as it contains erotic scenes, kidnapping and explores themes of violence, domestic abuse, trauma, non-consensual sexual contact, exhibitionism, human trafficking and other difficult subjects that may be triggering for some readers.
Jochlan "Jack" Altair had worked hard to put duty above all else and has kept himself reclusive and apart so that no one—especially the brotherhood—can gain access into his protected inner world, but when he unexpectedly falls for LeeAnn whose very presence shakes his foundations, he realizes he must reject his father’s regime to fight for her—or risk losing his own soul completely.
As their intimacy turns to love in an impossible environment fraught with secrets, espionage and danger, LeeAnn becomes the catalyst for Jochlan to challenge the controlling system that binds him, causing him to turn his back on everything he has ever known in order to follow the path of freedom and love.
Content Warning: The book is best read by a mature audience as it contains erotic scenes, kidnapping and explores themes of violence, domestic abuse, trauma, non-consensual sexual contact, exhibitionism, human trafficking and other difficult subjects that may be triggering for some readers.
302 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 5, 2026
About the author
June Yang
1 book9 followersJune was born and raised in Asia. She enjoys books of the thriller, romance, fantasy and science fiction genres that encourage readers to raise philosophical questions about life, specifically about identity and culture.
June majored in Sociology at Singapore Management University with special interest in Gender Studies and Modern Society. Years later, she completed a Masters in Business Administration at McGill University in Canada and subsequently spent a decade and a half in the social media and digital space.
In her spare time June plays the piano and practices evolutionary astrology with a focus on past lives and soul evolution, and has three beautiful children who often do their best to prevent her from writing anything.
The Foreign Wife is her first novel.
June majored in Sociology at Singapore Management University with special interest in Gender Studies and Modern Society. Years later, she completed a Masters in Business Administration at McGill University in Canada and subsequently spent a decade and a half in the social media and digital space.
In her spare time June plays the piano and practices evolutionary astrology with a focus on past lives and soul evolution, and has three beautiful children who often do their best to prevent her from writing anything.
The Foreign Wife is her first novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
June 16, 2026
Thank you to the author and Booksprout for letting me arc read this title. I loved the story line and the characters were well written this is my first read by this author and I loved it and definitely going to recommend this one to all my book friends!
Review of advance copy received from Author
** I received an ARC for this book and I want to thank the Author and her team for letting me into the Jack and LeeAnn's story **
Trigger warning: This book deals with heavy topics such as: sexual assault/rape, suicide/self-harm, feminicide, gender-based violence.
If you enjoy urban, portal, or low fantasy with an emphasis on romance you'd enjoy this book. Similar feels: divine rivals, the cruel prince, etc.
The Foreign Wife is an engaging story right from the first pages. As soon as I read page 1 I knew this book had potential to get me immersed in the author's story.
The story follows LeeAnn -- someone who appears to be in her mid to later 20s -- and her journey being abducted into the portal realm of Xasia, specifically the kingdom of Typress, by orders of the King to become what is called a "Foreign Wife". Women in the kingdom of Typress are not equal to their male counterparts and are treated as property -- many times being taken by force and treated without dignity in the name of "duty". The tradition of "Foreign Wives" is to kidnap women from modern day Earth and bring them to this kingdom to marry them with the King's sons -- the Princes, all part of this strict arachic "brotherhood" -- and the wives' sole duty is to produce a male heir -- or else they won't be able to return to their life on Earth.
Gender norms and expectations are the main premise of this storyline, in my opinion, and at times, it was uncomfortable for me to read the way some of the male characters in the book spoke and treated the female chracters. HOWEVER, I think this is on purpose. I believe we -- the reader -- are meant to feel uncomfortable while reading this book because it pulls us into the story more and makes us want to believe that there can be characters in the book that are trying to truly break those traditions.
... and here is where we find the internal struggles of someone such as Prince Jochlan that have been questioning everything they have ever been taught. I do believe some readers may not agree with my perspective that some of the characters' own upbringing should not necessarily fault them completely for their choses, and only focus on the maltreatment of the women in this world, however, I feel that Jochlan's journey demonstrates that we are all a product of our surroundings and with a little love and compassion we can become better versions of ourselves.
I will definitely pick up book 2.
Weight Score:
📖 Storyline / Plot 15%: Good - interesting premise, I didn't really think Kate's subplot interested me too much it felt a little random for me.
✍️ Prose & Writing Style 15% - Good - 3rd person POV, throughly enjoyed the prose and writing style
💕 Romance Chemistry 15% - Good - romantic chemistry and emotional tension between LeAnn and Jack was great. I did feel that their feeling towards each other were a little too fast, but their romance and their relationship really deepened throughout the book. I agree with other comments that felt a little like "instant love", but it worked well with the pace of the book.
🌍 World-Building 15% - Ok - I thought the world building could have been a little stronger -- however, based on how the book ended I do hope we will be getting more world building in book 2.
🎭 Character Development 10% - Good - Jack's character developed was great, I actually didn't think LeeAnn's was as evident as Jack's. But I really did enjoy learning more about the secondary characters such as Pierre, Jovlan, and etc.
⚡ Pacing & Structure 10% - Good - Had me engaged throughout the book.
😮 Emotional Impact 20% - Good - I felt connected to the characters' journey and struggles
Overall Score: 3.85 -- Rounded to 4 out of 5
Trigger warning: This book deals with heavy topics such as: sexual assault/rape, suicide/self-harm, feminicide, gender-based violence.
If you enjoy urban, portal, or low fantasy with an emphasis on romance you'd enjoy this book. Similar feels: divine rivals, the cruel prince, etc.
The Foreign Wife is an engaging story right from the first pages. As soon as I read page 1 I knew this book had potential to get me immersed in the author's story.
The story follows LeeAnn -- someone who appears to be in her mid to later 20s -- and her journey being abducted into the portal realm of Xasia, specifically the kingdom of Typress, by orders of the King to become what is called a "Foreign Wife". Women in the kingdom of Typress are not equal to their male counterparts and are treated as property -- many times being taken by force and treated without dignity in the name of "duty". The tradition of "Foreign Wives" is to kidnap women from modern day Earth and bring them to this kingdom to marry them with the King's sons -- the Princes, all part of this strict arachic "brotherhood" -- and the wives' sole duty is to produce a male heir -- or else they won't be able to return to their life on Earth.
Gender norms and expectations are the main premise of this storyline, in my opinion, and at times, it was uncomfortable for me to read the way some of the male characters in the book spoke and treated the female chracters. HOWEVER, I think this is on purpose. I believe we -- the reader -- are meant to feel uncomfortable while reading this book because it pulls us into the story more and makes us want to believe that there can be characters in the book that are trying to truly break those traditions.
... and here is where we find the internal struggles of someone such as Prince Jochlan that have been questioning everything they have ever been taught. I do believe some readers may not agree with my perspective that some of the characters' own upbringing should not necessarily fault them completely for their choses, and only focus on the maltreatment of the women in this world, however, I feel that Jochlan's journey demonstrates that we are all a product of our surroundings and with a little love and compassion we can become better versions of ourselves.
I will definitely pick up book 2.
Weight Score:
📖 Storyline / Plot 15%: Good - interesting premise, I didn't really think Kate's subplot interested me too much it felt a little random for me.
✍️ Prose & Writing Style 15% - Good - 3rd person POV, throughly enjoyed the prose and writing style
💕 Romance Chemistry 15% - Good - romantic chemistry and emotional tension between LeAnn and Jack was great. I did feel that their feeling towards each other were a little too fast, but their romance and their relationship really deepened throughout the book. I agree with other comments that felt a little like "instant love", but it worked well with the pace of the book.
🌍 World-Building 15% - Ok - I thought the world building could have been a little stronger -- however, based on how the book ended I do hope we will be getting more world building in book 2.
🎭 Character Development 10% - Good - Jack's character developed was great, I actually didn't think LeeAnn's was as evident as Jack's. But I really did enjoy learning more about the secondary characters such as Pierre, Jovlan, and etc.
⚡ Pacing & Structure 10% - Good - Had me engaged throughout the book.
😮 Emotional Impact 20% - Good - I felt connected to the characters' journey and struggles
Overall Score: 3.85 -- Rounded to 4 out of 5
Review of advance copy received from Author
**3.75 stars** rounded up because Goodreads doesn't allow partial stars.
Thank you to the author/publisher for the ARC. All thoughts are my own, and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
*The Foreign Wife* was a good, fast-paced fantasy romance with a premise that immediately made me curious. The story follows LeeAnn, a woman from the modern world who is taken through a portal into another world where women are brought over and married off to princes. Once they have a son, they are sent back to their own world.
I picked this up because the plot sounded different from anything I had read before, and I do think the story delivered on that initial curiosity. The “foreign wife” concept brought up a lot of emotions for me, mostly anger and discomfort at the system these women are forced into. There is romance here, but the darker reality underneath the premise is what made the story feel more tense and interesting.
LeeAnn herself was a believable main character in the sense that she is thrown into an impossible situation and has to adapt. I did feel more connected to the situation she was trapped in than to LeeAnn as a character, though. I understood her, but I did not always find her especially exciting. I would have liked a little more depth or spark from her.
The romance between LeeAnn and Jochlan/Jack was one of the stronger parts of the book for me. He is sweet, kind, protective, and has a good moral compass, which I appreciated. He has a little “knight in shining armor” energy, plus a touch of “touch her and die,” and I enjoyed their scenes together. The spice is open-door but pretty soft/vanilla, which is not a bad thing, just the type of romance this is.
I also liked the palace intrigue elements, especially the scheming, betrayal, and spy mystery. I was trying to figure out who the spy was while reading, and the story kept me curious. The ending made me want to know what happens next, so I would read a continuation.
My biggest wish was for more worldbuilding. I wanted to know more about Oriana, the other kingdoms, and the larger political picture. The writing was easy to read and kept the story moving, though it did feel slightly clunky in places.
Overall, this was a solid ARC read for me. Not a “wow, new favorite” book, but definitely a good, quick romantic fantasy with an intriguing premise and enough tension to keep me reading.
**Tropes/vibes:** portal fantasy, royal romance, forced marriage stakes, he falls first, protective love interest, palace intrigue, spy mystery, open-door romance, survival in another world.
Thank you to the author/publisher for the ARC. All thoughts are my own, and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
*The Foreign Wife* was a good, fast-paced fantasy romance with a premise that immediately made me curious. The story follows LeeAnn, a woman from the modern world who is taken through a portal into another world where women are brought over and married off to princes. Once they have a son, they are sent back to their own world.
I picked this up because the plot sounded different from anything I had read before, and I do think the story delivered on that initial curiosity. The “foreign wife” concept brought up a lot of emotions for me, mostly anger and discomfort at the system these women are forced into. There is romance here, but the darker reality underneath the premise is what made the story feel more tense and interesting.
LeeAnn herself was a believable main character in the sense that she is thrown into an impossible situation and has to adapt. I did feel more connected to the situation she was trapped in than to LeeAnn as a character, though. I understood her, but I did not always find her especially exciting. I would have liked a little more depth or spark from her.
The romance between LeeAnn and Jochlan/Jack was one of the stronger parts of the book for me. He is sweet, kind, protective, and has a good moral compass, which I appreciated. He has a little “knight in shining armor” energy, plus a touch of “touch her and die,” and I enjoyed their scenes together. The spice is open-door but pretty soft/vanilla, which is not a bad thing, just the type of romance this is.
I also liked the palace intrigue elements, especially the scheming, betrayal, and spy mystery. I was trying to figure out who the spy was while reading, and the story kept me curious. The ending made me want to know what happens next, so I would read a continuation.
My biggest wish was for more worldbuilding. I wanted to know more about Oriana, the other kingdoms, and the larger political picture. The writing was easy to read and kept the story moving, though it did feel slightly clunky in places.
Overall, this was a solid ARC read for me. Not a “wow, new favorite” book, but definitely a good, quick romantic fantasy with an intriguing premise and enough tension to keep me reading.
**Tropes/vibes:** portal fantasy, royal romance, forced marriage stakes, he falls first, protective love interest, palace intrigue, spy mystery, open-door romance, survival in another world.
August 18, 2026
“I vow to take your name. From hereon I will be known to all as Jack Young.”
“Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one’s courage.”
The Foreign Wife was so good and so ridiculously easy to devour! I’m not a Romantasy reader, but I picked it up because the premise was unlike anything I’d encountered before.
What I loved most was the central idea of finding a type of love that is so soft and tender in a hard and cruel world governed by deeply misogynistic rules about women and gender. June Yang handles this contrast beautifully in The Foreign Wife, and the romance between Jochlan (Jack) and LeeAnn feels all the more meaningful because of the harshness of the world surrounding them.
It was hard not to feel deeply for the two main characters and the side characters (Zoe! Jovan!), all of whom are trapped in this controlling world. Even the antagonists were well crafted, illustrating how misogyny affects everyone, from victims to perpetrators. Despite the heavy themes, the writing never felt preachy.
I was particularly impressed by how fast-paced The Foreign Wife was. There is a lot of world-building to get through, but I never felt like the author was info-dumping. I was speeding through the second half of the book, especially after Chapter 17! The twists and turns were genuinely surprising, and I cannot wait to see how Book 2 ties up or expands on these threads.
The Foreign Wife reminded me of The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood because of its commentary on gender norms and its depiction of the horrors women living in that dystopian world have to face. It also brought to mind Ōoku: The Inner Chambers by Fumi Yoshinaga, with its gritty, dark setting and a world shaped by gender politics.
All in all, I enjoyed being immersed in the world June Yang created. It was imaginative, atmospheric, and refreshingly different. She has created something wonderfully absorbing here, and I’m very glad I picked The Foreign Wife up. I’ll be eagerly awaiting Book 2!
“Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one’s courage.”
The Foreign Wife was so good and so ridiculously easy to devour! I’m not a Romantasy reader, but I picked it up because the premise was unlike anything I’d encountered before.
What I loved most was the central idea of finding a type of love that is so soft and tender in a hard and cruel world governed by deeply misogynistic rules about women and gender. June Yang handles this contrast beautifully in The Foreign Wife, and the romance between Jochlan (Jack) and LeeAnn feels all the more meaningful because of the harshness of the world surrounding them.
It was hard not to feel deeply for the two main characters and the side characters (Zoe! Jovan!), all of whom are trapped in this controlling world. Even the antagonists were well crafted, illustrating how misogyny affects everyone, from victims to perpetrators. Despite the heavy themes, the writing never felt preachy.
I was particularly impressed by how fast-paced The Foreign Wife was. There is a lot of world-building to get through, but I never felt like the author was info-dumping. I was speeding through the second half of the book, especially after Chapter 17! The twists and turns were genuinely surprising, and I cannot wait to see how Book 2 ties up or expands on these threads.
The Foreign Wife reminded me of The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood because of its commentary on gender norms and its depiction of the horrors women living in that dystopian world have to face. It also brought to mind Ōoku: The Inner Chambers by Fumi Yoshinaga, with its gritty, dark setting and a world shaped by gender politics.
All in all, I enjoyed being immersed in the world June Yang created. It was imaginative, atmospheric, and refreshingly different. She has created something wonderfully absorbing here, and I’m very glad I picked The Foreign Wife up. I’ll be eagerly awaiting Book 2!
June 13, 2026
June Yang’s The Foreign Wife is a breathtaking, 5-star read that I could not put down. From the very first chapter, the story plunges you into a gripping world defined by strict rules, deeply entrenched power dynamics, and a love story that defies all odds. What makes this book exceptional is the intense character dynamics. The tension between LeeAnn and Jochlan ("Jack") is absolutely magnetic. LeeAnn’s fierce intelligence and strategic mind make her a remarkable protagonist to follow as she navigates the perilous courts of Typress. Jochlan is the ultimate stoic, guarded royal—watching his icy, duty-bound exterior melt as he falls for LeeAnn is incredibly rewarding.
The thrilling power struggles within the kingdom of Typress are beautifully and terrifyingly realized. The ever-present threat of the dictator and the hidden agendas of the brotherhood create a constant, suffocating atmosphere that elevates the romance. Every stolen moment between the leads feels earned and incredibly dangerous. The perfect shift from duty to defiance in the character arc Jochlan undergoes—choosing to risk his soul and reject a deeply ingrained regime for the woman who shook his foundations—is spectacular. The transition from survival to active rebellion, fueled by secrets and espionage, keeps the pacing incredibly tight from start to finish. If you are looking for a story that brilliantly balances an oppressive political landscape with a sweeping, soul-deep connection, this is the book for you. Yang weaves a beautiful tale of finding freedom and love in the most impossible of places. Highly recommended!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The thrilling power struggles within the kingdom of Typress are beautifully and terrifyingly realized. The ever-present threat of the dictator and the hidden agendas of the brotherhood create a constant, suffocating atmosphere that elevates the romance. Every stolen moment between the leads feels earned and incredibly dangerous. The perfect shift from duty to defiance in the character arc Jochlan undergoes—choosing to risk his soul and reject a deeply ingrained regime for the woman who shook his foundations—is spectacular. The transition from survival to active rebellion, fueled by secrets and espionage, keeps the pacing incredibly tight from start to finish. If you are looking for a story that brilliantly balances an oppressive political landscape with a sweeping, soul-deep connection, this is the book for you. Yang weaves a beautiful tale of finding freedom and love in the most impossible of places. Highly recommended!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Confession: I'm probably one of the worst people to ask for a fiction recommendation because I hardly read novels, and I almost never finish them.
So when I say I finished The Foreign Wife in a week, reading mostly during my commute, that's probably the highest compliment I can give!!
I got completely invested in LeeAnn's journey. She's not the typical fantasy heroine charging in to change the world. She's trying to survive it, and that's exactly what made her so compelling. The way she navigates power, control, romance and constant surprises kept me wanting to know what she'd do next.
The relationship development was another highlight for me. The emotional tension felt authentic, and I found myself rooting for certain characters long before I realised how attached I'd become.
What surprised me most was how immersive the story felt. I'm not a regular fantasy reader, yet I slipped into the world of Typress very easily. The court politics, shifting loyalties, and underlying sense of danger created a constant feeling that another twist was always just around the corner.
Definitely recommended for readers who enjoy character-focused fantasy, political intrigue, slow-burn romance with plenty of steamy moments, and the kind of story that makes you look forward to your commute just so you can read the next chapter ;)
Now I'm impatiently waiting to see what happens next!
So when I say I finished The Foreign Wife in a week, reading mostly during my commute, that's probably the highest compliment I can give!!
I got completely invested in LeeAnn's journey. She's not the typical fantasy heroine charging in to change the world. She's trying to survive it, and that's exactly what made her so compelling. The way she navigates power, control, romance and constant surprises kept me wanting to know what she'd do next.
The relationship development was another highlight for me. The emotional tension felt authentic, and I found myself rooting for certain characters long before I realised how attached I'd become.
What surprised me most was how immersive the story felt. I'm not a regular fantasy reader, yet I slipped into the world of Typress very easily. The court politics, shifting loyalties, and underlying sense of danger created a constant feeling that another twist was always just around the corner.
Definitely recommended for readers who enjoy character-focused fantasy, political intrigue, slow-burn romance with plenty of steamy moments, and the kind of story that makes you look forward to your commute just so you can read the next chapter ;)
Now I'm impatiently waiting to see what happens next!
August 9, 2026
Refreshing, Poetic, and Filled with Tension and Twists
Sometimes, we are lucky to come across a book that completely pulls us in from start to finish. It leaves us asking questions about all the possibilities of what happens next and stretches our imagination. This story is an example of such a treasure!
I was pulled in immediately and not because of a fancy hook. The story starts flowing right away with rich world-building and character dynamics that demand you keep reading. But the true star is the plot! This is simply amazing storytelling.
So many threads are weaved together to create a living, breathing world. This story has twists galore that kept my jaw dropping, but every single twist was thoroughly grounded in the plot so that it flowed seamlessly.
Another winner for The Foreign Wife is June Yang’s writing style. It’s so simple and straightforward but with an almost poetic cadence. I quite often found myself thinking of how The Alchemist was written with a similar confident voice.
And as for the romance, the love between the two main characters is not simple or easy, but it is raw and passionate. You will be rooting for them the entire time.
Bonus points for the incredibly deep and impactful side characters.
Now, the real struggle begins because I want Book 2!!
Sometimes, we are lucky to come across a book that completely pulls us in from start to finish. It leaves us asking questions about all the possibilities of what happens next and stretches our imagination. This story is an example of such a treasure!
I was pulled in immediately and not because of a fancy hook. The story starts flowing right away with rich world-building and character dynamics that demand you keep reading. But the true star is the plot! This is simply amazing storytelling.
So many threads are weaved together to create a living, breathing world. This story has twists galore that kept my jaw dropping, but every single twist was thoroughly grounded in the plot so that it flowed seamlessly.
Another winner for The Foreign Wife is June Yang’s writing style. It’s so simple and straightforward but with an almost poetic cadence. I quite often found myself thinking of how The Alchemist was written with a similar confident voice.
And as for the romance, the love between the two main characters is not simple or easy, but it is raw and passionate. You will be rooting for them the entire time.
Bonus points for the incredibly deep and impactful side characters.
Now, the real struggle begins because I want Book 2!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC Review.
Thank you June Yang for sending me this ARC, I really enjoyed this well-written book.
The theme of this book grabbed me quickly. A modern girl thrown into another word, and then forced into a "Foreign Wife" system in the medieval kingdom of Typress?? I wanted to keep reading just to figure out how this world worked. The time-travel aspect of this book had that immediate hook for me.
My favorite part of this book was the romance between Jocelyn and LeeAnn. It was immediate and tense. He starts off so controlled and distant, and then you slowly see him loosen up around her. That shift drew me in. I love that kind of forced proximity, emotionally charged, tense dynamic.
This world is not too complicated, but feels restricted in a way that sits in the background while you are reading. It gives everything a slightly uneasy edge, which I liked. It adds to the intrigue of the book.
By the end of the book I was asking where things are headed next. I was not ready for the book to end.
I had a really good time with this book. All the elements I love were there, strong romantic tension, political intrigue, danger, and a world I wanted more time in.
Release date: June 5, 2026.
Thank you June Yang for sending me this ARC, I really enjoyed this well-written book.
The theme of this book grabbed me quickly. A modern girl thrown into another word, and then forced into a "Foreign Wife" system in the medieval kingdom of Typress?? I wanted to keep reading just to figure out how this world worked. The time-travel aspect of this book had that immediate hook for me.
My favorite part of this book was the romance between Jocelyn and LeeAnn. It was immediate and tense. He starts off so controlled and distant, and then you slowly see him loosen up around her. That shift drew me in. I love that kind of forced proximity, emotionally charged, tense dynamic.
This world is not too complicated, but feels restricted in a way that sits in the background while you are reading. It gives everything a slightly uneasy edge, which I liked. It adds to the intrigue of the book.
By the end of the book I was asking where things are headed next. I was not ready for the book to end.
I had a really good time with this book. All the elements I love were there, strong romantic tension, political intrigue, danger, and a world I wanted more time in.
Release date: June 5, 2026.
May 22, 2026
The Foreign Wife ARC Review
One minute LeeAnn is out with her friends and the next she is walking up in another world. She quickly learns that she has been brought to Typress to be a Foreign Wife and produce an heir for a prince. Jochlan finds out LeeAnn has been brought over to be his wife. As the two grow closer, Jochlan finds himself trying to find a path of freedom for both of them.
Publication date: June 5th 2026
Rating: 4 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
First I want to say thank you so much to the author for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
I’m a sucker for time-travel/ alternate universe romances, so I was super excited going into this book.
I thought the world building around Typress was done really well. I felt that it was easy to grasp what the kingdoms virtues and morals were. I thought the reasoning for them having Foreign wives was explained and developed.
I really enjoyed the characters. I think I liked Jochlan and Jovan the most. I would love to see more of Jovan in the next book.
The ending left me wanting to know what comes next!
One minute LeeAnn is out with her friends and the next she is walking up in another world. She quickly learns that she has been brought to Typress to be a Foreign Wife and produce an heir for a prince. Jochlan finds out LeeAnn has been brought over to be his wife. As the two grow closer, Jochlan finds himself trying to find a path of freedom for both of them.
Publication date: June 5th 2026
Rating: 4 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
First I want to say thank you so much to the author for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
I’m a sucker for time-travel/ alternate universe romances, so I was super excited going into this book.
I thought the world building around Typress was done really well. I felt that it was easy to grasp what the kingdoms virtues and morals were. I thought the reasoning for them having Foreign wives was explained and developed.
I really enjoyed the characters. I think I liked Jochlan and Jovan the most. I would love to see more of Jovan in the next book.
The ending left me wanting to know what comes next!
Review of advance copy received from Author
📚 Book Review: The Foreign Wife by June Yang
🏷️ Genre: Fantasy Romance / Alternate World
🕰️ Tropes: Forced Proximity | Portal Fantasy | Forbidden Romance | Medieval Vibes
✨ The Foreign Wife was an amazing and emotional read that had me hooked from the very beginning! The mix of romance, danger, and political drama kept me completely invested the whole time.
👑 When LeeAnn is thrown into a cruel alternate world, watching her learn how to survive was honestly so interesting. And her chemistry with Prince Jack? Sooo good 😭 Their emotional moments together were easily my favorite part of the book.
🔥 The characters felt very real, and I loved seeing their growth throughout the story. I also really appreciated the map and family tree because they added so much depth to the world-building and made everything feel more immersive.
💭 If you’re looking for a fantasy romance filled with royal drama, emotional tension, danger, and romance, I’d definitely recommend picking this up. It was lowkey hard to put down ✨
🏷️ Genre: Fantasy Romance / Alternate World
🕰️ Tropes: Forced Proximity | Portal Fantasy | Forbidden Romance | Medieval Vibes
✨ The Foreign Wife was an amazing and emotional read that had me hooked from the very beginning! The mix of romance, danger, and political drama kept me completely invested the whole time.
👑 When LeeAnn is thrown into a cruel alternate world, watching her learn how to survive was honestly so interesting. And her chemistry with Prince Jack? Sooo good 😭 Their emotional moments together were easily my favorite part of the book.
🔥 The characters felt very real, and I loved seeing their growth throughout the story. I also really appreciated the map and family tree because they added so much depth to the world-building and made everything feel more immersive.
💭 If you’re looking for a fantasy romance filled with royal drama, emotional tension, danger, and romance, I’d definitely recommend picking this up. It was lowkey hard to put down ✨
Review of advance copy received from Author
I'm a sucker for a good time travel book and this one definitely stands out from others I have read. The book follows LeeAnn, our FMC, who wakes up having found out she was kidnapped and is forced to become a foreign wife. She, and her now husband, have to fight for not only their love but their lives, while navigating a corrupted kingdom, political intrigue, and hidden dangers they are unprepared for. Jochlan “Jack” made me fall in love with him from his yearning alone! This book is full of romance, danger, deceit, high stakes, and forbidden love. This book will have you swooning one moment then filled with rage the next! It's an emotional roller coaster that will leave you longing for more while you go on this journey with the characters. I can't wait to read book two as soon as it drops because I need to know what happens next! Please be advised that this is a book on the darker side so please read the trigger warnings before you read!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 14, 2026
3.75 stars
The Foreign Wife synopsis sounded really intriguing to me and I was provided this book by June Yang and this is my honest opinion.
The first 50% of the book was really slow for me. The story is told in 3rd POV and there was dialogue that was difficult to discern who the speaker was or actions being made that you didn't know who was doing what. This took my attention from the story itself as I was trying to figure out who was doing/saying what.
Jack and LeeAnn were fairly well developed although their intimacy seemed to be a little fast for me given the circumstances surrounding why they were together.
The plot itself had a good concept, but I wish there was more explanations around the generalized idea as a whole. Possibly this will be rectified in the second book.
Overall this was a decent read for me and I will read book 2 to see how it ends.
Book 1 ends on a cliffhanger. Check TWs before reading as there are some topics that some readers my find disturbing.
The Foreign Wife synopsis sounded really intriguing to me and I was provided this book by June Yang and this is my honest opinion.
The first 50% of the book was really slow for me. The story is told in 3rd POV and there was dialogue that was difficult to discern who the speaker was or actions being made that you didn't know who was doing what. This took my attention from the story itself as I was trying to figure out who was doing/saying what.
Jack and LeeAnn were fairly well developed although their intimacy seemed to be a little fast for me given the circumstances surrounding why they were together.
The plot itself had a good concept, but I wish there was more explanations around the generalized idea as a whole. Possibly this will be rectified in the second book.
Overall this was a decent read for me and I will read book 2 to see how it ends.
Book 1 ends on a cliffhanger. Check TWs before reading as there are some topics that some readers my find disturbing.
September 5, 2026
The Foreign Wife combines romance, political intrigue, and a high-stakes struggle for freedom within a fictional authoritarian kingdom. June Yang places LeeAnn Young in an especially compelling position: she is brought into Typress as a royal companion, expected to fulfill a role dictated by the regime while attempting to preserve her own agency in an unfamiliar and dangerous world.
The relationship between LeeAnn and Jochlan “Jack” Altair provides the emotional center of the story. Jack’s conflict between lifelong duty and his growing desire for freedom gives the romance larger consequences, particularly as LeeAnn’s presence forces him to confront the system he has spent his life serving. Their developing relationship becomes intertwined with espionage, secrecy, political control, and the possibility of rebellion.
The book also tackles difficult themes surrounding power, coercion, trauma, and abuse, giving the romance a darker and more serious dimension than a conventional love story.
The relationship between LeeAnn and Jochlan “Jack” Altair provides the emotional center of the story. Jack’s conflict between lifelong duty and his growing desire for freedom gives the romance larger consequences, particularly as LeeAnn’s presence forces him to confront the system he has spent his life serving. Their developing relationship becomes intertwined with espionage, secrecy, political control, and the possibility of rebellion.
The book also tackles difficult themes surrounding power, coercion, trauma, and abuse, giving the romance a darker and more serious dimension than a conventional love story.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Ok WOW.
This book put me through every emotion possible. Rage, heartbreak, stress, longing...all of it.
This book is an alternate universe romance following LeeAnn as she’s taken from our world into a land where women are treated as commodities to be used and abused.
The emotional tension in this story was wild and I genuinely could not put it down.
The storyline, the spice, the angst, the grief, the power dynamics, the kings and princes... it all worked for me.
And the character development?
So well done.
June really knows how to play with your emotions in the best (and most painful) way.
I definitely recommend this read and I’m already excited to dive into the next two books. :)
This is my first ARC and I want to thank the author for allowing me to experience this amazing piece of work prior to the release date of June 5th 2026.
4 ⭐️
This book put me through every emotion possible. Rage, heartbreak, stress, longing...all of it.
This book is an alternate universe romance following LeeAnn as she’s taken from our world into a land where women are treated as commodities to be used and abused.
The emotional tension in this story was wild and I genuinely could not put it down.
The storyline, the spice, the angst, the grief, the power dynamics, the kings and princes... it all worked for me.
And the character development?
So well done.
June really knows how to play with your emotions in the best (and most painful) way.
I definitely recommend this read and I’m already excited to dive into the next two books. :)
This is my first ARC and I want to thank the author for allowing me to experience this amazing piece of work prior to the release date of June 5th 2026.
4 ⭐️
June 19, 2026
Review of advance copy received from Author
Love the tension between Jack and Lee Ann and how he was so protective of her even from the beginning. But I hate that they're all wanting a boy and not a girl and the foreign wife have to keep trying to get pregnant and give birth to a heir. Also why is the girls' nursery so run down and the guy's nursery so well-maintained?
Also, hate that the kids don't know who their fathers are and can't have a relationship with them. Also find it weird that foreign wives have to perform an act on the "podium" with different companions.
Also, glad that Jack was willing to give up his title in Xasia and begin a new life with Lee Ann because of his love for her but sad that he didn't make it to the portal because of the attack. Looking forward to the next book.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Love the tension between Jack and Lee Ann and how he was so protective of her even from the beginning. But I hate that they're all wanting a boy and not a girl and the foreign wife have to keep trying to get pregnant and give birth to a heir. Also why is the girls' nursery so run down and the guy's nursery so well-maintained?
Also, hate that the kids don't know who their fathers are and can't have a relationship with them. Also find it weird that foreign wives have to perform an act on the "podium" with different companions.
Also, glad that Jack was willing to give up his title in Xasia and begin a new life with Lee Ann because of his love for her but sad that he didn't make it to the portal because of the attack. Looking forward to the next book.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 11, 2026
*Review of advanced copy received by author*
Thank you to June and her team for providing a copy for me to read.
This story brings together many characters and develops intricate world-building central to the plot. This book sets the scene for many more characters to develop their own main stories and potentially prequels and sequels.
However, I felt the introduction of the two main characters was rushed at the beginning of the book. I think that their personalities, the choices they make, the reasons they are the way they are would have made more sense had there been more time spent on their experiences and a longer interaction between them before they fall in love.
That being said, this book is for people who love vast worlds and fantasy realms with a touch of magic.
Thank you to June and her team for providing a copy for me to read.
This story brings together many characters and develops intricate world-building central to the plot. This book sets the scene for many more characters to develop their own main stories and potentially prequels and sequels.
However, I felt the introduction of the two main characters was rushed at the beginning of the book. I think that their personalities, the choices they make, the reasons they are the way they are would have made more sense had there been more time spent on their experiences and a longer interaction between them before they fall in love.
That being said, this book is for people who love vast worlds and fantasy realms with a touch of magic.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I really liked the plot and the love story because the characters (and not only the main ones) need to overcome very difficult obstacles (like the society's rules the king has implemented)
The end is very good and it paves the way for a second book (right?! 👀)
I felt like it needed a mention for mature readers as it contains topics that can be difficult and I was a bit suprised but the author added them as soon as I told her !
The two main characters bond very fast considering the situation but it is an instant kind of love (almost love at first sight).
Finally, I need to mention the MAP of the kingdoms that is in colour and very beautifully drawn !!
All in all, I wasn't the right reader for it as it is not the kind of romance I usually read but I believe it will be very popular with the right audience !
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The end is very good and it paves the way for a second book (right?! 👀)
I felt like it needed a mention for mature readers as it contains topics that can be difficult and I was a bit suprised but the author added them as soon as I told her !
The two main characters bond very fast considering the situation but it is an instant kind of love (almost love at first sight).
Finally, I need to mention the MAP of the kingdoms that is in colour and very beautifully drawn !!
All in all, I wasn't the right reader for it as it is not the kind of romance I usually read but I believe it will be very popular with the right audience !
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 15, 2026
The story isn't just about romance its like about loneliness, sacrifice, family, and trying to find your place when everything around you feels unfamiliar.
There were moments that made me frustrated, moments that made me sad, and a few that genuinely touched my heart. The characters felt very good which made it easy to connect with them. The pacing was a little slow in some places, but overall I was invested in the journey with them The plot was actually great..Thanks for choosing me as an ARC reader.
There were moments that made me frustrated, moments that made me sad, and a few that genuinely touched my heart. The characters felt very good which made it easy to connect with them. The pacing was a little slow in some places, but overall I was invested in the journey with them The plot was actually great..Thanks for choosing me as an ARC reader.
July 21, 2026
I love the book despite its many characters. The setting is sooo me, i like a good historical kingdom setting with a sprinkle of romance and action to it. Everything is weaved beautifully, the plot, the character development, the story, i just love it all. The cliffhanger at the end though, can i read book 2 now please? It gives me an insta love vibe between Jochlan & LeeAnn, wish they slow down a bit and get to know each other first, i'd love to see more courting between they confessed their feeling. But nonetheless, this is good for a debut novel 💕
August 21, 2026
This was a 3.5 read for me.
Really enjoyed this book! Had a great time and could hardly put it down. Now I sit here waiting for book 2.
Wasn’t a fan of instant love and I do feel I need more of a build up between the FMC and the MMC.
I’m also looking for more world building and some answers which I do hope get some clarification on.
Overall a good read that I’ll definitely recommend.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Really enjoyed this book! Had a great time and could hardly put it down. Now I sit here waiting for book 2.
Wasn’t a fan of instant love and I do feel I need more of a build up between the FMC and the MMC.
I’m also looking for more world building and some answers which I do hope get some clarification on.
Overall a good read that I’ll definitely recommend.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
My Foreign Wife was such a heartfelt and emotional read. I loved the chemistry between the characters and how naturally their relationship developed throughout the story. The mix of romance, emotions, and cultural differences made it even more interesting. Overall, it was a comforting and memorable book that kept me engaged till the end.
Review of advance copy received from Author
what an amazing book!!! omg like i could not believe how much i was going to enjoy this book. it’s got a medieval setting, forbidden romance, and time travel? heck yes, sign me up! LOVED every minute and i hope the author will consider me for when the next book comes out!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was lucky enough to to get a ARC copy of this novel from the author.
It took me a few chapter to get into the book.
I had a hard time putting the book down. It kept me engaged from the 2nd chapter until the end.
Im hoping there is a second book coming out
It took me a few chapter to get into the book.
I had a hard time putting the book down. It kept me engaged from the 2nd chapter until the end.
Im hoping there is a second book coming out
Review of advance copy received from Author
Fantastic read. The author creates a rich and compelling world. Weaving together time travel, medieval romance and erotic fantasy. The Foreign Wife is full of striking scenes - that raise questions about love, loyalty and integrity. Cant wait for part 2.
August 24, 2026
The way this book was written kept me captivated and enjoyed it all the way through. Even if love starts different and looks different for each person still make this love story.
June 26, 2026
It was something different the details the way jack grew up the rules and customs of his family it’s interesting I love jack his kindness his ability to respect boundaries even seeing what’s wrong with his world being kind despite what he was taught I loved it I hope we get to see more of him and Leann.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
3.5⭐️
Thank you to the author, June Yang, for providing an ARC of the book.
The Foreign Wife by June Yang follows LeeAnn Young, who is suddenly taken to the kingdom of Typress and forced into the role of a Foreign Wife, a royal companion expected to marry a prince and bear an heir under a strict authoritarian regime. As she grows closer to Prince Jochlan “Jack” Altair, their relationship begins to challenge everything he has ever known.
The story immediately pulls you in, and the multiple POVs add depth to the characters and their growth throughout the novel. While some scenes may be uncomfortable, the emotional and political tension kept me invested. I’m usually not a fan of instant love, but the multiple perspectives helped make their connection feel more believable. Overall, I enjoyed this story and would recommend it to readers who enjoy romance with political intrigue and time-travel elements.
Thank you to the author, June Yang, for providing an ARC of the book.
The Foreign Wife by June Yang follows LeeAnn Young, who is suddenly taken to the kingdom of Typress and forced into the role of a Foreign Wife, a royal companion expected to marry a prince and bear an heir under a strict authoritarian regime. As she grows closer to Prince Jochlan “Jack” Altair, their relationship begins to challenge everything he has ever known.
The story immediately pulls you in, and the multiple POVs add depth to the characters and their growth throughout the novel. While some scenes may be uncomfortable, the emotional and political tension kept me invested. I’m usually not a fan of instant love, but the multiple perspectives helped make their connection feel more believable. Overall, I enjoyed this story and would recommend it to readers who enjoy romance with political intrigue and time-travel elements.
June 16, 2026
**ARC Review**
I really liked this story, I can tell that June had a message and it was beautiful! The character development was great and I loved reading about how this world secretly fits into the real world. My only criticism would be, in my opinion, we had too many POV’s. June did a great job of explaining who we were following, but at times it felt a little overwhelming. I am still very excited to continue this series as it comes out, I can’t wait to see what June has in store for these characters!
I really liked this story, I can tell that June had a message and it was beautiful! The character development was great and I loved reading about how this world secretly fits into the real world. My only criticism would be, in my opinion, we had too many POV’s. June did a great job of explaining who we were following, but at times it felt a little overwhelming. I am still very excited to continue this series as it comes out, I can’t wait to see what June has in store for these characters!
Review of advance copy received from Author
The premise of the story is an engaging idea, I loved the time travel aspect of it and I thought that was interesting. The character names were a breath of fresh air -- names that I haven't seen used in novels as well. I thought that the romantic development and tension between Jack and LeeAnn was lovely and enjoyable. That electric feeling, drawn in at first sight is magic, and one of my favorite tropes. The scene at the creek was so tender and one of my favorites in the novel.
There are some truly despicable antagonists and refreshing protectors in the story, which was a strength of the plot and the authors writing. While reading, I physically felt the griminess of certain characters and then that would be washed away by our honorable men in the story.
With that said, overall this installment of the story wasn't for me. Maybe the second novel would open up some more world building and other kingdoms would not be as treacherous as Xasia? I'd be curious about it as the ending was open and this was not a stand alone novel.
Additional trigger warnings from my POV:
non-consensual conception and birth
forced fetal separation
maternal death in childbirth
human sex trafficking
homophobia
suicidal & self harm ideations
It would have been helpful to see some of these listed in the trigger warnings as they are heavy themes that add tension and stakes to the plot.
Thank you, June, for the chance to read this and leave a review! Congratulations again.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
There are some truly despicable antagonists and refreshing protectors in the story, which was a strength of the plot and the authors writing. While reading, I physically felt the griminess of certain characters and then that would be washed away by our honorable men in the story.
With that said, overall this installment of the story wasn't for me. Maybe the second novel would open up some more world building and other kingdoms would not be as treacherous as Xasia? I'd be curious about it as the ending was open and this was not a stand alone novel.
Additional trigger warnings from my POV:
non-consensual conception and birth
forced fetal separation
maternal death in childbirth
human sex trafficking
homophobia
suicidal & self harm ideations
It would have been helpful to see some of these listed in the trigger warnings as they are heavy themes that add tension and stakes to the plot.
Thank you, June, for the chance to read this and leave a review! Congratulations again.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 16, 2026
This book offers an intense, emotionally charged story set in a dangerous and oppressive world. The premise is compelling; women are taken against their wills and are used to produce babies. LeeAnn is easy to root for as she tries to survive an unfamiliar and hostile environment, and Jack’s internal conflict adds depth to the story. Their relationship develops against high stakes, which makes the emotional arc satisfying.
While the pace is definitely on the slower side, I still enjoyed the book overall. The slower build allows the characters and their connection to develop more fully and deepens the story's atmosphere. Readers who enjoy emotionally driven romance with dark themes, court intrigue, and a gradual character journey may find a lot to like here.
I'm looking forward to book 2 because I'm dying to know what happens next.
Please check your trigger warnings.
While the pace is definitely on the slower side, I still enjoyed the book overall. The slower build allows the characters and their connection to develop more fully and deepens the story's atmosphere. Readers who enjoy emotionally driven romance with dark themes, court intrigue, and a gradual character journey may find a lot to like here.
I'm looking forward to book 2 because I'm dying to know what happens next.
Please check your trigger warnings.
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