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A King's Rival
A challenge between rivals will either lead to suffering...or love.
Chieftain Rygar Idras must lead his warriors on a dangerous raid into Astor to rescue his men from captivity. But an ambush brings him face-to-face with Vash Terric, a powerful and ruthless king, and the raid ends with Rygar in chains. He's imprisoned within a castle in Astor, but his spirit remains unbroken, and he's determined to escape and save his men. But Vash gives him an ultimatum. The king will free one of his men every time Rygar comes to his bed of his own free will. If he refuses, he will remain in chains, a captive to the king, and his fellow raiders will languish in the dungeon. Rygar is prepared to do anything to free his men, whether that is killing the king...or sleeping with him. But denying his attraction to the commanding Vash is far more difficult than he imagined. When the king honors his promise, Rygar discovers that protecting his heart from his rival may be the greatest challenge he's ever faced...
King Vash loves nothing more than the stability and prosperity brought by law and order. Astor is a beacon of order in the world—a light threatened by barbarian raiders like Rygar. But Vash can't escape his raw desire for his captive. He's drawn to the man's strength and defiance. The longer he keeps his enemy captive at his side, the more fascinated he becomes with Rygar and his strange ways. Perhaps Rygar isn't the savage Vash thought he was. Vash is willing to conquer all his enemies to protect his people and impose order on the chaos...but his growing feelings for Rygar threaten to bring everything he has achieved crashing down around him.
Reader discretion advised
Chieftain Rygar Idras must lead his warriors on a dangerous raid into Astor to rescue his men from captivity. But an ambush brings him face-to-face with Vash Terric, a powerful and ruthless king, and the raid ends with Rygar in chains. He's imprisoned within a castle in Astor, but his spirit remains unbroken, and he's determined to escape and save his men. But Vash gives him an ultimatum. The king will free one of his men every time Rygar comes to his bed of his own free will. If he refuses, he will remain in chains, a captive to the king, and his fellow raiders will languish in the dungeon. Rygar is prepared to do anything to free his men, whether that is killing the king...or sleeping with him. But denying his attraction to the commanding Vash is far more difficult than he imagined. When the king honors his promise, Rygar discovers that protecting his heart from his rival may be the greatest challenge he's ever faced...
King Vash loves nothing more than the stability and prosperity brought by law and order. Astor is a beacon of order in the world—a light threatened by barbarian raiders like Rygar. But Vash can't escape his raw desire for his captive. He's drawn to the man's strength and defiance. The longer he keeps his enemy captive at his side, the more fascinated he becomes with Rygar and his strange ways. Perhaps Rygar isn't the savage Vash thought he was. Vash is willing to conquer all his enemies to protect his people and impose order on the chaos...but his growing feelings for Rygar threaten to bring everything he has achieved crashing down around him.
Reader discretion advised
182 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 12, 2018
77 people are currently reading
112 people want to read
About the author
Xander Tracy
7 books19 followersA King's Rival was Xander Tracy's first book, followed by A King's Vow, A Prince's Hostage, A Knight's Exile, An Outlaw's Captive, and A Warrior's Choice. Xander lives in Florida and loves the sun and warm winters. Look for more M/M Fantasy Romance novels to come!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
July 25, 2019
I started this over again after having abandoned it sometime last year.
For some reason, it did work for me this time.
Rygar and Vash are one hot, albeit extremely unlikely couple.
Vash is the King of Astor, an expanding kingdom. Rygar is the chieftain of a tribe of nomads. Due to some crazy circumstance, Rygar and his men are imprisoned by King Vash. Vash is a hot, muscled warrior king who feels drawn towards the handsome chieftain, so he makes him his personal slave and gives him the option to free his men one by one. One man for every night spent in the King's bed.
It's a totally crazy fantasy romance in a medieval setting, but funny enough it worked well for me. I've been reading this simultaneously with GRR Martin's Fire & Blood, which might have influenced my interest in kings and their sexual escapades, but in any case, I found myself wonderfully entertained by this fairy tale like fantasy story!
3.5 stars!
For some reason, it did work for me this time.
Rygar and Vash are one hot, albeit extremely unlikely couple.
Vash is the King of Astor, an expanding kingdom. Rygar is the chieftain of a tribe of nomads. Due to some crazy circumstance, Rygar and his men are imprisoned by King Vash. Vash is a hot, muscled warrior king who feels drawn towards the handsome chieftain, so he makes him his personal slave and gives him the option to free his men one by one. One man for every night spent in the King's bed.
It's a totally crazy fantasy romance in a medieval setting, but funny enough it worked well for me. I've been reading this simultaneously with GRR Martin's Fire & Blood, which might have influenced my interest in kings and their sexual escapades, but in any case, I found myself wonderfully entertained by this fairy tale like fantasy story!
3.5 stars!
July 28, 2019
*2,5 stars*
The blurb seemed promising and some parts of this book were quite enjoyable, but ...
.) There was't enough character depth and detail.
.) This was insta-lust which is okay, but insta-love followed foot shortly thereafter.
.) The plot was too simplistic and not enough is made from the sex slave idea.
.) There is no angst despite the promising scenario.
.) Everything is resolved at the snap of a finger, practically out of nowhere.
.) The writing style isn't for me, and the world building is hugely patchy.
This could have been so much more. If you have ever read the Captive Prince series, you know what I mean.
The blurb seemed promising and some parts of this book were quite enjoyable, but ...
.) There was't enough character depth and detail.
.) This was insta-lust which is okay, but insta-love followed foot shortly thereafter.
.) The plot was too simplistic and not enough is made from the sex slave idea.
.) There is no angst despite the promising scenario.
.) Everything is resolved at the snap of a finger, practically out of nowhere.
.) The writing style isn't for me, and the world building is hugely patchy.
This could have been so much more. If you have ever read the Captive Prince series, you know what I mean.
February 14, 2018
2.5 stars.
Looks like this was a debut novel. As far as writing goes, it was a pretty solid effort. The author can build a world, create engaging characters and write a decent sex scene. Editing was ok - not as good as expected for Etopia press, but above average.
The story though. Well, based on the blurb and the publisher I was expecting something grittier. Something with more psychological nuance to the trauma of battle, capture, submission and resolve. What it really ends up as was a short instaloveish novella with a too easy resolution and an absurdly convoluted plot and incomprehensible motivations. The premise that props this up, the unacknowledged envoy is ridiculous. Add in the inexplicable reason for the affected barbarian for not saying anything about his connection to the city and the warrior prior to the raid along with the reason the warrior never mentioned the envoy to the king and well, you can't call it anything but a mess. Thankfully they didn't have a language barrier but that was also unbelievable.
I think that if any one had asked any logical questions when confronted with this tangle of motivations prior to publishing perhaps the end result would have really been a compelling tale.
But also...FABULOUS COVER.
Looks like this was a debut novel. As far as writing goes, it was a pretty solid effort. The author can build a world, create engaging characters and write a decent sex scene. Editing was ok - not as good as expected for Etopia press, but above average.
The story though. Well, based on the blurb and the publisher I was expecting something grittier. Something with more psychological nuance to the trauma of battle, capture, submission and resolve. What it really ends up as was a short instaloveish novella with a too easy resolution and an absurdly convoluted plot and incomprehensible motivations. The premise that props this up, the unacknowledged envoy is ridiculous. Add in the inexplicable reason for the affected barbarian for not saying anything about his connection to the city and the warrior prior to the raid along with the reason the warrior never mentioned the envoy to the king and well, you can't call it anything but a mess. Thankfully they didn't have a language barrier but that was also unbelievable.
I think that if any one had asked any logical questions when confronted with this tangle of motivations prior to publishing perhaps the end result would have really been a compelling tale.
But also...FABULOUS COVER.
February 25, 2018
3.5 Stars
Not bad for a first time author...although, given that summary I expected a much grittier, darker read, but that captive, coercive, barbarian-like aspect of the tale (that drew me to this book in the first place) pretty much fizzled out after about the 2/3 mark and it got a whole lot more sappy. Well, I mean, the romance developed a bit as well because of the softening of the MC, but I expected it would take longer for that kind of character growth. I really need to pay attention to the page length of the books I'm choosing so that I am not repeatedly disappointed like that.
Not bad for a first time author...although, given that summary I expected a much grittier, darker read, but that captive, coercive, barbarian-like aspect of the tale (that drew me to this book in the first place) pretty much fizzled out after about the 2/3 mark and it got a whole lot more sappy. Well, I mean, the romance developed a bit as well because of the softening of the MC, but I expected it would take longer for that kind of character growth. I really need to pay attention to the page length of the books I'm choosing so that I am not repeatedly disappointed like that.
December 9, 2021
**grm**
Well, this book was rushed. The story really needed more pages, all happened almost in the last chapter and some of these things didn't make sense at all. The Chief barbarian was a captive 2 pages before, but then he was walking freely and he could even enter the King's chambers with the guards blessing. WTF? A lot of confusion and scenes that didn't make any sense. I'm rating this 3 stars, bcs it seems this book was the author's first story, but I think they should fix it.
Well, this book was rushed. The story really needed more pages, all happened almost in the last chapter and some of these things didn't make sense at all. The Chief barbarian was a captive 2 pages before, but then he was walking freely and he could even enter the King's chambers with the guards blessing. WTF? A lot of confusion and scenes that didn't make any sense. I'm rating this 3 stars, bcs it seems this book was the author's first story, but I think they should fix it.
May 27, 2018
2.5 stars
February 16, 2018
I’ll definitely be following this author, what a great debut novel!
March 22, 2018
Okay
This would have been a stronger story if it was longer. It was a good story with a strong plot and the main characters were being developed nicely, but it was rushed at the end unnecessarily. The author could have build on the the dynamics between the two leaders more. But I liked the story.
This would have been a stronger story if it was longer. It was a good story with a strong plot and the main characters were being developed nicely, but it was rushed at the end unnecessarily. The author could have build on the the dynamics between the two leaders more. But I liked the story.
November 28, 2020
Rating =
2.5 rounded up because author's 1sr book.
Blurb = (Scale 1-5)
2: blurb reads as a much darker book than it actually is.
My Genre Scale = (Scale 1-5)
3.5
Odds if not your genre = (Scale 1-5)
2
Development of: = (Scale 1-5)
*World = 4
*Plot = 2.5
*Characters (scratch below the surface?) =
3
What stood out =
Nothing really
Mood Type / Appeal to those looking for =
Easy read to just pass the time.
Warnings =
None
Series Notes = 1st (Author's 1st too)
*Reading on? Actually read the 2nd 1st
*Reading back to back? Yes
*Can be easily read without the previous?
Yes. They read as stand-alones.
Rating Notes = (SubPlots & HEA)
Definitely has a HFN. It is not bad at all especially for an author's 1st book. I'm glad I read the 2nd one first. To me, it seemed considerably better in most areas especially flow and details. There were multiple areas that served vague and / or muddled etc...mostly as in how or why certain events came to pass. I didn't find it terribly hard to fill in the blanks, but...
**************
Below are my explanations or thoughts on reviewing!
***************
1.Obviously no review can take into account all the various personal pet peeves of readers. But, I do try to take into account the common ones often bemoaned by other reviewers
2. If used in this review, the term Brain candy is not necessarily negative. It has its uses and at times it is my preference when I just want to pass some time; so it does not carry a negative connotation for me - unless I'm expecting the next great novel. (What falls under brain candy? The book is meant for pure entertainment to pass time. It may be formulaic, from an author published quickly like monthly, things escalate fast, and are often solved easily etc.. Publishing industries version of pop music. Beach type reads etc... ).
3. Blurb rating purpose:
Like many readers, I do not like to think I'm reading one kind of story; just to end up with another type. But...I also don't think a book should be docked stars for being as stated. If I don't like stories about "_________", and I choose to read one. I shouldn't give it 2 stars based JUST on my preferences. Unless... it wasn't clear in the blurb.
4. Other Factors that effect my perspective when reviewing:
Since 2009, I have exclusively read m/m. My 1st was in 2007. I am a Kindle diehard, and I never do audio for m/m. I read at least 100+ books a year - with an average length of 220± pages; but the total number of books is usually much higher. My Goodreads lifetime rating (at the start of 2020) was a 3.72 average for 1390 books. Which considering, you should be better at picking out books the more you read, I feel is a accurate average. I have over 700 reviews within the m/m genre here on Goodreads.
2.5 rounded up because author's 1sr book.
Blurb = (Scale 1-5)
2: blurb reads as a much darker book than it actually is.
My Genre Scale = (Scale 1-5)
3.5
Odds if not your genre = (Scale 1-5)
2
Development of: = (Scale 1-5)
*World = 4
*Plot = 2.5
*Characters (scratch below the surface?) =
3
What stood out =
Nothing really
Mood Type / Appeal to those looking for =
Easy read to just pass the time.
Warnings =
None
Series Notes = 1st (Author's 1st too)
*Reading on? Actually read the 2nd 1st
*Reading back to back? Yes
*Can be easily read without the previous?
Yes. They read as stand-alones.
Rating Notes = (SubPlots & HEA)
Definitely has a HFN. It is not bad at all especially for an author's 1st book. I'm glad I read the 2nd one first. To me, it seemed considerably better in most areas especially flow and details. There were multiple areas that served vague and / or muddled etc...mostly as in how or why certain events came to pass. I didn't find it terribly hard to fill in the blanks, but...
**************
Below are my explanations or thoughts on reviewing!
***************
1.Obviously no review can take into account all the various personal pet peeves of readers. But, I do try to take into account the common ones often bemoaned by other reviewers
2. If used in this review, the term Brain candy is not necessarily negative. It has its uses and at times it is my preference when I just want to pass some time; so it does not carry a negative connotation for me - unless I'm expecting the next great novel. (What falls under brain candy? The book is meant for pure entertainment to pass time. It may be formulaic, from an author published quickly like monthly, things escalate fast, and are often solved easily etc.. Publishing industries version of pop music. Beach type reads etc... ).
3. Blurb rating purpose:
Like many readers, I do not like to think I'm reading one kind of story; just to end up with another type. But...I also don't think a book should be docked stars for being as stated. If I don't like stories about "_________", and I choose to read one. I shouldn't give it 2 stars based JUST on my preferences. Unless... it wasn't clear in the blurb.
4. Other Factors that effect my perspective when reviewing:
Since 2009, I have exclusively read m/m. My 1st was in 2007. I am a Kindle diehard, and I never do audio for m/m. I read at least 100+ books a year - with an average length of 220± pages; but the total number of books is usually much higher. My Goodreads lifetime rating (at the start of 2020) was a 3.72 average for 1390 books. Which considering, you should be better at picking out books the more you read, I feel is a accurate average. I have over 700 reviews within the m/m genre here on Goodreads.
October 20, 2024
3/5⭐
1/5🌶️
It wasn't bad but it was certainly too short, the end too rushed and the blurb a little misleading.
The writing was good considering this was a debut novel; the characters lacked a bit of depth and personality, for example at some point Rygar is forced to have his long braids and beard completely cut, and even though he puts up a big fight because he doesn't want to, after they succeed in cutting it he doesn't mention it anymore and doesn't feel despair or even sadness and that was a bit unbelievable, even more so given that barbarians were really attached to their hair according to history; the ending was so rushed I was left almost completely unsatisfied 'cause nothing made sense and the most anticipated moment where Vash and Rygar were supposed to communicate and clear any misunderstanding was dismissed too easily; the blurb is kinda misleading because the plot is a bit different and doesn't really revolve that much about them having sex, in fact there is only was explicit scene.
“Was that my goodbye kiss?” Vash asked softly.
“No. That was your hello kiss.”
This was one of the best scenes in the ending.
I really liked when Rygar tried to kill Vash, because that was the first action that agreed with his description of a strong warrior who didn't take shit from anyone. On the other hand I didn't like how easily Vash was able to overthrow him 'cause how in the fuck is Rygar one of the strongest barbarians, the head of the Matassa warriors, if he can be defeated so easily, he didn't have any weapon with him other than chains (and honestly I was a bit disappointed we didn't get a scene with him using his sword) but I think he should've been a little bit more powerful.
Slowly, he began to make his way to the bed, his bare feet making no sound.
Here it seems he was going to fuck but in reality he was trying to kill Vash.
Honestly hope there's a book about Barrett and Endron, loved them.
Barrett broke out in a sob. He leaned forward, suddenly losing his iron control. He was shaking, crying. Endron was there in a flash, holding him.
1/5🌶️
It wasn't bad but it was certainly too short, the end too rushed and the blurb a little misleading.
The writing was good considering this was a debut novel; the characters lacked a bit of depth and personality, for example at some point Rygar is forced to have his long braids and beard completely cut, and even though he puts up a big fight because he doesn't want to, after they succeed in cutting it he doesn't mention it anymore and doesn't feel despair or even sadness and that was a bit unbelievable, even more so given that barbarians were really attached to their hair according to history; the ending was so rushed I was left almost completely unsatisfied 'cause nothing made sense and the most anticipated moment where Vash and Rygar were supposed to communicate and clear any misunderstanding was dismissed too easily; the blurb is kinda misleading because the plot is a bit different and doesn't really revolve that much about them having sex, in fact there is only was explicit scene.
“Was that my goodbye kiss?” Vash asked softly.
“No. That was your hello kiss.”
This was one of the best scenes in the ending.
I really liked when Rygar tried to kill Vash, because that was the first action that agreed with his description of a strong warrior who didn't take shit from anyone. On the other hand I didn't like how easily Vash was able to overthrow him 'cause how in the fuck is Rygar one of the strongest barbarians, the head of the Matassa warriors, if he can be defeated so easily, he didn't have any weapon with him other than chains (and honestly I was a bit disappointed we didn't get a scene with him using his sword) but I think he should've been a little bit more powerful.
Slowly, he began to make his way to the bed, his bare feet making no sound.
Here it seems he was going to fuck but in reality he was trying to kill Vash.
Honestly hope there's a book about Barrett and Endron, loved them.
Barrett broke out in a sob. He leaned forward, suddenly losing his iron control. He was shaking, crying. Endron was there in a flash, holding him.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 29, 2023
1. Insta love. 2. Only one brief, low heat scene.
3. The agreement barely lasted because Vash only enforced it once before he had a complete change of heart. Then why even make this the basis of the story? 4. The underlying plot of the scheme going on behind the king’s back was very easily figured out, including the reason behind it. 5. Not 179 pages; it’s 173, the rest is synopses for other books.
Even though he hated being called one, Rygar had the brains of a barbarian. How stupid could you be to keep trying to kill the king and think you and your men would make it out alive? *Insert eye roll here*
Decent world building, decent characterization. Overall it’s a decent read, enough to make me interested in more by this writer.
3. The agreement barely lasted because Vash only enforced it once before he had a complete change of heart. Then why even make this the basis of the story? 4. The underlying plot of the scheme going on behind the king’s back was very easily figured out, including the reason behind it. 5. Not 179 pages; it’s 173, the rest is synopses for other books.
Even though he hated being called one, Rygar had the brains of a barbarian. How stupid could you be to keep trying to kill the king and think you and your men would make it out alive? *Insert eye roll here*
Decent world building, decent characterization. Overall it’s a decent read, enough to make me interested in more by this writer.
January 4, 2020
2.5* Stars - This was pretty good but it really needed to be longer. Once I finished this, all I could think was...more. I needed so much more, this was too short and the potential for a fantastic novel was there. The relationship between Rygar and Vash needed more time and more development. The way conclusion to this novel had played out would have been so much better if all of Rygar’s men and envoy except Endron and one other had been released. Had the deal been fulfilled to near completion, there would’ve been more substance to the changes in Vash and the development of the relationship.
An enjoyable read but not enough.
An enjoyable read but not enough.
April 22, 2018
Good debut novel. Novelette? Short story? Call it what you want. This one is fairly short, only taking a few hours to read. One way hot smokin' sex scene. I really wanted more! Sadly, there was just the one.
I'm not going to pick this one apart. The author has great potential. The story could have used some fixing up, but it really wasn't bad. It kept my interest enough to finish it in one sitting. Could it have been better? Sure. Was it good for a first novel? You betcha! Three solid stars, for a "i liked it".
I'm not going to pick this one apart. The author has great potential. The story could have used some fixing up, but it really wasn't bad. It kept my interest enough to finish it in one sitting. Could it have been better? Sure. Was it good for a first novel? You betcha! Three solid stars, for a "i liked it".
April 10, 2018
3.5 stars
I wanted a bit more angst and soul-searching than what this book delivered. It wasn't bad, but it just didn't quite meet my expectations.
Vash was too cavalier and impossibly controlled. I didn't buy the whole assassination scene being "no big deal" for him when dealing with Rygar. If he was truly that overwhelmingly strong, Rygar would have had the awareness of it and would have tried to compensate for the difference.
I wanted a bit more angst and soul-searching than what this book delivered. It wasn't bad, but it just didn't quite meet my expectations.
Vash was too cavalier and impossibly controlled. I didn't buy the whole assassination scene being "no big deal" for him when dealing with Rygar. If he was truly that overwhelmingly strong, Rygar would have had the awareness of it and would have tried to compensate for the difference.
February 3, 2019
Meh
If it hadn't been so short, I would have DNF'd it. Neither character was terribly compelling. While the author tells the reader what the characters are feeling, he doesn't really show it. He doesn't make us feel it. There was nothing particularly objectionable about the story, and it did entertain, but I won't be buying the sequel.
If it hadn't been so short, I would have DNF'd it. Neither character was terribly compelling. While the author tells the reader what the characters are feeling, he doesn't really show it. He doesn't make us feel it. There was nothing particularly objectionable about the story, and it did entertain, but I won't be buying the sequel.
May 26, 2018
4 Stars
Pretty good story. I would have enjoyed it more if the characters relationship had developed more. I also think there could have been more sex! One encounter between the MCs just wasn’t enough!
Pretty good story. I would have enjoyed it more if the characters relationship had developed more. I also think there could have been more sex! One encounter between the MCs just wasn’t enough!
June 12, 2018
a very interesting plot!
I really enjoyed the story and its unexpected turns.
The 2 main characters are both very strong personalities, thought very different. I greatly enjoyed witnessing their relationship develop throughout the story.
I really enjoyed the story and its unexpected turns.
The 2 main characters are both very strong personalities, thought very different. I greatly enjoyed witnessing their relationship develop throughout the story.
September 12, 2019
This could have been so much better if...
This needed to be a full length novel. I didn't feel as though I knew the characters well enough when they began to change. There just wasn't enough development. I think the idea was strong, and incredibly sexy.
This needed to be a full length novel. I didn't feel as though I knew the characters well enough when they began to change. There just wasn't enough development. I think the idea was strong, and incredibly sexy.
May 28, 2022
loved it!
I just love enemies to lovers stories and this one was amazing. Their attraction was intense and I liked the setting as well, this is the first time I read a MM story in this era. I’ll check other books from this author, I like their writing style.
I just love enemies to lovers stories and this one was amazing. Their attraction was intense and I liked the setting as well, this is the first time I read a MM story in this era. I’ll check other books from this author, I like their writing style.
March 16, 2018
is it bad that I found the lack of sex disturbing? unless I read it wrong there was like only 1 sex scene
March 19, 2018
Pretty good
For a captive type book, it was pretty good. Well written. The story was thorough with all the right elements. I enjoyed it.
For a captive type book, it was pretty good. Well written. The story was thorough with all the right elements. I enjoyed it.
March 25, 2018
3.5 stars rounded up. I enjoyed the story overall. I felt like the ending was too rushed. This is a debut novel I believe. I would try this author again.
April 1, 2018
Really 2.5 stars
The plot was interesting but it needed to be flushed out more, the ending was incredibly rushed and there was a lack of dialogue.
The plot was interesting but it needed to be flushed out more, the ending was incredibly rushed and there was a lack of dialogue.
April 16, 2018
This book was good. I did enjoy it, although it isn't a favorite. I thought A King's Vow a better read.
May 1, 2018
还可以，Vash这个人物设定的很好很喜欢。其他人物也都可以的，但是这个故事还是太单薄了一些没有支撑起来。
May 21, 2018
You can read my review of “A King's Rival” at my web site.
June 4, 2018
Some reviews indicate this is a first time author, so great trial run.
December 30, 2018
Enemies to lovers story.
April 30, 2019
I have some mixed feelings about this book. Overall I liked the it, Rygar was great. The whole plot was pretty much "King and I" with men.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews