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The Dead Lands #1
The Midwinter Mail-Order Bride
Some might call Princess Anja of Ivermere brave for offering herself up as a bride to Kael the Conqueror, a barbarian warlord who'd won his crown by the bloodied edge of his sword. It was not courage that drove Anja from her magic-wielding family’s enchanted palace, however, but a desperate attempt to secure a kingdom of her own — even if she has to kill the Conqueror to do it. She expects pain beneath his brutal touch as she awaits her chance. She expects death if he discovers the truth of her intentions.
She didn’t expect Kael to reject her and send her back to Ivermere.
Raised in the ashes of the Dead Lands, Kael fears nothing — certainly not the beautiful sorceress who arrives at his mountain stronghold. And no matter how painful his need for her, he has no use for a bride who would only tolerate his kiss. Yet the more of Anja's secrets he uncovers during their journey to return her home, the more determined he becomes to win the princess's wary heart.
And Kael the Conqueror has never been defeated...
She didn’t expect Kael to reject her and send her back to Ivermere.
Raised in the ashes of the Dead Lands, Kael fears nothing — certainly not the beautiful sorceress who arrives at his mountain stronghold. And no matter how painful his need for her, he has no use for a bride who would only tolerate his kiss. Yet the more of Anja's secrets he uncovers during their journey to return her home, the more determined he becomes to win the princess's wary heart.
And Kael the Conqueror has never been defeated...
185 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 11, 2017
1417 people are currently reading
3911 people want to read
About the author
Kati Wilde
48 books1,722 followersKati Wilde is a tight-lipped, loose-hipped woman of indeterminate age and low breeding. Born into a very large family, she now has a very small family (no laws were broken in this transition), and she writes romantic fiction to assuage her darker urge to write Transformers erotica. She lives in Oregon, so most of you are safely far enough away, and has two old cats.
Kati writes the Hellfire Riders MC romance series and will be publishing her first New Adult novel, Going Nowhere Fast, with Berkley later this year.
About Our Series:
The Motorcycle Clubs series is for romance readers who want all the heat and emotion, but who don’t have all of the time. At this time, we are only publishing novellas — our intention is to provide readers with short (yet satisfying) MC romances. Sometimes we might continue one couple’s story over several novellas, but each individual novella will have a satisfying romantic resolution. Because they are short, we focus the stories on the eroticism and romance, and will be building the MC worlds as each series progresses.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me -- kati@katiwilde.com.
Kati writes the Hellfire Riders MC romance series and will be publishing her first New Adult novel, Going Nowhere Fast, with Berkley later this year.
About Our Series:
The Motorcycle Clubs series is for romance readers who want all the heat and emotion, but who don’t have all of the time. At this time, we are only publishing novellas — our intention is to provide readers with short (yet satisfying) MC romances. Sometimes we might continue one couple’s story over several novellas, but each individual novella will have a satisfying romantic resolution. Because they are short, we focus the stories on the eroticism and romance, and will be building the MC worlds as each series progresses.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me -- kati@katiwilde.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 775 reviews
August 25, 2020
I’m giving this 3 stars (although, I think objectively it’s more of a 4 star read because the writing was good and original for such a short book - it just wasn’t my thing)
I think I’m just not the type of person that likes a historical type of book to have characters who speak like (what I would imagine) a person living in those fantasy historical times actually speaks.
In addition to that issue, there was also the fact that it just wasn’t very entertaining. I feel like for such a short book there was too much world building and info dumping and instead of that I would have been fine with a more tropey, simple (another term for cliché - sometimes that’s all a girl wants) story of two unlikely people falling in love.
I bet this could be a perfect little story for someone else but it just didn’t work for me.
I think I’m just not the type of person that likes a historical type of book to have characters who speak like (what I would imagine) a person living in those fantasy historical times actually speaks.
In addition to that issue, there was also the fact that it just wasn’t very entertaining. I feel like for such a short book there was too much world building and info dumping and instead of that I would have been fine with a more tropey, simple (another term for cliché - sometimes that’s all a girl wants) story of two unlikely people falling in love.
I bet this could be a perfect little story for someone else but it just didn’t work for me.
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June 26, 2024
|| 1.5 stars ||
I’m not sure this book ever really figured out what it was trying to be. On the one hand it was an over-the-top insta-love romance based on nothing but lust, while on the other hand it was an odd sort of philosophical consideration of life’s balance and true freedom in a world filled with magic. Neither were fun or interesting in this case, but they were also just so unfitting for each other, I couldn’t help but feel like the author wasn’t really aware of what type of book she wanted to write. And as a consequence, she simply failed at delivering something entertaining or interesting on either side.
The writing style was very boring and it tried to sound all pretentious and serious, which was just weird. Their dialogue was so stiff, it made it impossible to feel any connection to the characters or their relationship. The inner monologues weren’t much better either and I held zero interest in the plot or world-building. It was just overall lacklustre.
The fact that the dude had a perpetual hard-on made me widely uncomfortable as well. Seriously, if I have to read about his hard cock poking her somewhere ONE MORE TIME, I will scream.
And him fantasizing about her “cunt” (the term “virgin cunt” being amongst my absolute least favourites) was most definitely not much better. It was all very cringe and yuck!
Also, this whole book is one big giant misunderstanding and it gave me a headache. Situations like these happened constantly:
Like, come on! You’d think these people are mentally challenged considering this non-stop level of obliviousness and with such an inability to speak their mind. So frustrating!
'Mail-Order Brides' series:
1. The Alien's Mail-Order Bride - 3.0 stars
2. The Wolf's Mail-Order Bride - 1.0 star
4. The Midwinter Mail-Order Bride - 1.5 stars
I’m not sure this book ever really figured out what it was trying to be. On the one hand it was an over-the-top insta-love romance based on nothing but lust, while on the other hand it was an odd sort of philosophical consideration of life’s balance and true freedom in a world filled with magic. Neither were fun or interesting in this case, but they were also just so unfitting for each other, I couldn’t help but feel like the author wasn’t really aware of what type of book she wanted to write. And as a consequence, she simply failed at delivering something entertaining or interesting on either side.
The writing style was very boring and it tried to sound all pretentious and serious, which was just weird. Their dialogue was so stiff, it made it impossible to feel any connection to the characters or their relationship. The inner monologues weren’t much better either and I held zero interest in the plot or world-building. It was just overall lacklustre.
The fact that the dude had a perpetual hard-on made me widely uncomfortable as well. Seriously, if I have to read about his hard cock poking her somewhere ONE MORE TIME, I will scream.
And him fantasizing about her “cunt” (the term “virgin cunt” being amongst my absolute least favourites) was most definitely not much better. It was all very cringe and yuck!
His cock was a rigid pole pressing against her. Perhaps she believed he was always in this state, for his cock was always hard when he held her close.
Also, this whole book is one big giant misunderstanding and it gave me a headache. Situations like these happened constantly:
After a long moment, she asked quietly, “Do you think you will ever marry?”
Only if she would ever have him. “I don’t know.”
“I suppose…” She hesitated, and her breath stuttered before she finished, “I suppose you have no need for a wife. There must be many women in the stronghold who would see to your… needs.”
“There are.” Though he had no interest in touching them. Only her. Never again would he want anyone as he did Anja.
“Oh.” That small reply was followed by a long silence in which she did not look back at him. She let go of his forearm and hugged her middle, as if cold beneath that long coat. Finally she continued in a thick voice, “It is very kind of you to offer. But I do not believe there is a place for me there.”
No place with him.
Like, come on! You’d think these people are mentally challenged considering this non-stop level of obliviousness and with such an inability to speak their mind. So frustrating!
'Mail-Order Brides' series:
1. The Alien's Mail-Order Bride - 3.0 stars
2. The Wolf's Mail-Order Bride - 1.0 star
4. The Midwinter Mail-Order Bride - 1.5 stars
November 25, 2017
Well, damn. I was not expecting this. I’ve read all the other books in this collection of “Bride”books by different authors (they’re all on KU), and I was expecting something in the same vein as those - short, smutty, light on plot. You know, a bit of fluff.
This book right here? is waaaayyyyy more than I bargained for, in the best way possible.
I loved Anja and Kael. It has all the best elements of a modern erotic fantasy fairytale, with a good mix of action and emotional scenes and seriously good character work. There is worldbuilding, but it flowed well and was informative without overwhelming the reader. It also didn’t hurt that I had this image in my head while reading (just my take, not anything that Ms. Wilde said).
The tease at the end made me want more. I’ve never read anything by Kati Wilde, but you can bet that I will be adding more of her books to my TBR stat. If you love fantasy romances with heat and heart, I would definitely recommend this.
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April 12, 2024
4☆ BARBARIAN BOOK BOYFRIEND gets cozy & dirty & sexy-feminist. Thank you, Ma'am, may I have another.
Any time you need a big hug from an incredibly perfect manly-man fantasy hero who worships a strong woman and knows 👏 how 👏 to 👏 show 👏 it 👏...do yourself a favor and read this–or reread this–I know I will. Fun roadtrip tension, philosophies of magic, slow burrrns so good.
❦➳ Bemused, Anja asked, “My throne?”
“Anywhere you sit will be your throne.” He swept up his bloodied sword and the wet tunic, began cleaning his blade. “I pray my cock will be your favorite.”
❦➳ "What is magic but an unseen force that works change upon the world? That is what kindness does. I have not known much of it myself but I have seen its power many times...Kindness, courage, love—they are the most powerful of all magic.”
❦➳ Lips that he would have given up a kingdom to kiss. Four kingdoms. And sought new kingdoms to conquer and give away, so he might always have another taste.
Seriously, Kael can get it, in case that wasn't clear.🤸🏻♀️
Any time you need a big hug from an incredibly perfect manly-man fantasy hero who worships a strong woman and knows 👏 how 👏 to 👏 show 👏 it 👏...do yourself a favor and read this–or reread this–I know I will. Fun roadtrip tension, philosophies of magic, slow burrrns so good.
❦➳ Bemused, Anja asked, “My throne?”
“Anywhere you sit will be your throne.” He swept up his bloodied sword and the wet tunic, began cleaning his blade. “I pray my cock will be your favorite.”
❦➳ "What is magic but an unseen force that works change upon the world? That is what kindness does. I have not known much of it myself but I have seen its power many times...Kindness, courage, love—they are the most powerful of all magic.”
❦➳ Lips that he would have given up a kingdom to kiss. Four kingdoms. And sought new kingdoms to conquer and give away, so he might always have another taste.
Seriously, Kael can get it, in case that wasn't clear.🤸🏻♀️
December 3, 2022
4.5 ⭐ pure fucking enjoyment
This was lovely and despite the insta-lust/admiration, it was slow burn and I love slow burn when there's already attraction established. The tension, the about-to-leap-at-each-other moments.. plus the banter in this one 💘😩👏
The H is horny af which was a minus for me initially because it seemed like any willing woman would do, that he wasn't particularly choosy, and I like my Hs choosy and horny for one woman only. But he's ethical in general and an absolute consent king which you'll see from the get-go and once he meets the h, he has no eyes for anyone else and though there's that insta-lust which stays, he gets to know her, admires her, supports her and falls for her. She, despite her prejudices (which are understandable) gets to really know him and falls for him too. It's all very sweet and heartwarming. The spice is absolutely delicious too (probably 2 or 3 scenes, definitely one proper scene, and one scene was tots ridiculous lol). They're very good to each other and I love how they REALLY trusted each other through some tough stuff. Ugh I want to read this again.
Loved the background plot for such a short novella and the ceremony was 🔥
He is a true cinnamon-roll barbarian - adorable, soft, vulnerable, warm and steady.
She is so ethical, strong, brave, kind, smart and loyal. I could go on about both of them, but I'd rather you read the book 😌 Plus any woman who can swing a sword, I'd gladly bend the knee to.
+ The writing's great. I 💯 recommend.
❗TW: Many OW mention in the beginning - short paragraph - implied group scene but nothing detailed or graphic (the j/p that I am, I did not like this 🔪) + intentions of SA towards h by a group of men (not graphic but what they say they intend to do to her are terrifying) + some gore
This was lovely and despite the insta-lust/admiration, it was slow burn and I love slow burn when there's already attraction established. The tension, the about-to-leap-at-each-other moments.. plus the banter in this one 💘😩👏
The H is horny af which was a minus for me initially because it seemed like any willing woman would do, that he wasn't particularly choosy, and I like my Hs choosy and horny for one woman only. But he's ethical in general and an absolute consent king which you'll see from the get-go and once he meets the h, he has no eyes for anyone else and though there's that insta-lust which stays, he gets to know her, admires her, supports her and falls for her. She, despite her prejudices (which are understandable) gets to really know him and falls for him too. It's all very sweet and heartwarming. The spice is absolutely delicious too (probably 2 or 3 scenes, definitely one proper scene, and one scene was tots ridiculous lol). They're very good to each other and I love how they REALLY trusted each other through some tough stuff. Ugh I want to read this again.
Loved the background plot for such a short novella and the ceremony was 🔥
He is a true cinnamon-roll barbarian - adorable, soft, vulnerable, warm and steady.
She is so ethical, strong, brave, kind, smart and loyal. I could go on about both of them, but I'd rather you read the book 😌 Plus any woman who can swing a sword, I'd gladly bend the knee to.
+ The writing's great. I 💯 recommend.
❗TW: Many OW mention in the beginning - short paragraph - implied group scene but nothing detailed or graphic (the j/p that I am, I did not like this 🔪) + intentions of SA towards h by a group of men (not graphic but what they say they intend to do to her are terrifying) + some gore
June 16, 2024
Is barbarian fantasy romance a thing? Well anyway, this book was amazing! This is the second book by Kati Wilde I have read and I loved it just as much as the first. Kael the Conqueror won his kingdom the hard way, by killing those who enslaved him. Now, his people want him to be married. They've searched far and wide for a bride, but many woman fear him. Princess Anja of Ivermere offers to be his bride (with some ulterior motives), and she's turned down because Kael believes she can't really want him. Anja does, very much, even though she doesn't understand why. As Kael escorts Anja home through the treacherous, ensorcelled Dead Lands, he comes to realize that he doesn't want to let her go.
Anja is badass, gorgeous and very likable. Kael is HOT and strong and has a secret vulnerability in that he wants to be loved for who he is. I rooted for them to be together ever after.
Kati Wilde is excellent at writing sexual tension. And this book capitalizes on its short length by building up the tension between Anja and Kael. The reader is treated to the couple falling deeply in love, with some good action and creative fantasy and magic along the way. I hope this is a series, because I would love to read more books set in this world.
Anja is badass, gorgeous and very likable. Kael is HOT and strong and has a secret vulnerability in that he wants to be loved for who he is. I rooted for them to be together ever after.
Kati Wilde is excellent at writing sexual tension. And this book capitalizes on its short length by building up the tension between Anja and Kael. The reader is treated to the couple falling deeply in love, with some good action and creative fantasy and magic along the way. I hope this is a series, because I would love to read more books set in this world.
November 18, 2017
When this group of authors wrote their other multi author series I really enjoyed it so I knew I wanted to try this one as well. Reading Kati Wilde's book in this series was a no brainer for me and I am so glad I did. I can't tell you how much I enjoyed this book. From beginning to end I was just in the zone and loving it all. I kept thinking man I wish this was a full length book because the world she created was so fascinating and I wanted more. More information about the world, more books, more characters and more Anja and Kael. Kael was an amazing hero, Anja is it for him and he is willing to go to any length to keep her and actually plans to. Anja is so smart and strong. They were so perfect together, it was almost like someone wrote them to be together :}. Kael's is only focused is Anja.
Kael is King and has conquered four kingdoms and killed the evil ruler but in doing so made everyone afraid of him. when his trusted adviser sends out a call for a bride for Kael, Kael is shocked till he see's Anja screaming that she has to leave. Kael knows instantly that he wants her and isn't surprised she doesn't feel the same way till he finds out why Anja is so distraught and agree's to help her even thinking she doesn't want him. Kael has every intention of changing Anja's mind. On the way Anja and Kael learn more about each other and fall in love but both are convinced the other wants no more from the other once their quest is over, and their quest is far from easy or over.
I fell in love with this world and the characters not only was Kael and Anja great but the story had me hooked, I couldn't wait to see what happened and I truly had no clue what would happen. The small little twists in this story just made it even more interesting. I was so happy to see that this won't be all from his world. I really, really hope this is a long new series from her. I really hope people read this book and get a chance to get a glimpse into this great story.
*My favorite scene was
Kael is King and has conquered four kingdoms and killed the evil ruler but in doing so made everyone afraid of him. when his trusted adviser sends out a call for a bride for Kael, Kael is shocked till he see's Anja screaming that she has to leave. Kael knows instantly that he wants her and isn't surprised she doesn't feel the same way till he finds out why Anja is so distraught and agree's to help her even thinking she doesn't want him. Kael has every intention of changing Anja's mind. On the way Anja and Kael learn more about each other and fall in love but both are convinced the other wants no more from the other once their quest is over, and their quest is far from easy or over.
I fell in love with this world and the characters not only was Kael and Anja great but the story had me hooked, I couldn't wait to see what happened and I truly had no clue what would happen. The small little twists in this story just made it even more interesting. I was so happy to see that this won't be all from his world. I really, really hope this is a long new series from her. I really hope people read this book and get a chance to get a glimpse into this great story.
*My favorite scene was
August 11, 2018
I was pleasantly surprised by this book. My expectations, based on the blurb weren't high but it was on sale so I told myself "Why not?". And then I proceeded to ignoring its existence for months until I reached a particularly bad (bad as in I'm-not-sure-I-can-survive-this-if-everyone-I-care-about-dies) part of another book. So I reached for this in an attempt to get the anxious feeling in the pit of my stomach under some sort of control.
What I expected was a smut fest and an asshole male lead. Boy, was I wrong! Kael is crude and coarse but he's not an arrogant prick. In fact he is a very considerate male and apart from some slips, okay it was one slip and he was only thinking about doing it, he can give lessons to others about consent. There was one scene early on that made my heart melt and it was at that point that I knew I would love him to the end of the world!
It took longer for me to warm up towards Anja but after spending a few chapters in her head I started sympathizing with her. In a way she's had just as hard life as Kael and by the end I was convinced that those two belong together.
This is a slow burn romance and it takes a while for the heroes to progress past the lust at first sight phase. The sex scene was a bit awkward but also sensual and funny. And if you're a fan of the romantasy genre I strongly recommend this.
What I expected was a smut fest and an asshole male lead. Boy, was I wrong! Kael is crude and coarse but he's not an arrogant prick. In fact he is a very considerate male and apart from some slips, okay it was one slip and he was only thinking about doing it, he can give lessons to others about consent. There was one scene early on that made my heart melt and it was at that point that I knew I would love him to the end of the world!
It took longer for me to warm up towards Anja but after spending a few chapters in her head I started sympathizing with her. In a way she's had just as hard life as Kael and by the end I was convinced that those two belong together.
This is a slow burn romance and it takes a while for the heroes to progress past the lust at first sight phase. The sex scene was a bit awkward but also sensual and funny. And if you're a fan of the romantasy genre I strongly recommend this.
November 1, 2019
3.5 Stars
I was pleasantly surprised by how good this story was. I expected something way over the top with a quick jump in the sack, etc. Instead, I got two characters who were fully developed and who I truly cared about. Their conversations were where the relationship developed as love grew. I adored all the moments that Kael taught Anja about magic. This was really quite a deep read considering it’s a novella.
This also has some drama and action that kept me engaged. And the steam level is pretty high without consuming the story. I loved the Medieval feel to it all and kind of wish this had been longer and fuller.
Dual POV
Safe
Triggers
I was pleasantly surprised by how good this story was. I expected something way over the top with a quick jump in the sack, etc. Instead, I got two characters who were fully developed and who I truly cared about. Their conversations were where the relationship developed as love grew. I adored all the moments that Kael taught Anja about magic. This was really quite a deep read considering it’s a novella.
This also has some drama and action that kept me engaged. And the steam level is pretty high without consuming the story. I loved the Medieval feel to it all and kind of wish this had been longer and fuller.
Dual POV
Safe
Triggers
December 29, 2021
Talk about swoony, angsty, atmospheric wintry lovin'. ♥ Seriously though, this was sweet as hell and I loved it a lot.
August 18, 2018
4.5 stars 🌟
The magical- fairytale quality was one of the highlights of this book. I loved hero and heroine they had depth and was made for each other. The action was good. Some of the dialogues were so deep that they just went over my head. Still I loved it. Especially the way main characters complimented each other. And their funny dialogues was another thing I enjoyed. This was quite steamy too.
Recommended.
The magical- fairytale quality was one of the highlights of this book. I loved hero and heroine they had depth and was made for each other. The action was good. Some of the dialogues were so deep that they just went over my head. Still I loved it. Especially the way main characters complimented each other. And their funny dialogues was another thing I enjoyed. This was quite steamy too.
Recommended.
August 17, 2023
I picked this book up as a “quick little palate cleanser” so imagine my surprise when I ended up absolutely loving it!! I figured it would be quick and dirty, but no, it was a full blown short novel with character development and plot! It’s got it all; fantasy, magic, romance, spice, battles, and true love. I can’t wait to read all of them!
November 21, 2025
December 2020
November 2022
March 2025
This is one of my favorite romance novellas.
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I really like this novella. I love Anja and Kael. The romance was great and felt believable. The world is well thought out and interesting. The plot is good and way more than I expected from such a short book.
November 2022
March 2025
This is one of my favorite romance novellas.
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I really like this novella. I love Anja and Kael. The romance was great and felt believable. The world is well thought out and interesting. The plot is good and way more than I expected from such a short book.
December 22, 2018
Uh... I'm obsessed with this. I need more barbarian fantasy romance smut with this crazy blend of lovely prose & campy, winky humor. I am now going to read all the books in this series because I, like Anja, am a "dong-addled maiden."
January 26, 2021
Princess Anja offers herself as a bride to Kael the Barbarian, recent conqueror of a kingdom. Anja's plan is to marry Kael, kill him, and take his kingdom for her own. But it fails when Kael...rejects her.
I was completely and pleasantly surprised by this book. It was SO MUCH FUN! Sexy and clever, romantic and funny, with a believable fantasy world and an interesting side plot.
Kael was PEAK Alphamellow who on the outside is hard Barbarian but on the inside has so many feelings! Mostly for Anja.
This was so much fun. I loved it. Can't wait to read more in this series!
I was completely and pleasantly surprised by this book. It was SO MUCH FUN! Sexy and clever, romantic and funny, with a believable fantasy world and an interesting side plot.
Kael was PEAK Alphamellow who on the outside is hard Barbarian but on the inside has so many feelings! Mostly for Anja.
This was so much fun. I loved it. Can't wait to read more in this series!
December 27, 2017
So this was my first Kati Wilde and boy can she write!
Damn I've already picked out what to read next by her.
This was pretty surprising a read since as has been my experience with novellas, they just don't hit the spot and I get that because there's only so much you can explore and still keep it short but understanding and liking it are two very different things as we all well know.
Right so the surprise. There was so much depth here! I mean there are authors who can't even manage that in a full blown novel what Kati has done here. I am in awe and just scrambling to finish this review so I can read Kati's Santa book excerpted at the end. :p
December 27, 2022
This is a book that has recently become wildly popular so I have been very interested in trying this one out here. Its available in KU, so I knew that I had to try this one out. I absolutely adored this one one although I do think its overhyped. Its a novella, and has minimal depth to the story. It does have a historical fantasy/epic fantasy feel to the story. If you love barbarians and arranged marriages, then this book might be for you. I would recommend going into this one with lower expectations. As I enjoyed it, I am not sure if its worthy of all the five star ratings. It was a fun enjoyable adventure, but not to the range of what is impacting readers, at least not from my personal perspective. Novella's rarely work for me to delivering a satisyfing story. I did enjoy this story as a whole, and it defintiely had its fun moments that really ended up working out so well. But at the same time, I do feel like it needed much more length to it and it would have been more developed of a story.
Overall I found myself highly entertained with this one, but its also not one that will work for everyone especially if you are a fantasy romance reader. A solid 3.5 blossoms to go on an adventure with.
Overall I found myself highly entertained with this one, but its also not one that will work for everyone especially if you are a fantasy romance reader. A solid 3.5 blossoms to go on an adventure with.
May 12, 2018
5 stars. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
I am so glad that I came back for this one. I had previously read all the other novellas in this "Mail-Order Bride" series but somehow I missed this book. They were all really good but this one had everything.
I loved the strange and enchanting world this was set in, part fantasy and part supernatural .
The language was intoxicating and the conversations between Anja and Kael on their journey to Ivermere as they got to know each other made for wonderful reading.
This was a pretty decent length for a novella but I really wished it was a full length story as I wanted more of this fascinating world. The sexy, smutty part was great but the story and romance was amazing.
Sexy and soulful, paranormal and adventure-filled romance. Highly recommend .
❄❄❄❄❄❄❄❄❄❄❄❄❄❄
I am so glad that I came back for this one. I had previously read all the other novellas in this "Mail-Order Bride" series but somehow I missed this book. They were all really good but this one had everything.
I loved the strange and enchanting world this was set in, part fantasy and part supernatural .
The language was intoxicating and the conversations between Anja and Kael on their journey to Ivermere as they got to know each other made for wonderful reading.
This was a pretty decent length for a novella but I really wished it was a full length story as I wanted more of this fascinating world. The sexy, smutty part was great but the story and romance was amazing.
Sexy and soulful, paranormal and adventure-filled romance. Highly recommend .
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November 20, 2017
The final book in this series was a great fantasy story. I loved this one. It's a little longer than the other short stories in this series. You had to deal with some world building so it took longer. It was worth it. This couple is great.
December 6, 2017
This was so, so incredibly GOOD! Kati Wilder gave us a EVERYTHING in this book and made it the BEST of this was already fantastic series! It’s whole universe was built to perfection, but Kael... Wow... Just, WOW! <3 <3 <3 <3 <3
July 7, 2020
5 Stars
“Kindness, courage, love—they are the most powerful of all magic.” -- Kati Wilde
“Kindness, courage, love—they are the most powerful of all magic.” -- Kati Wilde
July 6, 2020
¿Y qué regalo te gustaría de mí? Quiero un beso.
The Midwinter Mail Order Bride de Kati Wilde libro 4 serie Mail-Order Brides
Mí humilde opinión:
La princesa Anja de Ivermere es llevada bajo hechizo ante Kael, el rey o más bien, Kael el Conquistador, como novia.
Él no puede estar más de acuerdo cuando ve a la princesa en hacerla su novia pero ella le ha sido enviada en contra de sus deseos, para una alianza entre reinos. Ella le tiene miedo, ella piensa asesinarlo en cuanto tenga oportunidad... Y él no quiere una mujer que no lo desea.
Anja había estado de acuerdo con casare con Kael antes de conocerlo, su madre no debió recurrir a la magia para enviarla. La magia que usó puso en peligro a la gente de Ivermere.
Lo que conoce del guerrero es que es un ser sanguinario y despreciable, ha jurado matarlo luego de la boda pero él la rechazó y está enviandola a casa! Para su sorpresa él promete acompañarla de vuelta y ayudarla a salvar a su gente.
En el camino, la princesa descubrirá que Kael es diferente a lo que pensó y su corazón no está a salvo de sufrir cuando se despidan al final del viaje...
Bueno, este de Kati de Wilde me gustó más que otro que había leído en la anterior serie multiautor.
Me gustó que sea una especie de cuento de navidad en un mundo de magia, guerreros y princesas.
También disfruté de la historia de Kael y Anja, y su viaje recorriendo el reino mientras se enamoraban.
Hubo magia, amor y mucha sensualidad... Un lindo EPÍLOGO.
Me pareció un Justo final para esta serie de novias por correo!
January 9, 2020
OMG!!! LOVED IT SO MUCH!!!
I thought this was going to be another quick mail-order bride read, but it was so much more than that! It was like a whole fantasy novel somewhat similar to that of KA's Fantasyland series, but a more condensed version. I do have to say I was a bit disappointed that I was probably not going be reading anything else from this world that Kati Wilde has created because I seems that all the stories in this series are standalones and not related to each other except they each have a mail-order bride in them. BUT the very last paragraph gives me hope that Ms. Wilde is planning on continuing this as a series. I certainly hope so, because I think it could be really amazing...I mean thus story already is!!!!
I thought this was going to be another quick mail-order bride read, but it was so much more than that! It was like a whole fantasy novel somewhat similar to that of KA's Fantasyland series, but a more condensed version. I do have to say I was a bit disappointed that I was probably not going be reading anything else from this world that Kati Wilde has created because I seems that all the stories in this series are standalones and not related to each other except they each have a mail-order bride in them. BUT the very last paragraph gives me hope that Ms. Wilde is planning on continuing this as a series. I certainly hope so, because I think it could be really amazing...I mean thus story already is!!!!
December 10, 2017
4 1/2 "The purest magic"Stars!
Loved it!! Maybe even enough for 5 novella stars, but IDK.
I was expecting a, 'bow chicka wow wow' kind of story. But what I got was so much more. Very nice world building, very likable main characters that actually experienced some growth. There was a bit of, 'moral to the story', and a sweet slow burn kind of romance. Yep! I said slow burn in a fairly short story. But when that burn ignited, it was blazing hot! I think this was my first book by this author. I'll try more books from her. And I would absolutely read more stories from this world. Another nice surprise. Happy reading!
Loved it!! Maybe even enough for 5 novella stars, but IDK.
I was expecting a, 'bow chicka wow wow' kind of story. But what I got was so much more. Very nice world building, very likable main characters that actually experienced some growth. There was a bit of, 'moral to the story', and a sweet slow burn kind of romance. Yep! I said slow burn in a fairly short story. But when that burn ignited, it was blazing hot! I think this was my first book by this author. I'll try more books from her. And I would absolutely read more stories from this world. Another nice surprise. Happy reading!
May 5, 2018
"The Midwinter Mail-Order Bride" is the story of Princess Anja of Ivermere and Kael the Conqueror.
A sorceress accepts to be the mail order bride of a ruthless conquerer, and they embark on a journey of discovery. But soon sparks fly between our fire princess and ice king, and it turns into a sweet and sassy love story.
I really liked the hero and heroine, their chemistry and dirty talk was off the charts and I even adored the epilogue. I haven't read a lot of Kati Wilde before, but I surely will read more, especially if the small glimpse into the next book is any indication.
Safe
4/5
A sorceress accepts to be the mail order bride of a ruthless conquerer, and they embark on a journey of discovery. But soon sparks fly between our fire princess and ice king, and it turns into a sweet and sassy love story.
I really liked the hero and heroine, their chemistry and dirty talk was off the charts and I even adored the epilogue. I haven't read a lot of Kati Wilde before, but I surely will read more, especially if the small glimpse into the next book is any indication.
Safe
4/5
January 7, 2018
This was really cute! Historical, but with a mix of PNR? Yes, please.
January 18, 2023
4.7 stars
This is my 3rd book by KW, and she is fast becoming a favourite author. And what a sneaky author she was with this book's plot! With her engaging, witty, clever and wise writing style, she kept surprising me at every turn. You would never have guessed from the deceptive lightish title or reading the blurb what kind of awesome plot she hid amongst those innocuous few lines. I initially had some difficulty getting into the plot as the world building specifics were introduced seemingly randomly in the first couple of chapters. But I am so glad I held good because it all started to make so much sense as the plot unravelled delicately. After a misleadingly simple introduction, the plot delightfully became substantial and quite complex. And nothing... nothing prepared me for the epic final 2 chapters!! Huge Kudos to Kati Wilde for both her excellent pen and her amazing storytelling skill ❤!
After the much beloved Going Nowhere Fast, I might hazard a guess that KW loves road trip stories. And she might be holding onto gold, because I am starting to like that trope too 😁😅! What a perfect device to show the development of a romance with a big R! The deep, meaningful convos between Kael and Anya were heavenly to read about. I loved how each saw a facet of the other that the other was blind to. And I loved how each helped the other see and appreciate a different perspective. And the wisdom imparted... omg! How not to fall deep in love after such a journey?
“It will be well. We have powerful magic on our side.”
He gave a harsh laugh. “We do, and it is called fear. It tells me to let you run—and perhaps will save your life, because no matter how kind or courageous you are, bones crunch the same between a monster’s teeth. But I love you so desperately that I would fight all of Scalewood to keep you alive and to see you safely away. I love you so mightily, I might even survive it.”
I initially could not grasp the character of Anya, but what a wonderful heroine she came into being! The way she lends strength to Kael, and inversely was a real beauty to witness. If that was not Love, then I don't know what is! And Kael, oh my goodness, Kael... See that big, wet puddle on the floor? That's me, completely and unashamedly melted for that perfect gentleman barbarian 🥰😍! *sigh* that man had my blood racing and my heart missing so many beats. The scandalous, scorching hot things that amorous Kael says... omg 😍! I want a wedding and honeymoon Kael-style! Although there were not that many sex scenes, considering that it is a short book and there is a top notch adventure tale to boot (warning: very gory stuff), the ones that KW shared were caliente hot and steamy!! *vents self*
Thank you Kati Wilde, you amaze me ❤
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 21, 2023
So completely not the kind of thing I usually read, but I really liked this f/m (non-queer) barbarian fantasy romance. A Conan-alike, Kael the Conqueror, finishes up conquering some kingdoms, then can't understand why people are afraid of him. Come on, people, he knocked off the evil former king! Then he he finds out that the maidens who keep throwing themselves at him are only doing it because they're scared he'll go on a rampage if he isn't kept happy, and he's appalled at the idea of having a woman in his bed because of fear. So he swears off women. He also can't figure out why bureaucracy sucks so much, and all in all this whole "king" business just seems like a bad idea.
One of his staff sends missives to every kingdom they can think of looking for a willing bride to de-grumpify the boss, and only one princess shows up: Anja of Ivermere, the only non-magical person from a kingdom full of magic users. And because tropes are fun, they end up on a road trip.
Various things happen, but what struck me as the heart of this book was Kael listening to and believing Anja about her life. Which doesn't sound like a big thing, except that Anja has never had that before. She may as well be from the Kingdom of Gaslighting, her parents suck so much. It's amazingly powerful that Kael listens to Anja and basically says "I believe you. Also, you're valuable, don't doubt yourself."
I showed up for a barbarian and a princess, I got a love story about believing and validating women. Who knew?
One of his staff sends missives to every kingdom they can think of looking for a willing bride to de-grumpify the boss, and only one princess shows up: Anja of Ivermere, the only non-magical person from a kingdom full of magic users. And because tropes are fun, they end up on a road trip.
Various things happen, but what struck me as the heart of this book was Kael listening to and believing Anja about her life. Which doesn't sound like a big thing, except that Anja has never had that before. She may as well be from the Kingdom of Gaslighting, her parents suck so much. It's amazingly powerful that Kael listens to Anja and basically says "I believe you. Also, you're valuable, don't doubt yourself."
I showed up for a barbarian and a princess, I got a love story about believing and validating women. Who knew?
April 26, 2020
3.5 stars
The Midwinter Mail-Order Bride was a cute read. While it was not exactly what I expected I did enjoy the time spent reading it. I guess my main issue was that it was too sweet and I wanted more. Most of the story was spent traveling from one place to another and while I loved the time spent getting to know each other I would have preferred more action.
The Midwinter Mail-Order Bride was a cute read. While it was not exactly what I expected I did enjoy the time spent reading it. I guess my main issue was that it was too sweet and I wanted more. Most of the story was spent traveling from one place to another and while I loved the time spent getting to know each other I would have preferred more action.
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