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The Dead Lands #4
The Midsummer Bride
A Barbarian Who Must Lie
When a prideful queen comes to his prison cell with an unbelievable proposal of marriage, Warrick of the Dead Lands is quick to accept … but not merely to secure his freedom. Because he recognizes the powerful jewels the queen wears — jewels pilfered from the temple of a goddess, who unleashed her wrath upon a kingdom. His plan? Pretend to go along with Queen Elina until he can steal the jewels back, then use them to lift the goddess’s curse.
Except the queen isn’t who Warrick assumes she is at first glance, and his deception might cost him everything…
A Queen Who Must Die
Betrayed by everyone she’s ever loved, trusting no one, Elina has spent years searching for the warrior prophesied to overthrow the sorcerer who stole her throne … and Warrick is the one warrior she’s found whose description matches the prophecy. She doesn’t want to marry a barbarian, but she’s running out of time — the sickness ravaging her body means she’ll be dead long before she sees home. Only the enchanted jewels she wears give her the strength to continue on … and her new husband’s touch offers the only pleasure she’s ever known.
But after a life spent running from those who betrayed her, Elina doesn’t know whether to trust Warrick with her kingdom — or her heart…
When a prideful queen comes to his prison cell with an unbelievable proposal of marriage, Warrick of the Dead Lands is quick to accept … but not merely to secure his freedom. Because he recognizes the powerful jewels the queen wears — jewels pilfered from the temple of a goddess, who unleashed her wrath upon a kingdom. His plan? Pretend to go along with Queen Elina until he can steal the jewels back, then use them to lift the goddess’s curse.
Except the queen isn’t who Warrick assumes she is at first glance, and his deception might cost him everything…
A Queen Who Must Die
Betrayed by everyone she’s ever loved, trusting no one, Elina has spent years searching for the warrior prophesied to overthrow the sorcerer who stole her throne … and Warrick is the one warrior she’s found whose description matches the prophecy. She doesn’t want to marry a barbarian, but she’s running out of time — the sickness ravaging her body means she’ll be dead long before she sees home. Only the enchanted jewels she wears give her the strength to continue on … and her new husband’s touch offers the only pleasure she’s ever known.
But after a life spent running from those who betrayed her, Elina doesn’t know whether to trust Warrick with her kingdom — or her heart…
229 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 31, 2023
234 people are currently reading
1795 people want to read
About the author
Kati Wilde
48 books1,729 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.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 199 reviews
December 5, 2023
4 Smut Scale Stars
I just love this shit.
And I love Kati Wilde’s shit.
Just delicious all around.
I just love this shit.
And I love Kati Wilde’s shit.
Just delicious all around.
December 21, 2023
2 stars
Thank god the heroine was delulu because if she knew just how many times the hero called her a monstrosity😭 I'd choose eternal peace if I was her.
🛑MILD SPOILERS🛑
Eventually, within one scene, the hero went from equating the heroine to a swamp monster to proclaiming undying love and loyalty. The whiplash had me taking 30 steps back. Yes there was an "explanation" for it if you will, but it was still terrible. I think the switch up and the insta-love made them have zero real chemistry.
Best parts of this were the flitting moments at the beginning, when Warrick was staring at the heroine thinking she's an old monstrous ugly hag while plotting of ways to kill her, but in her head....
that is so embarrassing love😭 dude was so disgusted he had to steel himself. But I closed my eyes because she was 2 seconds away from dropping dead and needed the delusions💀 (for context she is terminally ill)
no babes, he was stopping himself from drowning you🫶🏼
And finally....by far the most painful scene I had to read...
Again, do you see how much happier life is when you're so delulu your head is literally cotton candy? Love that for her honestly.
Not to scare anyone away from reading this because he does fall head over heels very fast, and will think she is stunning, so not to worry. And for the vain girlies like me...she is not actually ugly💀 but appeared ugly to him in her crusty royal make up (idk how that girl thought it was attractive though when Warrick had mistaken her for a literal grandma)
Overall this was sweet, but I think some angst would've helped.
Thank god the heroine was delulu because if she knew just how many times the hero called her a monstrosity😭 I'd choose eternal peace if I was her.
“Will you accept the honor of my hand?”
Marry this prideful, haggard monstrosity? If Warrick’s joy at seeing the Stars of Anhera on her fingers had not already bled into fury, he would have laughed in her golden horror of a face.
🛑MILD SPOILERS🛑
Eventually, within one scene, the hero went from equating the heroine to a swamp monster to proclaiming undying love and loyalty. The whiplash had me taking 30 steps back. Yes there was an "explanation" for it if you will, but it was still terrible. I think the switch up and the insta-love made them have zero real chemistry.
Best parts of this were the flitting moments at the beginning, when Warrick was staring at the heroine thinking she's an old monstrous ugly hag while plotting of ways to kill her, but in her head....
Even as she watched, his every muscle seemed to flex and harden, as if to steel himself against her touch.
Did he fear losing control? Did he want her so much?
She laid her palm over his heart. His pounding heart. Happiness bubbled through her veins at the evidence that her nearness affected him in equal measure to her own racing heart.
that is so embarrassing love😭 dude was so disgusted he had to steel himself. But I closed my eyes because she was 2 seconds away from dropping dead and needed the delusions💀 (for context she is terminally ill)
“I think I shall like having you in my bed.”
His muscles went rigid. Had he heard the husky note in her voice? Was he stopping himself from ravishing her now?
no babes, he was stopping himself from drowning you🫶🏼
And finally....by far the most painful scene I had to read...
There was only bare skin beneath the water. And a thick —
Oh.
It was not as she expected. Elina had thought his appendage was supposed to stiffen when she came near. Yet hadn’t she also overheard jests from the knights about how frigid water could shrivel a prick?
The pool must be too cold for it to harden.
Again, do you see how much happier life is when you're so delulu your head is literally cotton candy? Love that for her honestly.
Not to scare anyone away from reading this because he does fall head over heels very fast, and will think she is stunning, so not to worry. And for the vain girlies like me...she is not actually ugly💀 but appeared ugly to him in her crusty royal make up (idk how that girl thought it was attractive though when Warrick had mistaken her for a literal grandma)
Overall this was sweet, but I think some angst would've helped.
January 6, 2024
Like the fantasies of the 90s but with way better communication and intimacy. Excellent character arcs, great world building, and a sweetly beautiful love story!
“She spoke to me a prophecy. ‘Bind to you with ribbon red a warrior who knows the weight of chains. From the Dead Lands he will come, and by his axe your tyrant will fall.’”
Warrior hero
A dying Queen
Language barrier
Virgin h
Prophecies and magic
Works as a standalone
The hero is a bit of a jerk at the beginning, because he believes she has stolen something from his people. Once the truth is revealed (ch 4) he is ALL in and becomes her champion.
The chapter titles are so fun:
Elina the Cursed
Warwick the Chained
Elina the Breathless
Warwick the Overturned
“To always love you.” He clasped her hand and brought it to his chest. “My heart is yours. My axe is yours. My last breath is yours.”
“She spoke to me a prophecy. ‘Bind to you with ribbon red a warrior who knows the weight of chains. From the Dead Lands he will come, and by his axe your tyrant will fall.’”
Warrior hero
A dying Queen
Language barrier
Virgin h
Prophecies and magic
Works as a standalone
The hero is a bit of a jerk at the beginning, because he believes she has stolen something from his people. Once the truth is revealed (ch 4) he is ALL in and becomes her champion.
The chapter titles are so fun:
Elina the Cursed
Warwick the Chained
Elina the Breathless
Warwick the Overturned
“To always love you.” He clasped her hand and brought it to his chest. “My heart is yours. My axe is yours. My last breath is yours.”
August 17, 2023
She did it again 🤧.
-=-
I want to start off by saying that this was one of my most anticipated reads of the year- I'm OBSESSED with this world. Genuinely, this is my branch of fantasy, and for this one to be a full-length novel instead of a novella, was everything to me.
And cmon now, this book had it all:
-=-
This one was a bit weird for me to review, because of the release mixup. Like many others, I read half of the book when it was released, and the other half when everything was sorted out-
So it was a bit frustrating in that regard, because it disrupted the flow of the story for me. And for someone who's in a weird book slump atm, it did take me a while to get back into the story.
BUT-
I've said it so many times before but I'm honestly in love with this world, and the writing style for this specific series.
This book was essentially about the sick and dying queen, Elina, who wants to overthrow her uncle for her throne (which he wrongfully took), with the help of a barbarian named Warrick - who she had been looking for, due to a prophecy that said he would be the one to help her gain what was rightfully hers, as well as being her one true love.
I really enjoyed this story. It did take me a small amount of time to understand what was going on at first- but once I got into it, I couldn't stop reading.
The thing that I loved the most about this book had to be the banter between Elina and Warrick- it just felt so natural and I loved the dynamic of their relationship.
In relation to the worldbuilding and fantasy element of the story- it was pretty solid. However, I definitely do think that more could have happened in this book.
Despite it being the longest in the series, I still felt like so much more could've been explained, and certain threads of the story could've been a bit more fledged out- the ending in particular.
But that's not to say that it necessarily took away from the book- because I still thoroughly enjoyed it.
Aside from that, the only thing that I didn't love about the story had to be the switch from disgust to love from the H- which although contextually made sense, I still wished that there was more remorse on his behalf, and that we got to see him fall in love in a way that didn't feel so random.
However, this wasn't something I was too hung up over because I felt like it was handled nicely in the end- and that their love for one another was really shown throughout the book- it just felt a bit sudden.
-=-
But anyways, this was such a treat to read. It was my type of book. It's such a subtle fantasy, with so many interesting concepts behind the world itself, with some great banter and romance.
I'm definitely looking forward to the other books that are planned to be released in this world 😋.
“I thank you for this. And for helping me through what is to come.”
He swallowed past the ache in his throat. “You are my heart,” he said simply.
-=-
I want to start off by saying that this was one of my most anticipated reads of the year- I'm OBSESSED with this world. Genuinely, this is my branch of fantasy, and for this one to be a full-length novel instead of a novella, was everything to me.
And cmon now, this book had it all:
💫Fated love
💫(one-sided) language barrier
💫magic
💫curses and prophecies
💫betrayel and deception
-=-
This one was a bit weird for me to review, because of the release mixup. Like many others, I read half of the book when it was released, and the other half when everything was sorted out-
So it was a bit frustrating in that regard, because it disrupted the flow of the story for me. And for someone who's in a weird book slump atm, it did take me a while to get back into the story.
BUT-
I've said it so many times before but I'm honestly in love with this world, and the writing style for this specific series.
This book was essentially about the sick and dying queen, Elina, who wants to overthrow her uncle for her throne (which he wrongfully took), with the help of a barbarian named Warrick - who she had been looking for, due to a prophecy that said he would be the one to help her gain what was rightfully hers, as well as being her one true love.
I really enjoyed this story. It did take me a small amount of time to understand what was going on at first- but once I got into it, I couldn't stop reading.
The thing that I loved the most about this book had to be the banter between Elina and Warrick- it just felt so natural and I loved the dynamic of their relationship.
In relation to the worldbuilding and fantasy element of the story- it was pretty solid. However, I definitely do think that more could have happened in this book.
Despite it being the longest in the series, I still felt like so much more could've been explained, and certain threads of the story could've been a bit more fledged out- the ending in particular.
But that's not to say that it necessarily took away from the book- because I still thoroughly enjoyed it.
Aside from that, the only thing that I didn't love about the story had to be the switch from disgust to love from the H- which although contextually made sense, I still wished that there was more remorse on his behalf, and that we got to see him fall in love in a way that didn't feel so random.
However, this wasn't something I was too hung up over because I felt like it was handled nicely in the end- and that their love for one another was really shown throughout the book- it just felt a bit sudden.
-=-
But anyways, this was such a treat to read. It was my type of book. It's such a subtle fantasy, with so many interesting concepts behind the world itself, with some great banter and romance.
I'm definitely looking forward to the other books that are planned to be released in this world 😋.
“You are my heart, Elina.”
She smiled tremulously. “You are mine,” she whispered and kissed him, tasting of berries and the sun and all the years that lay ahead of them."
April 29, 2024
3.5☆ When everyone and their mother betrays you, find yourself a gallant, ghost-whispering barbarian.
❦➳ “To doing what’s right. And to breaking curses with his cock." 🤭
I liked this one more than The Midnight Bride, but I didn't love it as much as The Midwinter Mail-order Bride. This is partially because it's just never exactly *fun* when an MC is battling chronic pain or illness along with constant betrayals from everyone around her.
❦➳ “Ignore my tears. I am happy. It seems that everything I do is accompanied by pain. But not this. Not with you.” “Never with me,” he vowed. “And I will see your pain end.” [...] Now Warrick could do nothing but admire her. His strength had always come easily. He’d never had to fight his own body’s weakness. Yet Elina did each day.
It's sort of a delayed insta-love dynamic, given the mistaken identity mess at the beginning. While it was awful to read about Elina's suffering, it was sweet the way that Warrick gradually pulled her out of it.
❦➳ “Look at what you have done to me. Saving me. Kissing me. Holding me atop a troll of a horse. I’m so near to death. And yet…I feel as if I’ve finally begun to live.” So did Warrick. Beginning the moment he’d looked upon her face. His heart had been beating all these years, but he’d not truly known what it had been beating for. He knew now. Just as he knew that Elina was not near to death. But everyone who posed a danger to her was.
My favorite things about this story were the humor and smutastic smut.
❦➳ May the gods help you, girl! You’ll never survive that!” Horror overspread the older woman’s face. She—and now Elina and Dara—stared at the sheet covering Warrick’s cock, where the silk had pulled tight enough to show the length and thickness of his erection.
There are interesting characters as well as ghosts and curses and bad guys galore. The magical HEA is sweet and satisfying. All in all, a pretty good read.
❦➳ Warrick set aside the bowl and sat up, catching her face in his hands. “You are my heart, Elina.” She smiled tremulously. “You are mine,” she whispered and kissed him, tasting of berries and the sun and all the years that lay ahead of them.
❦➳ “To doing what’s right. And to breaking curses with his cock." 🤭
I liked this one more than The Midnight Bride, but I didn't love it as much as The Midwinter Mail-order Bride. This is partially because it's just never exactly *fun* when an MC is battling chronic pain or illness along with constant betrayals from everyone around her.
❦➳ “Ignore my tears. I am happy. It seems that everything I do is accompanied by pain. But not this. Not with you.” “Never with me,” he vowed. “And I will see your pain end.” [...] Now Warrick could do nothing but admire her. His strength had always come easily. He’d never had to fight his own body’s weakness. Yet Elina did each day.
It's sort of a delayed insta-love dynamic, given the mistaken identity mess at the beginning. While it was awful to read about Elina's suffering, it was sweet the way that Warrick gradually pulled her out of it.
❦➳ “Look at what you have done to me. Saving me. Kissing me. Holding me atop a troll of a horse. I’m so near to death. And yet…I feel as if I’ve finally begun to live.” So did Warrick. Beginning the moment he’d looked upon her face. His heart had been beating all these years, but he’d not truly known what it had been beating for. He knew now. Just as he knew that Elina was not near to death. But everyone who posed a danger to her was.
My favorite things about this story were the humor and smutastic smut.
❦➳ May the gods help you, girl! You’ll never survive that!” Horror overspread the older woman’s face. She—and now Elina and Dara—stared at the sheet covering Warrick’s cock, where the silk had pulled tight enough to show the length and thickness of his erection.
There are interesting characters as well as ghosts and curses and bad guys galore. The magical HEA is sweet and satisfying. All in all, a pretty good read.
❦➳ Warrick set aside the bowl and sat up, catching her face in his hands. “You are my heart, Elina.” She smiled tremulously. “You are mine,” she whispered and kissed him, tasting of berries and the sun and all the years that lay ahead of them.
February 5, 2024
Edited to up rating to 4.5 stars: I'm still thinking about this one a couple of weeks later, so I think that makes it a best of the year
I love this series so much - it's got just enough angst to keep me turning the pages, but not so much that I get bogged down. I really liked the dynamic here and especially enjoyed the ghost magic element!
I love this series so much - it's got just enough angst to keep me turning the pages, but not so much that I get bogged down. I really liked the dynamic here and especially enjoyed the ghost magic element!
August 16, 2023
EDIT 8/15/2023
The book has been updated and the full version is now available for everyone!!
Overall I really loved this book and it def met my expectations. Super glad we’re getting more Kati books AND a Dead Lands spin off series because I love this world she created!
✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨
I’m pretty sure this was an accidental upload or something happened with the file because the book seemed to cut off where I assume the middle to last third of the book would be (based on what was happening). There’s also the fact it seemed like 8 chapters were missing (chapter titles were included)
Outside of this issue I would say the book was going to be as amazing as her books usually are and can’t wait to get the rest of it!
*I believe something similar happened when Evil Twin came out
The book has been updated and the full version is now available for everyone!!
Overall I really loved this book and it def met my expectations. Super glad we’re getting more Kati books AND a Dead Lands spin off series because I love this world she created!
✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨
I’m pretty sure this was an accidental upload or something happened with the file because the book seemed to cut off where I assume the middle to last third of the book would be (based on what was happening). There’s also the fact it seemed like 8 chapters were missing (chapter titles were included)
Outside of this issue I would say the book was going to be as amazing as her books usually are and can’t wait to get the rest of it!
*I believe something similar happened when Evil Twin came out
Read
September 28, 2023
I Want This Now Please!!
August 18, 2023
This was amazing!
Kati Wilde can sure write a heartfelt and inventive story around main characters who feel real, and are kind through and through. How she writes such short books that still feel epic, I cannot understand. But it was so good and I highly recommend.
I feel like I understand the world of the dead lands without being overwhelmed with world building. All of these books tell really good stories with adventure, magic, and a love that is the greatest magic of all!
I absolutely adored the story of a queen trying to find her way back to her self-confidence as well as her country. She has a large personal quest and some secret hopes to be loved as she is. And the hero is looking to do what is right, even when he doesn't completely understand what that is.
There is a heartbreaking third act and it was hard to read. But also, so satisfying when it resolved.
Safety Deets
- No OM/OW. We don't hear about the heroes past lovers at all (if any) and the heroine hasn't been with anyone in the past.
- fabulous consent.
- A lovely happily ever after with them together in joy and in love in the epilogue.
- lots of sexy times where they have a great time and laugh a lot.
Kati Wilde can sure write a heartfelt and inventive story around main characters who feel real, and are kind through and through. How she writes such short books that still feel epic, I cannot understand. But it was so good and I highly recommend.
I feel like I understand the world of the dead lands without being overwhelmed with world building. All of these books tell really good stories with adventure, magic, and a love that is the greatest magic of all!
I absolutely adored the story of a queen trying to find her way back to her self-confidence as well as her country. She has a large personal quest and some secret hopes to be loved as she is. And the hero is looking to do what is right, even when he doesn't completely understand what that is.
There is a heartbreaking third act and it was hard to read. But also, so satisfying when it resolved.
Safety Deets
- No OM/OW. We don't hear about the heroes past lovers at all (if any) and the heroine hasn't been with anyone in the past.
- fabulous consent.
- A lovely happily ever after with them together in joy and in love in the epilogue.
- lots of sexy times where they have a great time and laugh a lot.
November 6, 2023
The best of the series, I think! Helps that it's the longest; the extra word count really fleshed out the stakes and plot.
February 11, 2024
I tore through this fantasy romance! It’s my exact kind of marriage of convenience. Warrick completely misunderstands who Elina is and what she’s about and then falls gobsmack head over heels for her. She desperately needed someone in her corner and I loved all the ways he looked out for her, right down to Unfortunately, Warrick doesn’t always get things right and when he screws up, Elina cuts their marriage ribbon out of heartbreak. What she doesn’t know is that MY HEART. The ending (defeating the Big Bad) was anticlimactic but the romance was just what I wanted.
Characters: Warrick is a barbarian (whose gift is to see ghosts) and a virgin. Elina is a 25 year old Queen and a virgin.
Content notes: FMC is dying of a wasting disease , off-page withdrawal from poison (referred to as “the purge”), murder, past and present assassination attempts, near drowning (mudbeast attack), demon attacks, poisoning, imprisonment, ghosts, stone sickness (people turn into statues), fleas, FMC’s uncle stole her throne and has tried to have her killed, bigotry toward barbarians, MMC rescued enslaved people from being sold, past murder of FMC’s mother (poisoned by FMC’s brother), FMC is estranged from her father, forgetting to eat, vomit, purity culture (queen required to be a virgin before marriage), pregnancy epilogue, p-in-v sex is the only “real” sex, on page sex, food play (berries), alcohol, casual ageism, ableist language
Characters: Warrick is a barbarian (whose gift is to see ghosts) and a virgin. Elina is a 25 year old Queen and a virgin.
Content notes: FMC is dying of a wasting disease , off-page withdrawal from poison (referred to as “the purge”), murder, past and present assassination attempts, near drowning (mudbeast attack), demon attacks, poisoning, imprisonment, ghosts, stone sickness (people turn into statues), fleas, FMC’s uncle stole her throne and has tried to have her killed, bigotry toward barbarians, MMC rescued enslaved people from being sold, past murder of FMC’s mother (poisoned by FMC’s brother), FMC is estranged from her father, forgetting to eat, vomit, purity culture (queen required to be a virgin before marriage), pregnancy epilogue, p-in-v sex is the only “real” sex, on page sex, food play (berries), alcohol, casual ageism, ableist language
January 26, 2026
August 2023
November 2025
This is such a sweet story. Kati Wilde's creativity in the Dead Lands series is a thing of beauty.
********************
Original review:
I loved this book. I love the Dead Lands series and this was a great addition. The characters, the world, the magic system, the chemistry. It was completely worth the wait.
November 2025
This is such a sweet story. Kati Wilde's creativity in the Dead Lands series is a thing of beauty.
********************
Original review:
I loved this book. I love the Dead Lands series and this was a great addition. The characters, the world, the magic system, the chemistry. It was completely worth the wait.
August 15, 2023
Worth the wait!
No other author can make my heart ache for the characters like Ms. Wilde.
Warrick and Elina were lovely, loyal, courageous, and hot as hell. I adored how she persevered through so much, and how noble he was. I also loved how Elina made others laugh despite anything happening, even when that led to chaos.
And why can’t the concept of kindness as magic be more popular?
No other author can make my heart ache for the characters like Ms. Wilde.
Warrick and Elina were lovely, loyal, courageous, and hot as hell. I adored how she persevered through so much, and how noble he was. I also loved how Elina made others laugh despite anything happening, even when that led to chaos.
And why can’t the concept of kindness as magic be more popular?
![Profile Image for Elle ♡ [semi-hiatus].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1521418447i%2F78060090._UY200_CR25%2C0%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
September 18, 2023
4-4.5 stars
This was the longest novella/book in the series so the plot was much more developed. I really enjoyed this one and this series was the perfect thing to ease me out of my reading slump so thanks Kati Wilde 🙏
This was the longest novella/book in the series so the plot was much more developed. I really enjoyed this one and this series was the perfect thing to ease me out of my reading slump so thanks Kati Wilde 🙏
August 27, 2023
We waited YEARS for this book and I’m so glad that it was worth it!
I absolutely loved this book. As always, there’s something lyrical in Wilde’s style and you feel like you’re being told a fairytale.
Our FMC believes that she is cursed and about to die. Her only hope of freeing her kingdom from a tyrant is to find a Dead Land warrior from a prophecy and save her people.
The MC is in no rush to be married to a “hag” but decides he’ll play along to help break a curse of a neighbouring land.
As you can imagine, nothing is easy and although the sexual tension and love grows, there are hundreds of hurdles in their way.
There were so many beautiful moments in this book and I actually was a little teary in certain points.
This book is short but lacks a punch. We have lessons to learn from it as well as simply using it as a form of escapism. Wilde is truly a great talent. I can’t wait to see what else she gives us in this world.
I absolutely loved this book. As always, there’s something lyrical in Wilde’s style and you feel like you’re being told a fairytale.
Our FMC believes that she is cursed and about to die. Her only hope of freeing her kingdom from a tyrant is to find a Dead Land warrior from a prophecy and save her people.
The MC is in no rush to be married to a “hag” but decides he’ll play along to help break a curse of a neighbouring land.
As you can imagine, nothing is easy and although the sexual tension and love grows, there are hundreds of hurdles in their way.
There were so many beautiful moments in this book and I actually was a little teary in certain points.
This book is short but lacks a punch. We have lessons to learn from it as well as simply using it as a form of escapism. Wilde is truly a great talent. I can’t wait to see what else she gives us in this world.
try-again-later
December 26, 2023it is not you book, it is me
August 31, 2023
Delightful fairy tale-esque novella that I wish had been expanded to novel length.
May 18, 2019
Started reading this because I saw it recommended by Talia Hibbert on instagram, finished reading it because I loved the characters, loved the story, loved the interpretation of magic, loved it all so much I wish there was more! Highly highly recommended
August 25, 2023
Delightful. There were sections I wish had been explored more - like Elina purging the bloodbane - but i loved it so much.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 19, 2023
No lie, Warrick and Elina don't meet under the best circumstances. He's been imprisoned and is soon to be put to death, she's living on borrowed time and is resigned to doing whatever needs to be done to help her kingdom. That said, despite the terrible position Elina's in, she's VERY ready to be Warrick's bride.
Once they seal the deal, things are happening. Then the betrayals surrounding her are uncovered and each one strikes Elina harder than the one before. It starts with Warrick and his little lie about not understanding her language. It snowballs from there and soon Warrick and Elina are setting out on their own to right a wrong that should never have been allowed to happen.
It takes one last betrayal/misunderstanding to put Elina and Warrick on the path to reclaim her kingdom and BOY does that last one hurt her in the worst way. It also teaches her a lesson she puts to good use later.
An enlightening bath, a queen who is the opposite of what Warrick initially believes, a vigorous wedding night, a curse that's waiting to be broken, a misunderstanding that almost ruins them both, a barbarian who refuses to give up on his lady, and a lady who fights hard for the things she believes in. These two had a bumpy road, but they got where they needed to be. *thumbs up*
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
Once they seal the deal, things are happening. Then the betrayals surrounding her are uncovered and each one strikes Elina harder than the one before. It starts with Warrick and his little lie about not understanding her language. It snowballs from there and soon Warrick and Elina are setting out on their own to right a wrong that should never have been allowed to happen.
It takes one last betrayal/misunderstanding to put Elina and Warrick on the path to reclaim her kingdom and BOY does that last one hurt her in the worst way. It also teaches her a lesson she puts to good use later.
An enlightening bath, a queen who is the opposite of what Warrick initially believes, a vigorous wedding night, a curse that's waiting to be broken, a misunderstanding that almost ruins them both, a barbarian who refuses to give up on his lady, and a lady who fights hard for the things she believes in. These two had a bumpy road, but they got where they needed to be. *thumbs up*
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
September 18, 2023
“You mistake kindness for weakness. Kindness is never weak when combined with firmness of purpose—which I have never lacked. Kindness will save the people of Aleron, because it is for them I will fight. Not for the throne or for all of Aleron’s gold. But because I refuse to let them suffer.”
This is the story of how Elina the Cursed and Warrick the Chained become more. They become strong and radiant but most importantly loved. And man was this romantic. And I instantly fell in love with both characters. There’s something about a Robin Hood type hero who steals slaves and stays locked up for a month (when he can escape) just to give the slaves enough time to get back home. And a dying Queen on the run who needs to avenge her mother’s murder and take back her kingdom. But more than that it was about these two finding each other, and yes they found love and lust, but also so much more.
This is the story of how Elina the Cursed and Warrick the Chained become more. They become strong and radiant but most importantly loved. And man was this romantic. And I instantly fell in love with both characters. There’s something about a Robin Hood type hero who steals slaves and stays locked up for a month (when he can escape) just to give the slaves enough time to get back home. And a dying Queen on the run who needs to avenge her mother’s murder and take back her kingdom. But more than that it was about these two finding each other, and yes they found love and lust, but also so much more.
August 24, 2023
Ax-throwing barbarians make me weak in the knees. That's all I got from this book 😅
A sometimes meandering fantasy romance with a barbarian and a deposed queen looking to regain her throne. Magic, trolls, legends, curses, and a barbarian who is a giver in every way 👌🏽
I enjoyed this romp, if you've read the others in the series this one follows along the same lines. The pacing was off at times and I wished it had not been so instalove-y. The tension was lost once they declared their love which was almost immediate. Overall, a good time.
🌟🌟🌟💫/5
🔥🔥🔥/5
Tropes
Marriage of convenience
Instalove
A sometimes meandering fantasy romance with a barbarian and a deposed queen looking to regain her throne. Magic, trolls, legends, curses, and a barbarian who is a giver in every way 👌🏽
I enjoyed this romp, if you've read the others in the series this one follows along the same lines. The pacing was off at times and I wished it had not been so instalove-y. The tension was lost once they declared their love which was almost immediate. Overall, a good time.
🌟🌟🌟💫/5
🔥🔥🔥/5
Tropes
Marriage of convenience
Instalove
March 20, 2025
really sweet book. almost too sweet -- would've loved more anger at the beginning / trickery / conning. a liiiiittle too fast on the romance and love. but overall the writing was good, the plot was fun, and i especially liked that when action-y stuff would happen, it would happen in a paragraph instead of a chapter lol
super short read!! only 230 pages.
super short read!! only 230 pages.
June 10, 2025
This book read like it had “fairy tale” undertones. The world was unique and well thought out. However the story was simple. Though entertaining I found I wished it had a bit more “layered,” that characters were flat and lacked depth.
The audio book was well produced. The simplicity of the story made it a good choice to listen to while multi tasking.
The audio book was well produced. The simplicity of the story made it a good choice to listen to while multi tasking.
Read
November 5, 2023DNF
Loved the cover, unfortunately the writing style wasn’t for me.
Loved the cover, unfortunately the writing style wasn’t for me.
March 5, 2024
Very enjoyable
May 10, 2024
4 Standalone Fantasy Stars
✔️ Dual POVs (Warrick x Elina)
✔️ Open-door, romantasy (4/5 🌶️)
✔️ Tropes: Fated mates, fake marriage
✔️ Can be read as a standalone (part of an interconnected series)
Kati Wilde’s “The Dead Lands” series is a terrific palate cleanser if you’re not ready to start another multi-part fantasy romance. These are short, easily readable books with a really fun magic system that must be balanced — and love is the greatest magic of all.
These characters still have plenty of depth. Elina is an exiled princess trying to find a warrior to help fulfill a prophecy that would allow her to depose her uncle. Warrick is a righter of wrongs for both the living and the dead. They enter into an agreement for a fake marriage, but it quickly turns very real for both of them.
SPOILER: I LOVED the part of the story where he is literally “dead to her.” If you’re fans of the Fated Mates podcast, this is the book they really intended to recommend based on the description (although the first book is very good, too).
✔️ Dual POVs (Warrick x Elina)
✔️ Open-door, romantasy (4/5 🌶️)
✔️ Tropes: Fated mates, fake marriage
✔️ Can be read as a standalone (part of an interconnected series)
Kati Wilde’s “The Dead Lands” series is a terrific palate cleanser if you’re not ready to start another multi-part fantasy romance. These are short, easily readable books with a really fun magic system that must be balanced — and love is the greatest magic of all.
These characters still have plenty of depth. Elina is an exiled princess trying to find a warrior to help fulfill a prophecy that would allow her to depose her uncle. Warrick is a righter of wrongs for both the living and the dead. They enter into an agreement for a fake marriage, but it quickly turns very real for both of them.
SPOILER: I LOVED the part of the story where he is literally “dead to her.” If you’re fans of the Fated Mates podcast, this is the book they really intended to recommend based on the description (although the first book is very good, too).
August 31, 2023
I am a fan of this world of magic and barbarians that Kati Wilde has created. And this newest instalment did not disappoint. That said, this one had way more angst than the earlier books in the series, and for such a short, tight tome it was particularly gut-wrenching.
July 30, 2024
3,5 stars
Read
February 4, 2024Dropped.
This was insta-love. Not my thing. While sweet, I couldn't buy into the whole 'suddenly I'm all for you, I'll die for you' when the male lead found the heroine repulsive at first. Warrick assumed Elina to be an old hag Queen who wanted to marry him due to the painted face she uses, and was dead against fucking the woman - until he saw her face. Hmm...not shallow, eh?
And I'm not sure if this was supposed to be 'fated mates' but, when he changed 360 degree into Elina's protector after seeing she's a young, pretty woman...well, you can't fault me for my skepticism. Yes, it's smutty-licious, but today, I'd like to read something more emotionally convincing.
This was insta-love. Not my thing. While sweet, I couldn't buy into the whole 'suddenly I'm all for you, I'll die for you' when the male lead found the heroine repulsive at first. Warrick assumed Elina to be an old hag Queen who wanted to marry him due to the painted face she uses, and was dead against fucking the woman - until he saw her face. Hmm...not shallow, eh?
And I'm not sure if this was supposed to be 'fated mates' but, when he changed 360 degree into Elina's protector after seeing she's a young, pretty woman...well, you can't fault me for my skepticism. Yes, it's smutty-licious, but today, I'd like to read something more emotionally convincing.
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