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The Companion #4
The King's Obsession
Love is long-suffering… but she has suffered long enough.
ROMANCE WRITERS OF AUSTRALIA RUBY FINALIST 2019
Behind every Companion is a mentor who must prepare her for the role. For nine years, Petra has existed within the castle walls. For nine years, the king has taken whatever he pleases—even her son. When tragedy strikes, Petra realises she can either accept her fate or run from it. But the man who owns her will stop at nothing to keep her. To survive, she must put her trust in enemy hands. To heal, she must learn to open her heart.
Sir Leksi is the prince’s right hand man and Syrasan’s fiercest knight. He is also the kingdom’s most notorious womaniser. When he stumbles across a runaway in the woods, he is surprised to learn her identity, but even more surprised when he is ordered to protect her. Intrigued by the hunted mentor, he decides to see what lies beneath the unsmiling face and vacant gaze. What he discovers might change him forever…
If you enjoy gritty medieval romance, then you will love The King’s Obsession. Please note this is book four in The Companion series. These books are best read in order.
Trigger warning: This book contains abuse, violence and dark themes.
ROMANCE WRITERS OF AUSTRALIA RUBY FINALIST 2019
Behind every Companion is a mentor who must prepare her for the role. For nine years, Petra has existed within the castle walls. For nine years, the king has taken whatever he pleases—even her son. When tragedy strikes, Petra realises she can either accept her fate or run from it. But the man who owns her will stop at nothing to keep her. To survive, she must put her trust in enemy hands. To heal, she must learn to open her heart.
Sir Leksi is the prince’s right hand man and Syrasan’s fiercest knight. He is also the kingdom’s most notorious womaniser. When he stumbles across a runaway in the woods, he is surprised to learn her identity, but even more surprised when he is ordered to protect her. Intrigued by the hunted mentor, he decides to see what lies beneath the unsmiling face and vacant gaze. What he discovers might change him forever…
If you enjoy gritty medieval romance, then you will love The King’s Obsession. Please note this is book four in The Companion series. These books are best read in order.
Trigger warning: This book contains abuse, violence and dark themes.
320 pages, ebook
First published January 1, 2018
204 people are currently reading
373 people want to read
About the author
Tanya Bird
24 books490 followersTanya Bird is a RUBY award-winning author who lives in Brisbane with her hubby, three lively boys, a quirky greyhound, and a lazy whippet. Amid the chaos, she writes across a range romance sub-genres including historical, contemporary, and speculative. She is best known for her dark worldbuilding and high-emotion storytelling. A lover of horses, pancakes, and satire, Tanya dreams of one day attacking her rather long bucket list.
You can find her on Facebook @TanyaBirdAuthor, Instagram @tanyabirdauthor, TikTok @tanyabirdauthor or hiding in the pantry with her stash of chocolate.
Exclusive free reads available at tanyabird.com
You can find her on Facebook @TanyaBirdAuthor, Instagram @tanyabirdauthor, TikTok @tanyabirdauthor or hiding in the pantry with her stash of chocolate.
Exclusive free reads available at tanyabird.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
January 31, 2019
The ending to this story is so great! Im so glad that Leksi and Petra got there happy ending and Petra is finally with her son. *happy tears*
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 8, 2018
I absolutely love this series. This book was fantastic, just like the rest of them. I cannot wait for the next one.
October 1, 2018
Tanya Bird is one of my favourite authors of the moment. After picking up the first book in her companion series, I quickly found myself devouring everything she has out, and the King’s Obsession was no exception. If you love a historical styled romance where a determined heroine overcomes adversity with the love and support of a dashing hero, then you won’t be disappointed. But I don’t want to sell the book short. While it’s a delight to revel in the love story of the right two people discovering each other for the first time, there is a lot more to a good story, and Bird is excellent at keeping the journey interesting along the way. There are number situations throughout that will have you smiling, sighing and crying as you relate to the main characters and invest in where the story is heading. Equal parts dark and light prepare for some feelings of hopelessness, resignation, anger, and very heavy dose of dislike towards the more despicable characters. This is nicely balanced against Leksi and Petra’s blossoming relationship, a mother’s love for her child, and the hope that friendship, loyalty, love, and a good sense of humour will conquer all in the end.
Bird has a very concise but natural flowing style that really resonates with me. She has a good sense of timing and incorporates enough twists and turns that you will want to read a little bit more....and the next thing you know its an hour later. The King’s Obsession is an easy and enjoyable read as a stand-alone novel, but enhance the experience by checking out the rest of the companion series and get aquainted with all the other characters you will come to love (and despise) as the Syrasen Saga unfolds. Enjoy :)
Bird has a very concise but natural flowing style that really resonates with me. She has a good sense of timing and incorporates enough twists and turns that you will want to read a little bit more....and the next thing you know its an hour later. The King’s Obsession is an easy and enjoyable read as a stand-alone novel, but enhance the experience by checking out the rest of the companion series and get aquainted with all the other characters you will come to love (and despise) as the Syrasen Saga unfolds. Enjoy :)
June 20, 2019
3.5 Stars. I loved the idea of continuing in this world and getting updates of some of the other characters I have come to love...but this one just didn’t hit the mark like the others did. It seemed to drag a little at times.
More to come...
More to come...
November 14, 2019
AWESOME
I love this book so much the whole series is amazing and surprisingly clean it’s hard to find good romance adventure action mid evil era books that are clean in this series is definitely one of them.
I love this book so much the whole series is amazing and surprisingly clean it’s hard to find good romance adventure action mid evil era books that are clean in this series is definitely one of them.
September 21, 2018
Oh the EPIC feels! I loved this newest addition to the Companion series by Tanya Bird. The Companion series is one of my favorite series of all time. I wasn't really sure where the series could go after book 3 ended. We finally got our HEA (well, technically Tyron and Aldara got their HEA) and I was content with the series ending BUT, Ms. Bird had more stories to tell and that is a very good thing.
The King's Obsession focuses on two characters that we have previously met, Petra from The Majestic Imposter and Leksi, who has appearances in all three Companion books. Leksi is an easy come easy go kind of knight. Fighting wars and breaking hearts are his thing. Petra is a mentor from the Coreneo kingdom and a very broken woman. Petra has lived the last nine years of her life as the King’s on and off companion and his obsession. He has done horrible things to her including taking their son and sending him away and that is the center of The King’s Obsession; Petra’s fight to find her son that was taken from her and to claim her freedom from a mad king.
What a fantastic addition to this series. There is so much action, angst, heartbreak and love in this book. Leksi and Petra are wonderful and complex characters and I’m so glad we got to read their story. There is so much more to Leksi than just drinking and whoring about the kingdom and it’s exciting as a reader to see some of his rakish layers pulled back to reveal a different side of him. Petra is so broken. Her heart and her will to live are shattered when King Nilos takes her days old son away from her. It was such a journey for her to take control of her life and to finally go after her son. To finally stop allowing the men in her life control her.
This is an action packed novel. It is not for the faint of heart but the ending is very rewarding. I am looking forward to reading more from the Companion series.
The King's Obsession focuses on two characters that we have previously met, Petra from The Majestic Imposter and Leksi, who has appearances in all three Companion books. Leksi is an easy come easy go kind of knight. Fighting wars and breaking hearts are his thing. Petra is a mentor from the Coreneo kingdom and a very broken woman. Petra has lived the last nine years of her life as the King’s on and off companion and his obsession. He has done horrible things to her including taking their son and sending him away and that is the center of The King’s Obsession; Petra’s fight to find her son that was taken from her and to claim her freedom from a mad king.
What a fantastic addition to this series. There is so much action, angst, heartbreak and love in this book. Leksi and Petra are wonderful and complex characters and I’m so glad we got to read their story. There is so much more to Leksi than just drinking and whoring about the kingdom and it’s exciting as a reader to see some of his rakish layers pulled back to reveal a different side of him. Petra is so broken. Her heart and her will to live are shattered when King Nilos takes her days old son away from her. It was such a journey for her to take control of her life and to finally go after her son. To finally stop allowing the men in her life control her.
This is an action packed novel. It is not for the faint of heart but the ending is very rewarding. I am looking forward to reading more from the Companion series.
March 16, 2019
They Bring Me to You: Petra & Leksi
If someone were to ask me why I gave this book five stars, I would have to say it's because I have fallen completely in love with the world Tanya Bird has created. She has managed to create the perfect blend of every component that I feel makes an amazing story. At the heart of it, this is a love story about two people who had accepted that true happiness wasn't in the cards for them. I'm so happy that both Petra and Leksi were so terribly wrong. It's so heartwarming to see the growth of the characters from the first book to this one. I find everyone falling into their rightful places which makes my heart incredibly happy. I am so thankful that this brilliant author isn't quite finished writing for this series. I can't wait to see whst happens next!
If someone were to ask me why I gave this book five stars, I would have to say it's because I have fallen completely in love with the world Tanya Bird has created. She has managed to create the perfect blend of every component that I feel makes an amazing story. At the heart of it, this is a love story about two people who had accepted that true happiness wasn't in the cards for them. I'm so happy that both Petra and Leksi were so terribly wrong. It's so heartwarming to see the growth of the characters from the first book to this one. I find everyone falling into their rightful places which makes my heart incredibly happy. I am so thankful that this brilliant author isn't quite finished writing for this series. I can't wait to see whst happens next!
November 12, 2019
Wow
So the King's Obsession obviously is about King Nilos and his crazy obsession over his mentor/companion Petra. We get to learn a little about Petra when Aldara goes to save her Prince Tyron, who is imprisoned in book 3. Petra's is a grieving mother and hates her life. But it takes a life of one of her Companions in training to finally break the spell to leave. She is uncharted in her course and her story is one of sadness, heartbreak, hope and loss. But with hope she does find love just unexpectedly with our heartthrob womanizer Sir Leksi. The things we do for love is incredible. Whether it is for a partner, sibling, child or friend, you are not alone. There is justice served and a happy ever after. Amazing lines and powerful imagery. Several topics may be sensitive but depression, abuse and violence isn't to be taken lightly.
So the King's Obsession obviously is about King Nilos and his crazy obsession over his mentor/companion Petra. We get to learn a little about Petra when Aldara goes to save her Prince Tyron, who is imprisoned in book 3. Petra's is a grieving mother and hates her life. But it takes a life of one of her Companions in training to finally break the spell to leave. She is uncharted in her course and her story is one of sadness, heartbreak, hope and loss. But with hope she does find love just unexpectedly with our heartthrob womanizer Sir Leksi. The things we do for love is incredible. Whether it is for a partner, sibling, child or friend, you are not alone. There is justice served and a happy ever after. Amazing lines and powerful imagery. Several topics may be sensitive but depression, abuse and violence isn't to be taken lightly.
October 27, 2020
While the content of The King's Obsession was every bit as dark as the rest of the series, it was somehow lighter, more full of hope.
Leski and Petra went through so much, but their decisions, somehow belonged to them. Even when they had no choices to make, both of them still had such a firm resolve to meet their end their way. I think it was this spirit that kept the story moving steadily forward towards the happily ever after they deserved.
I do hope there will be more books in this world. I'd love to see if Cora tamed her King? And seeing Hatti, Yuri, Tyron and Aldara living their lives to the fullest makes the first trilogy worth the agony it took for them all to get where they are.
😁
Leski and Petra went through so much, but their decisions, somehow belonged to them. Even when they had no choices to make, both of them still had such a firm resolve to meet their end their way. I think it was this spirit that kept the story moving steadily forward towards the happily ever after they deserved.
I do hope there will be more books in this world. I'd love to see if Cora tamed her King? And seeing Hatti, Yuri, Tyron and Aldara living their lives to the fullest makes the first trilogy worth the agony it took for them all to get where they are.
😁
May 24, 2019
Crusty knights become lambs when given the love they were missing.
Petra is a companion to the king of Cornea. Lekis is the best friend to Prince Tyron of a neighboring kingdom.
Petra was the mentor and had helped Aldara and the prince escape when he had been a prisoner of the king of Cornea.
When she witnesses the suicide of the King’s new companion, she breaks and makes a plan to escape and runs away to seek help from Aldara who is looking for Petra’s son who was taken from her by the king.
How the hunt for her by the king and her son by Lekis and Petrais the gist of the story and it does have an HEA.
Petra is a companion to the king of Cornea. Lekis is the best friend to Prince Tyron of a neighboring kingdom.
Petra was the mentor and had helped Aldara and the prince escape when he had been a prisoner of the king of Cornea.
When she witnesses the suicide of the King’s new companion, she breaks and makes a plan to escape and runs away to seek help from Aldara who is looking for Petra’s son who was taken from her by the king.
How the hunt for her by the king and her son by Lekis and Petrais the gist of the story and it does have an HEA.
October 3, 2018
Love this series and loved this book. This Author knows how to tell a story. It was great that we get to read about the other characters . I loved reading about Petra and Leksi’s and their journey..you get so involved in the story line AND NEVER WANTED IT TO END. It was good to be with Tyron and Aldara again. This story is full of action, love and heartbreak .
Petra and Leksi are a good match, . This book can be a stand alone story but i do recommended the rest of the series so you don’t miss out.

Petra and Leksi are a good match, . This book can be a stand alone story but i do recommended the rest of the series so you don’t miss out.

May 6, 2019
Honestly I have rated the entire series with 5 stars and no regrets. Tanya doesn't shy away from characters breaking down. You can feel the madness in the kings actions and words and can't help but feel every bit of your heart feel bad for Petra. Leksi and his smart ass mouth is one of my favorites and he deserves every bit of love and happiness. His friendship with Tyron is more than this. It's like being brothers but don't share the same blood.
Once again the story is so easy to read without any boring or unnecessary parts and that makes me beyond happy. Can't wait for more.
Once again the story is so easy to read without any boring or unnecessary parts and that makes me beyond happy. Can't wait for more.
August 18, 2020
Another great book in this series by Tanya Bird. I've loved everything I've read by her and I have been spacing out her books so that way I don't burn thru them crazy fast. I loved Leksi from the other books so I was so excited to hear his story of finding love. Petra was just amazing. Her strength and determination was inspiring. If I was in a situation like hers I am not sure I would have done as well. The ending was wonderfully done just like the other books and I loved the little updates of past characters as well. Looking forward to the next book!
September 14, 2018
*ARC review from author*
That was EPIC!!! I literally spent the entire afternoon reading this from cover to cover. I love that we get to see another side of Leksi, his background and how it shaped him in to the womanizing jokester we adore. All of our fave characters are still there so if you're worried about not hearing from Adara & Tyrone anymore, dont. If anything I love Tyrone even MORE after this book. Can't wait to see what's next.
That was EPIC!!! I literally spent the entire afternoon reading this from cover to cover. I love that we get to see another side of Leksi, his background and how it shaped him in to the womanizing jokester we adore. All of our fave characters are still there so if you're worried about not hearing from Adara & Tyrone anymore, dont. If anything I love Tyrone even MORE after this book. Can't wait to see what's next.
September 23, 2018
Tanya Bird has done it again. Wow this book was amazing. The story of Leksi's and Petra was spell binding. Leksi who we had come to love in the previous books of the Companion series, grows into a perfect hero. His life changes when he finds Petra in desperate need and does all he can to help her.
His and Petra's story is heartbreaking at times but leaves you feeling on top of the world. Can't wait to see what amazing stories Tanya will write next.
His and Petra's story is heartbreaking at times but leaves you feeling on top of the world. Can't wait to see what amazing stories Tanya will write next.
January 29, 2019
Great series
I just finished Tanya Bird's Companion Series. It was full of real life style pain, but included haunting glimpses and poignant vignettes featuring various types of love, too. (Romantic of course, but also sibling, brotherly,friendship and family/children faithfulness and love). I read The free Zoelin Queen story first, from the author's webpage, and was glad I did. 5 starts for the entire series!
I just finished Tanya Bird's Companion Series. It was full of real life style pain, but included haunting glimpses and poignant vignettes featuring various types of love, too. (Romantic of course, but also sibling, brotherly,friendship and family/children faithfulness and love). I read The free Zoelin Queen story first, from the author's webpage, and was glad I did. 5 starts for the entire series!
Read
August 29, 2019Confession time. I usually stick with free books. Rarely does a series tempt me to purchase past the free offer. This was one of the exceptions. I purchased them all. Characters were believable to me, including the children. Story lines flowed nicely. Graphic sex was not needed to portray emotions. Even though non-existent places, story wasn’t fantasy-ish. I thoroughly enjoyed these stories.
August 16, 2020
I loved this book!
I love the switching around I would gladly read a nice long series I’m always sad to see the character go at the end but with the way Tanya Bird changes around the characters but keeps the old ones still around is magical! I love being able to see inside the other characters and seeing them from others perspectives as well! I can’t wait to reach Cora’s adventures!
I love the switching around I would gladly read a nice long series I’m always sad to see the character go at the end but with the way Tanya Bird changes around the characters but keeps the old ones still around is magical! I love being able to see inside the other characters and seeing them from others perspectives as well! I can’t wait to reach Cora’s adventures!
September 23, 2021
I felt my heart breaking so many times in this series. I despair at the devastating circumstances that Petra suffered through. I am so happy that she found love and salvation in a man as good as Leksi. Their story is fraught with trails and injustice. But, in the end, their love prevails and they do find their happily ever after. Even though the scars may never fade, the wounds will heal with time and I look forward to hearing more news of their growing family in the upcoming books. ❤️
March 29, 2023
Let me start by saying I love this series and I love this author... But I unfortunately did not love this book.
I felt for Petra and I understood her emotions, but I just wasn't invested like I was with Aldara. I don't know why.
I also think this was more slow-burn than I was anticipating, but again I understood why.
I was just kinda dragging through the first 2/3 of the book, but I really enjoyed the last 1/3.
I felt for Petra and I understood her emotions, but I just wasn't invested like I was with Aldara. I don't know why.
I also think this was more slow-burn than I was anticipating, but again I understood why.
I was just kinda dragging through the first 2/3 of the book, but I really enjoyed the last 1/3.
June 8, 2023
Not bad
I wasn't sure what to expect from this book. Leski was a great character, so I gave it a try. Not disappointed. They got a sweet kind of love. I would have loved a more well rounded ending. Hali got a cute surprise at the end. Not as great as the 1st 3 but great. Skipping Astras story. Not sure why she got her own book. She was like a blimp in the 1st book and quite boring. But excited about Coras book.
I wasn't sure what to expect from this book. Leski was a great character, so I gave it a try. Not disappointed. They got a sweet kind of love. I would have loved a more well rounded ending. Hali got a cute surprise at the end. Not as great as the 1st 3 but great. Skipping Astras story. Not sure why she got her own book. She was like a blimp in the 1st book and quite boring. But excited about Coras book.
September 13, 2025
I love the series this is a part of but it didn't deliver the same amount of character development I felt I got from other books in the series, especially when the main characters are so dynamic in the other books.
I pushed through in some of the parts that lulled because it does help with the world building to read each of the books. I also am happy with the ending. I don't know exactly what I wanted but it might be exactly what others need.
I pushed through in some of the parts that lulled because it does help with the world building to read each of the books. I also am happy with the ending. I don't know exactly what I wanted but it might be exactly what others need.
October 8, 2018
Tanya Bird has done it again!!!!! This book has all the ups and downs that will have you laughing at parts then crying at others. The characters are strong, dynamic and work well together. And the ending was surprisingly. You will also see some other characters from the previous books in the series. This book was fantastic!!!!!!!
November 15, 2018
Love, love, love
Adore this author and this series! Loved reading about Petra's character and seeing the character development! Leksi's humor was abundant in this story as well, breaking up the heartwrenching parts in the only way his character could! Cannot wait until the next one in the series!!
Adore this author and this series! Loved reading about Petra's character and seeing the character development! Leksi's humor was abundant in this story as well, breaking up the heartwrenching parts in the only way his character could! Cannot wait until the next one in the series!!
September 20, 2019
After reading the first three books of the Companion series I came to book 4 after a long break. I wasn’t sure how the story could continue on or if I wanted it to. I’m glad I did read this book. Loved it. In fact I’m a big fan of Tanya’s work now.
Follow her FB page. She is very down to Earth. And extremely talented.
Follow her FB page. She is very down to Earth. And extremely talented.
December 6, 2019
After loving the first 3 books I’m the companion series I was nervous without Tyron and Aldara this book would not live up to my expectations!
However Tanya bird has done it again!
I loved leksi and I’m so please he got his own story! A great read with a good mix of romance and action. Can’t wait to read the next instalment in this series
However Tanya bird has done it again!
I loved leksi and I’m so please he got his own story! A great read with a good mix of romance and action. Can’t wait to read the next instalment in this series
January 24, 2020
Love doesn't come easy
This story was filled with sadness, adventure and a wonderful ending. I especially enjoyed the friendship that was enjoyed by Leksi and his friends. Petra was the mentor for the king and was given to him when she was young. She had so much to endure but at some point something has to give. She runs. And the adventure begins.
This story was filled with sadness, adventure and a wonderful ending. I especially enjoyed the friendship that was enjoyed by Leksi and his friends. Petra was the mentor for the king and was given to him when she was young. She had so much to endure but at some point something has to give. She runs. And the adventure begins.
October 4, 2018
I love the Companion Series and this new instalment did not disappoint. Tanya is a truly fantastic writer and has brought us into a compelling new world.
I love the characters, the story and the updates of other characters.
Can’t wait to read more in this series or anything Tanya writes.
I love the characters, the story and the updates of other characters.
Can’t wait to read more in this series or anything Tanya writes.
October 4, 2018
I really enjoyed this book! Leksi was already one of my favourite characters from the series, and this story got us to know him better! As in the other books Tanya Bird gave us a wonderful story full of romance and suspence, but also a great insight in the characters! I would absolutely recommend!
December 4, 2018
Amazing!
Her series just keeps getting better. She really captures the essence of each character. Her plots are just amazing. If you enjoy romance with action, yet heartwarming, run and get this series. I just love this series.
Her series just keeps getting better. She really captures the essence of each character. Her plots are just amazing. If you enjoy romance with action, yet heartwarming, run and get this series. I just love this series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews