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The Middle Sea #3
The Second Marriage
Their marriage is based on a lie. The truth will ruin them both.
Prince Taral only agrees to the marriage because he knows it won't last. He'll reject his new husband when he goes into heat, and then the marriage will be dissolved.
He's wrong. They bond instead.
Sejun is eager to get to know his new husband and find the romance he's always dreamed of. The match is good, and if Taral seems a little distant, well--they're still adjusting to each other, after all.
Tormented by his past, Taral struggles with the bonds of duty even as he finds himself unwillingly charmed by Sejun's open nature. When a diplomatic mission to a faraway country tests the limits of Taral's grief and devotion, he's forced at last to choose between old love and new.
Prince Taral only agrees to the marriage because he knows it won't last. He'll reject his new husband when he goes into heat, and then the marriage will be dissolved.
He's wrong. They bond instead.
Sejun is eager to get to know his new husband and find the romance he's always dreamed of. The match is good, and if Taral seems a little distant, well--they're still adjusting to each other, after all.
Tormented by his past, Taral struggles with the bonds of duty even as he finds himself unwillingly charmed by Sejun's open nature. When a diplomatic mission to a faraway country tests the limits of Taral's grief and devotion, he's forced at last to choose between old love and new.
294 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 12, 2023
31 people are currently reading
127 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
January 20, 2023
The good
+ Sejun taking care of Taral
+
+ This book made me cry. Sejun's utter loneliness and his despair, and his desperate attempts to see the good in life anyway were just too much
+ Taral making Sejun read him erotica. "Does it really say that? Her lush flower?" "You thought that was my artistic license? No, the book says exactly that. And 'moist petals', also." "Whoever wrote that euphemism should be ashamed of themselves."
The neutral
o I didn't really like either MC's family. Sejun's family was just mean and they didn't deserve someone as good and kind as Sejun. Taral's sister endangered her people with her spending habits, and it was irresponsible of her not to officially acknowledge this and let someone else handle the finances
o I understand that Taral didn't really need the bond to know what Sejun was feeling, because his face hid nothing, but that didn't explain why the bond was so closed off
The bad
- Taral entering the first marriage in the first place was a horrible and incredibly disrespectful thing to do. He played with Sejun's feelings, and when they accidentally bonded, he destroyed Sejun's only chance at true love. And after he did so, his only thoughts were woe is me I am so sad poor me and he ignored Sejun until it suited him (translation: whenever he was horny). He treated Sejun like trash and Sejun deserved so much better
- There were a gazillion countries, cities and people, and I just couldn't keep track of anything
- I think Sejun understood more about the politics plotline than I did. My eyes glazed over and I just gave up at some point. I have no idea who are good guys and who are bad guys, and I also don't understand how any of this worked or was resolved
- I wish there had been some The story until now part before the book started. I know I'm supposed to know who Poplar is, and I remembered his name because I read book 2 recently, but I have no idea if he was good or bad anymore, so he could just as well have been a completely fresh character to me. Any buildup was lost to me because I forgot everything from the previous books anyway
- Sejun said he would be incredibly bored and unhappy in Tadasho, and this point was left unaddressed. I am not convinced Sejun could be happy there. Similarly, it really rubbed me the wrong way that Sejun was brought along to those peace negotiations like some dog to wait in their room until his master got home every day
-
Quotes
x Physical exertion was tedious and so unnecessary.
x "If I were a king I would throw parties and ride around on my horse and fight no one."
Look, Sejun was just really sweet and kind and a lovely person. Taral was not. And while he did have some baggage, he was still egotistical and didn't even deign Sejun worthy of his attention. Sejun had literally nobody. No family, no friends, and an absent husband. Sejun deserved better. I also have no idea what is going on with the politics, so I hope there's less of that in the next book. Would not recommend this one.
+ Sejun taking care of Taral
+
+ This book made me cry. Sejun's utter loneliness and his despair, and his desperate attempts to see the good in life anyway were just too much
+ Taral making Sejun read him erotica. "Does it really say that? Her lush flower?" "You thought that was my artistic license? No, the book says exactly that. And 'moist petals', also." "Whoever wrote that euphemism should be ashamed of themselves."
The neutral
o I didn't really like either MC's family. Sejun's family was just mean and they didn't deserve someone as good and kind as Sejun. Taral's sister endangered her people with her spending habits, and it was irresponsible of her not to officially acknowledge this and let someone else handle the finances
o I understand that Taral didn't really need the bond to know what Sejun was feeling, because his face hid nothing, but that didn't explain why the bond was so closed off
The bad
- Taral entering the first marriage in the first place was a horrible and incredibly disrespectful thing to do. He played with Sejun's feelings, and when they accidentally bonded, he destroyed Sejun's only chance at true love. And after he did so, his only thoughts were woe is me I am so sad poor me and he ignored Sejun until it suited him (translation: whenever he was horny). He treated Sejun like trash and Sejun deserved so much better
- There were a gazillion countries, cities and people, and I just couldn't keep track of anything
- I think Sejun understood more about the politics plotline than I did. My eyes glazed over and I just gave up at some point. I have no idea who are good guys and who are bad guys, and I also don't understand how any of this worked or was resolved
- I wish there had been some The story until now part before the book started. I know I'm supposed to know who Poplar is, and I remembered his name because I read book 2 recently, but I have no idea if he was good or bad anymore, so he could just as well have been a completely fresh character to me. Any buildup was lost to me because I forgot everything from the previous books anyway
- Sejun said he would be incredibly bored and unhappy in Tadasho, and this point was left unaddressed. I am not convinced Sejun could be happy there. Similarly, it really rubbed me the wrong way that Sejun was brought along to those peace negotiations like some dog to wait in their room until his master got home every day
-
Quotes
x Physical exertion was tedious and so unnecessary.
x "If I were a king I would throw parties and ride around on my horse and fight no one."
Look, Sejun was just really sweet and kind and a lovely person. Taral was not. And while he did have some baggage, he was still egotistical and didn't even deign Sejun worthy of his attention. Sejun had literally nobody. No family, no friends, and an absent husband. Sejun deserved better. I also have no idea what is going on with the politics, so I hope there's less of that in the next book. Would not recommend this one.
January 21, 2023
This was my most anticipated book for the beginning of 2023. I loved The Sorcerer's Alpha and the description of this really had me excited. It didn't exactly disappoint, but did end up being quite different to what I was envisioning.
Taral has resisted being betrothed since his first attempt ended in disaster. We don't get to fully understand what happened until late in the book, so the reader (at least this reader) feels more for Sejun, who is confused and sad that they don't quite connect and doesn't understand why they can't for a good portion of the book. But! The whole time, they are learning about each other and growing closer, whether or not they realize or accept it, which makes the HEA feel very hopeful and real. I'd have liked to get a longer time where both Sejun and Taral feel equally for each other, but I think Taral needed a lot of time.
All three books have had very different interpersonal dynamics and settings. There seems to be an emphasis on how the terrains of the different lands in the Middle Sea universe shape their peoples and a lot of these books is built on learning not only the other person, but how their nation/upbringing made them into that person. In this volume, we meet characters from various areas all gather together to discuss some diplomacy, and while the politics of fantasy worlds is not always my favorite to read, I found myself drawn in to what was happening here.
Taral is more interested in politics; Sejun is amusingly idle when it comes to such matters, but ends up being able to help Taral as a translator (since he learned a language in order to be able to read romance novels . . . that part of this book was one of my favorites and led to some genuinely funny and sweet moments between the two.) I wasn't a huge fan of how the political machinations culminated, but it did give Taral the wake up call he needed.
Ultimately, my feelings about this book were just a little more cerebral than how emotional I was over book 2, so I'm rating it 4 stars, but I did really enjoy my time with these characters. Sejun deserves the world and I think Taral will do his best to give it to him, now that he's thawed out and realized he can love and be loved.
Taral has resisted being betrothed since his first attempt ended in disaster. We don't get to fully understand what happened until late in the book, so the reader (at least this reader) feels more for Sejun, who is confused and sad that they don't quite connect and doesn't understand why they can't for a good portion of the book. But! The whole time, they are learning about each other and growing closer, whether or not they realize or accept it, which makes the HEA feel very hopeful and real. I'd have liked to get a longer time where both Sejun and Taral feel equally for each other, but I think Taral needed a lot of time.
All three books have had very different interpersonal dynamics and settings. There seems to be an emphasis on how the terrains of the different lands in the Middle Sea universe shape their peoples and a lot of these books is built on learning not only the other person, but how their nation/upbringing made them into that person. In this volume, we meet characters from various areas all gather together to discuss some diplomacy, and while the politics of fantasy worlds is not always my favorite to read, I found myself drawn in to what was happening here.
Taral is more interested in politics; Sejun is amusingly idle when it comes to such matters, but ends up being able to help Taral as a translator (since he learned a language in order to be able to read romance novels . . . that part of this book was one of my favorites and led to some genuinely funny and sweet moments between the two.) I wasn't a huge fan of how the political machinations culminated, but it did give Taral the wake up call he needed.
Ultimately, my feelings about this book were just a little more cerebral than how emotional I was over book 2, so I'm rating it 4 stars, but I did really enjoy my time with these characters. Sejun deserves the world and I think Taral will do his best to give it to him, now that he's thawed out and realized he can love and be loved.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 13, 2023
This author's stories are all so slow and sweet and lovely. They seem to go out of their way to NOT touch on familiar romance tropes, and because the writing and world-building are both so beautiful, it works for me big time even though, normally, I unapologetically adore tried-and-true romance tropes 🤣. As for *this* book, it was all the things I've come to expect from this author's writing, and although it probably wasn't my favorite in this world, mostly because , it was still one I'm so glad to have read. I sincerely hope there will be more - endless waves of more - stories in the Middle Sea world. I'm here for all of them, and remain eminently grateful that this author chooses to go through all the work of writing and publishing their beautiful stories, and shares their wonderful talent with us 🥰
January 18, 2023
this book has it all, plus connecting little pieces of the middle sea world is so satisfying, im so glad there’s going to be three more books!!
January 14, 2023
This beautifully written book focuses on the arranged marriage of Taral, an omega prince, and Sejun, his alpha husband. Their coupling unexpectedly results in a full bonded marriage. However, Taral's heart still grieves for a lost love and he is unable to give his full heart to Sejun.
The world-building provides many divergences from typical alpha/omega relationships. The author is especially strong in describing the various cultures and their unique characteristics. This book is the third of six. It is very low-angst with little action, magic, or sorcery. It focuses mainly on the development of Taral and Sejun's relationship. There are travels and political/diplomatic activities. It connects the more sheltered and removed mountain kingdoms to the greater Middle Sea region. I suspect that it is setting the stage nicely for many more future adventures and intrigue, as other interesting side characters made brief appearances. The love between our MCs was the story, it was realistic, and very special.
The world-building provides many divergences from typical alpha/omega relationships. The author is especially strong in describing the various cultures and their unique characteristics. This book is the third of six. It is very low-angst with little action, magic, or sorcery. It focuses mainly on the development of Taral and Sejun's relationship. There are travels and political/diplomatic activities. It connects the more sheltered and removed mountain kingdoms to the greater Middle Sea region. I suspect that it is setting the stage nicely for many more future adventures and intrigue, as other interesting side characters made brief appearances. The love between our MCs was the story, it was realistic, and very special.
January 16, 2023
Angsty Goodness
Nothing beats a marriage of convenience with all the angst, pining and slowly developing love a girl could hope for! This book has all of the world building we have come to expect from Corey Kerr in this series including a rich court setting and some scheming and intrigue. The novel also features a couple with an age gap, one member who has a past and the other who just wants to love him. I found both main characters earnest and endearing and loved the world the author drew us into! I'm thrilled to read that there will be three more books in the series! Sign me up!
Nothing beats a marriage of convenience with all the angst, pining and slowly developing love a girl could hope for! This book has all of the world building we have come to expect from Corey Kerr in this series including a rich court setting and some scheming and intrigue. The novel also features a couple with an age gap, one member who has a past and the other who just wants to love him. I found both main characters earnest and endearing and loved the world the author drew us into! I'm thrilled to read that there will be three more books in the series! Sign me up!
January 16, 2023
4.25 stars. I can’t get enough of this author and this series. There is always a fair amount of heartache, but the pay off is always worth it. So happy there will be three more books in this series!
December 22, 2023
This book had a general air of sadness and suffering. The ending felt muted.
January 20, 2023
My favorite of the series is still The Sorcerer's Alpha, which I adored. This one comes second. Fantasy omegaverse, mpreg, arranged marriage, accidental bonding. A sweet caring alpha and a closed-off omega. This was a very emotional read, these characters are in very diferent emotional places in the begging of the story and it's a difficult journey to get to a common ground. I really liked this book!
January 3, 2024
Reread? Yes, I’ve reread many times.
Favorite parts: the angst and longing and chemistry between the main characters is exactly what I was looking for in this series. There wasn’t instant love or too-quick resolution to problems, but it built up enough that you could feel the shift in Taral’s emotions. Sejun is wonderfully easy to relate to and I’m a sucker for jealousy and possessiveness, while also being respectful. I also appreciate very much that Taral’s feelings for Jaysha were never overwhelmingly inappropriate as I find some books are with a secondary romantic figure.
Least favorite parts: nothing I can think of!
Stand out scene: “You think you might—” Sejun’s voice broke. “You might be pregnant?” “It’s possible,” Taral said, and then abandoned the rest of his sentence as the bond erupted with Sejun’s emotions. Taral was so unaccustomed to sensing anything at all of what Sejun felt that he was struck dumb by the sudden outpouring of Sejun’s unbridled joy. Sejun’s hand tightened on his hip. “A baby?” “It’s too soon to say for sure,” Taral cautioned. “More likely it’s just that the travel has me off schedule. I won’t be certain for quite a while yet.” Sejun’s joy continued unabated, but his voice was calm and even as he said, “Yes, no need to get excited yet. We’ll know more in a few days, I imagine.” He was only agreeing with what Taral himself had said, and yet Taral found that he was disappointed by this tepid response. Sejun’s placid demeanor didn’t accord with the elation Taral could feel through the bond, and he wondered why Sejun was restraining himself even in his inebriation. Did he think Taral wouldn’t want him to be pleased?
Favorite parts: the angst and longing and chemistry between the main characters is exactly what I was looking for in this series. There wasn’t instant love or too-quick resolution to problems, but it built up enough that you could feel the shift in Taral’s emotions. Sejun is wonderfully easy to relate to and I’m a sucker for jealousy and possessiveness, while also being respectful. I also appreciate very much that Taral’s feelings for Jaysha were never overwhelmingly inappropriate as I find some books are with a secondary romantic figure.
Least favorite parts: nothing I can think of!
Stand out scene: “You think you might—” Sejun’s voice broke. “You might be pregnant?” “It’s possible,” Taral said, and then abandoned the rest of his sentence as the bond erupted with Sejun’s emotions. Taral was so unaccustomed to sensing anything at all of what Sejun felt that he was struck dumb by the sudden outpouring of Sejun’s unbridled joy. Sejun’s hand tightened on his hip. “A baby?” “It’s too soon to say for sure,” Taral cautioned. “More likely it’s just that the travel has me off schedule. I won’t be certain for quite a while yet.” Sejun’s joy continued unabated, but his voice was calm and even as he said, “Yes, no need to get excited yet. We’ll know more in a few days, I imagine.” He was only agreeing with what Taral himself had said, and yet Taral found that he was disappointed by this tepid response. Sejun’s placid demeanor didn’t accord with the elation Taral could feel through the bond, and he wondered why Sejun was restraining himself even in his inebriation. Did he think Taral wouldn’t want him to be pleased?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 15, 2023
Didn't work for me
I was looking forward to this story - because I really liked the second book - but this story had a similar vibe to the first one. Meaning, the main characters didn't have much chemistry, the plot was vague and dragged out.
I wish I could like this - the writing is really nice - but I was just so bored, and I think my expectations got too high after the second book (have I already said how much I loved it lol?)
I think Taral was a fairly interesting character and had some potential, but Sejun? Idk, I just found him annoying. I also think Taral is kind of bored with him lol I don't see them as a couple. And it was hard for me to buy that they have this insta connection that made them bond right away. Taral's first paramour added more charm and tension during his short screen time than this couple together hahaha
Anyway, I think I'll read the next thing this author writes (and I hope they do), but I only liked the second book in this series so far.
I was looking forward to this story - because I really liked the second book - but this story had a similar vibe to the first one. Meaning, the main characters didn't have much chemistry, the plot was vague and dragged out.
I wish I could like this - the writing is really nice - but I was just so bored, and I think my expectations got too high after the second book (have I already said how much I loved it lol?)
I think Taral was a fairly interesting character and had some potential, but Sejun? Idk, I just found him annoying. I also think Taral is kind of bored with him lol I don't see them as a couple. And it was hard for me to buy that they have this insta connection that made them bond right away. Taral's first paramour added more charm and tension during his short screen time than this couple together hahaha
Anyway, I think I'll read the next thing this author writes (and I hope they do), but I only liked the second book in this series so far.
January 25, 2023
Yes
Yes yes yes.
I loved this book as well. Very nice well written and the story of the war has moved along quite well I do wish this book was a bit longer by that's nothing I can control.
I see a talking point for this book is the early on angst and hurt feelings that carry on for a significant time in the book, which I immensely enjoyed but it felt very soft and superficial, with the way the book is written it's not at all a problem but I do wish the hurt emotions were more expanded upon, I love me a good angst-y type pain.
Overall very good most definitely my second favorite in the series second only to the first book, my only gripe is that I wish it was a bit longer and I wish the emotions hit harder but nothing to warrant a lower rating, good book, well written 10/10
Yes yes yes.
I loved this book as well. Very nice well written and the story of the war has moved along quite well I do wish this book was a bit longer by that's nothing I can control.
I see a talking point for this book is the early on angst and hurt feelings that carry on for a significant time in the book, which I immensely enjoyed but it felt very soft and superficial, with the way the book is written it's not at all a problem but I do wish the hurt emotions were more expanded upon, I love me a good angst-y type pain.
Overall very good most definitely my second favorite in the series second only to the first book, my only gripe is that I wish it was a bit longer and I wish the emotions hit harder but nothing to warrant a lower rating, good book, well written 10/10
January 25, 2023
This time Kerr takes us to the mountain people of her Middle Sea series. The MCs, Prince Taral and Sejun reluctantly enter into an arranged marriage. Sejun's family wants to marry up and Taral's needs money. Neither expects the marriage to be a love match but Sejun has a hopeful personality and Taral is willing to try. As usual, the world building is great. I like that Kerr doesn't write the alpha/omega dynamic as slave/owner the way that other authors do, and that women leaders are a norm. Women are not less than or to be tolerated in these books. I think that reading these books out of order would be a mistake because by Book 3, the reader has seen several different areas of the world and can better understand what's happening and what's coming. There is an overarching plot developing. Book 2 is still my favorite and I look forward to Books 4 - 6.
February 1, 2023
Slow awakening love sort of book
I’ve really loved all of the books in this series. They all have a different vibe to them, but the pace of the storytelling and the exceptional world building remain the same throughout the series. The MCs in this story were a great example of what happens in an arranged marriage where one is more open to love than the other. Interesting political intrigue, but it’s been a bit between books, so I really have not remember much from previous books to then tie some things together. I’m guessing if you read the series back to back, you would get more of the overarching political machinations.
I’ve really loved all of the books in this series. They all have a different vibe to them, but the pace of the storytelling and the exceptional world building remain the same throughout the series. The MCs in this story were a great example of what happens in an arranged marriage where one is more open to love than the other. Interesting political intrigue, but it’s been a bit between books, so I really have not remember much from previous books to then tie some things together. I’m guessing if you read the series back to back, you would get more of the overarching political machinations.
February 5, 2023
Another slice of life and love
I love this series for its slice of life feel and slow pacing. I’ve read all three now and while this one isn’t my favorite, Second Marriage has its own appeal. What I liked was the unusual dynamic between the couple, the family that surrounds them, and the amount of time we spend in Sejun and Taral’s thoughts. What I didn’t like was the slow and sometimes choppy feel of the dialogue and pacing in this one. The story was well directed and complete but it felt less like the purposeful journeys I love from Kerr and more like choppy scenes. Regardless, I love this series and will definitely be reading the next one.
I love this series for its slice of life feel and slow pacing. I’ve read all three now and while this one isn’t my favorite, Second Marriage has its own appeal. What I liked was the unusual dynamic between the couple, the family that surrounds them, and the amount of time we spend in Sejun and Taral’s thoughts. What I didn’t like was the slow and sometimes choppy feel of the dialogue and pacing in this one. The story was well directed and complete but it felt less like the purposeful journeys I love from Kerr and more like choppy scenes. Regardless, I love this series and will definitely be reading the next one.
April 24, 2023
The book feels like an obligatory middle episode in the story. It's good don't get me wrong, I love Kerr's writing but after The Sorcerer's Alpha it's a bit a of a let down. It's a cute little romance and its sweet seeing the two of them fall in love and work together. But the plot shows up out of nowhere and our heroes are uninvolved in it. Like it I said though it feels like a middle episode and I'm sure what we learned here will come up later.
Definitely one of the least omegaverse omegaverse I've ever read.
Definitely one of the least omegaverse omegaverse I've ever read.
February 11, 2023
Not bad....
Texbook not bad but not good. This is my second book from the series and I'm still underwhelmed. The story is pretty simple, the characters are pretty onenote. In both books the problem was basic miscommunication. They get solved it way too late and the HEA after that. Not much to say, it was OK.
Texbook not bad but not good. This is my second book from the series and I'm still underwhelmed. The story is pretty simple, the characters are pretty onenote. In both books the problem was basic miscommunication. They get solved it way too late and the HEA after that. Not much to say, it was OK.
Read
February 12, 2024"Taral liked collecting rocks, Aunt Hasri had told Sejun, and riding in the mountains, and discussing political matters. He had a quiet nature. Sejun liked none of those things and was the opposite of quiet. He didn’t know why anyone had thought they might be a good match.
Perhaps no one did. Taral’s family had status but no wealth, and Sejun’s family had wealth but no status."
Perhaps no one did. Taral’s family had status but no wealth, and Sejun’s family had wealth but no status."
January 14, 2023
3.5. well written, slow pace, quiet
January 16, 2023
Really love this series...can hardly wait for the next one!!!
January 16, 2023
Absolutely delightful
I always very much enjoy these books. The characters are so rich and you really get a sense of them and how they are evolving. Can’t wait for the next one!
I always very much enjoy these books. The characters are so rich and you really get a sense of them and how they are evolving. Can’t wait for the next one!
March 15, 2023
2.5/5
September 17, 2023
Rigid, mourning Taral and happy, guileless Sejun come together in an arranged marriage, and battle both their emotions and royal intrigue.
Read
March 2, 2024arranged marriage
April 4, 2024
More (boring, though relevant) political conflict in this one. But good premise.
June 29, 2024
This one was good!
August 10, 2025
the premise excited me a lot, but there was just not enough tension, confrontations, jealousy and pain which I wanted to see so bad.
February 26, 2023
An opposites attract story, as two different MMCs at different stages in their lives are brought together in a strategic marriage. An immediate bonding in this fantasy - paranormal - Omegaverse changes everything!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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