Married by Treachery

by Barbara Kloss

Raquel never expected to marry a bear. To be fair, Prince Edom wasn’t actually a bear, but it was impossible to see his face through his mess of wild hair. Not that she needed to see his face. In fact, it was probably better that she didn’t.

Because she was going to kill him.

It had been seven years since Prince Edom had galloped off with her best friend through the magicked veil, and taken her into his magicked kingdom. Seven long years of resolve, of hard work and training, so that Raquel would be ready for this day: the day she would exact vengeance upon Prince Edom, for all the brides he’d stolen.

For all the brides he’d murdered.

Raquel vowed she would be the last, but she wasn’t prepared for what lay on the veil’s other side. It was not the lush and magnificent kingdom from the stories of her youth, and, as it turned out, its prince was not what she’d expected either.

No, Prince Edom was not what she’d expected at all.


Married by Treachery is book 5 in the Arranged Marriages of the Fae series, and stands as a prequel to an upcoming full-length standalone novel.

Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Fae, Romantasy, Enemies To Lovers, Novella, Retellings

190 pages, Hardcover

First published October 7, 2022

About the author

Barbara Kloss loves adventures, and finds them through reading, writing, trekking through the wilderness, and gaming—though she doesn't consider herself a gamer. She just happens to like video games. RPGs, specifically. She’s also a classically-trained pianist, and so you'll often fined music referenced in her stories.

Barbara studied biochemistry at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, CA, and worked for years as a clinical laboratory scientist. She was lured there by mental images of colorful bubbling liquids in glass beakers. She was deceived.

She currently lives in northern California, with her gorgeous husband, three babies, and cat, Mr. Darcy, who finds them all barely tolerable. Author of the award-winning Gaia’s Secret Series, and international bestseller, The Gods of Men.

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www.barbarakloss.com

contact@barbarakloss.com

Reviews

[acupofteaandabookplease · Rating 5 out of 5]

What to say.... I LOVE how Barbara Kloss is making the reader live her character's adventures as if we were actually witnessing for real what happens. I enjoyed every word of this amazing story and feel so much love for Raquel and Jake's story ❤ I'll always be amazed how much I enjoy reading her stories and this one is just a perfect example of how talented this author is!

[Carina Shephard · Rating 2 out of 5]

Meh.

I couldn’t relate to or care about either of the main characters. There were some suggestive comments, and I wasn’t invested enough in the story to keep going. 🤷‍♀️

[Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

9-10
No one speak to me while I acquire Barbara Kloss' entire catalogue. I knew when the entire series was announced that this was going to my favourite. And when I saw Kloss' instagram post that said 'People who SHOULDN'T read this book: 1. Who hate fun.' I was on board already but that shifted me to first class.

I will write a coherent review soon. Meanwhile I have this urge to spread the word about this book as I usually do when I find hidden gems. No offense to anyone involved but I truly do think this book is too good for this collection and deserved to be a standalone in its own separate glory. Or be a duology/trilogy. Not that it isn't perfect in its own short length (which is just another marker of excellence). The cover and title really doesn't do it justice. Spoiler! The fae aren't the hormonal kind! The only similarity they have is the inability to lie, that's it. The word fae isn't even used once (kith is the alternate, which read like kiss in a german accent).

The world is set in an expansive forest. It's so clear to the reader, and there's an assortment of side characters, which adds to my point that this could've had a sequel. The world and people are too cool.

I will get to the rest later but buy it NOW.

10-10
THERE'S A SEQUEL ON ITS WAY. Though, considering the ending, it might not be based on Raquel and Jake 😞 Such a missed opportunity to expand on their story.. Well! We'll be tuning in to the upcoming retelling.

Some things I missed: Aside from a few minor gripes which are all bc of the limited novella length, I wouldn't change a thing. The dialogue was chef's kiss. Good banter and properly structured sentences are so pleasing. This is the bare minimum requirement but it's hard to make it so natural and not REPETITIVE! Not a single word was repeated in a way it stood out, as it has in my previous reads. Not many writers can attest to that currently. (except for 'knife' but who's complaining?)

There's so few standout one-liner quotes. I'd quote whole paras if I could.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. I was not expecting that. I really liked this story! It was a retelling of a bible story about Jacob and Esau. It was not churchy in anyway. It was more like a Fae romance. It was awesome. Just pulled me in and I really enjoyed it. I wish it was a full book. I have never read this author so I am off to check out more from her!
Pg13 or 16 and up. There is some sensuality. No bedroom scenes but some kissing that is hot:} There is nudity but it's nonsexual.

[Alaina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Married by Treachery is the fifth book within the Arranged Marriages of the Fae series.

In this, you will meet Raquel and Prince Edom. Well... sort of. See the thing is, Prince Edom has a twin and Raquel's people had no idea about this. So, when she thinks she is with the guy who is going to kill her for blah blah blah and then finds out he's someone else? Well, shit sort of hits the fan but in a pleasant way.

I honestly really liked Raquel and Jake's love story. Sure, she tried to kill him in the beginning but once they got to know one another a bit more - well, I just knew that things were going to get better between them. It sure did until it didn't. Mostly because we finally get to meet the real Prince Edom and eh, I kind of wish we didn't.

In the end, I'm very happy with what went down. Especially when they finally acknowledged their feelings for one another. Definitely excited to jump into the next book of this series!

[Stephanie BwaBwa · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s the Jacob & Esau vibes for ME, honey! Another easy 5 stars for one of my faves!! While this was a short novel, it was packed with angst, witty banter, treachery, betrayal, secrets, and lies to unveil. A page turner, and heart gripper. I adored the characters (even though the female MC’s tend to get on my nerves I LOVED Raquel) - I don’t think I’ll ever have enough of Jake, and that ending??

10 out of 5 stars.

That is all.

[Micheline Ryckman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Almost fae, almost fairytale, almost retelling, but ALL it's own. This novella is fun! Be warned though, it is short, and as a result, ALL the things move fast, (tis the way of novellas), BUT there's so much HEART in this little volume!

[Hana · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a Beauty and the Beast-inspired fae romance that’s apparently also a retelling of the Biblical story of Jacob and Esau (which story I’d been entirely unfamiliar with, and only discovered after having finished the book - I must say it now makes sense why the hero is named Jake, which continuously struck me while reading as a distinctly un-fantasy name!)

I really enjoyed this overall! Jake and Raquel’s banter was excellent, and (maybe this is a minor point, but still) I especially LOVED that Raquel is able to ride horses and fight with a sword while wearing a corset and long skirts! And at its core, this is a story about the importance of love - both romantic and otherwise - and I appreciated the way that came through, even though the book isn’t long enough for too much of an in-depth exploration!

The main issue with this book is its length - some of the plot elements feel quite abrupt, especially towards the end, and while some of it makes more sense now, having read a summary of the original Jacob and Esau story, I still wish it had been explained a little more within the text. Similarly, the romance also felt a little rushed - it wasn’t as instalove-y as I was initially worried it might be, but still Raquel and Jake get from antagonistic strangers to love within the space of only a few days, and I just didn’t quite believe it! Again - I loved their interactions, and I’m sure that if we’d had just a little longer of the same, I would have been absolutely on board! (Maybe the lesson here is that I should just stick to full-length novels…)

But although I didn’t love it quite as much as Barbara Kloss’ full-length novels, it’s still a really fun and sweet read!

Thank you to the author for sending me an ARC of this book.

CW: references to death of a loved one

[Ayesha (in a book slump) · Rating 3 out of 5]

For a book titled "Married by Treachery this was surprisingly fun and almost wholesome.

[Mia · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was so much fun, and banter was so good. It would be 4 stars if it were so short.

[Erin · Rating 2 out of 5]

I adored Barbara Kloss’s other book, The Gods of Men, but this one seemed quite inferior in quality. The magic system was unexplained (basically anything is possible at any moment), the writing was average, some of the characters’ behaviors were off, and the romance lacked a foundation for deeper feelings to grow.

The romantic couple hardly had any genuine interactions before they were supposedly falling for each other. But there was no basis for their deeper feelings besides the prophetic dreams they had. But dreams do not genuine feelings make. Their love story was very rushed, almost insta-love, and consequently, I felt little chemistry between them. I also think the duel perspective eliminated a lot of chemistry that may have been salvaged.

Neither of the main characters were particularly endearing. I never really felt like I got to know the hero. A few times the MC made impulsive, irrational decisions that made me want to throttle her. ****see below****

The ending left much to be desired. There was absolutely no closure as to the curse in the magical world. As in, the dilemma from which the entire plot revolved was left unanswered. I felt dissatisfied at the end, especially since I wasn’t sold on WHY they loved each other. I felt like I was being TOLD that they loved each other.

Content-
Language- no swearing
Sex- no sex scene. Some kissing. The reader knows that the hero has had past sexual relationships but the heroine was a virgin.
I liked the cover.
I read this on KU


****Exhibit 1-

“Wait here,” Jake said to Raquel, and he dismounted. “Excuse me,” she snapped, swinging her leg over and jumping down from the saddle. “But I am the one who saw it, and you can’t expect—”

Me: For once in your life just do as your told! You have no idea what dangers lurk here and he does! Your obstinacy is truly exasperating!

****Exhibit 2-

The heroine did something that is one of my biggest pet peeves in novels. She jumped into a situation she knew nothing about in a land she was entirely new to, and proceeded to insert herself where she was not wanted. Fine if she wants to help in a battle that was raging and bring the hero is own special sword- she’s a trained fighter (albeit completely outskilled by the immortal kith moving like blurs in the battle), so sure, I think that’s generous and appropriate for her to do. But to push her way to the front and think she can interpret what needs to be done when there are already capable, superior commanders and fighters WHO BELONG THERE already handling it?! How entirely arrogant. And not only that, she distracts the lead commander, argues with his orders, and throws the entire mission in disarray when the children they are protecting get chased off while the commander is distracted. She creates havoc and then takes it upon herself to go after them, compounding the crisis, when SHE ISN’T IN CHARGE OF THE MISSION! I’m left feeling bugged at her while also scratching my head as to why the others don’t outrun her to catch the kids themselves??

It’s like this:

Imagine I was a trained surgeon and happened to be in a hospital in a foreign country I had never visited before. Although I’m not invited, I slip out of the hallway and take it upon myself to tour the surgery unit. I peek in an operating room and immediately recognize the surgeons here are FAR superior to my level of expertise. I’m amazed at their skill, which is incomparable to what I have attained. Then I take notice of the complicated surgery they are performing. It looks like they could use some help and I see that the surgeon might need a tool that happens to be on the counter next to me. So I push all the nurses aside, elbow my way to the patient’s side, hand the lead surgeon the tool, refuse to leave again, distract all the medical personnel in the middle of the operation, precipitate a medical emergency, and begin to rummage around in the patient’s body thinking I’m helping with the operation.

That is obviously unforgivably arrogant and ridiculous. All the surgeons would be furious at this meddling fool who thinks she has the right to approach their operating room, much less participate in the operation. They wouldn’t just be offended, they would be enraged that she risked the entire procedure and life of the patient with her antics.

And yet THAT is exactly what the heroine did in the battle scene. EXACTLY! I can’t stand scenes like that!
Ugh. It kills me.

[Restless Isabelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

BANTER 👏 this was such a fun, engaging standalone.

The banter was *chefs kiss* and had me sly grinning from chapter 1. The ending is rather rushed and felt a tad 180 to me BUT the banter is so bloody excellent that it’s still 4 ⭐️ read for me.

[Taylor Oates · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow…what an amazing story, I absolutely loved the loose twist on the infamous ‘Jacob & Esau’ story.

I was legit hooked from chapter one. Raquel had my love from the very beginning. Her “stab first, ask questions later” was giving me everything I needed. I love a good heroine who isn’t afraid to dive deep into her ferocious side.
Jake, with his “winks” and “come hither” smiles had me smiling so hard.

I honestly wasn’t sure if I would love a short romance because instant love isn’t one of my favorite tropes, but some how Barbara pulled it off. This is such a great story to read when you’re in the need of something quick that’s filled to the brim with witty banter, action packed scenes (I adore a good sword fight) and my ABSOLUTE favorite trope; “one horse, so you better scoot close & hold on”.

This book is definitely swoon worthy & I can’t wait to read the other books in this series.

[Rose | Adventurous Bookworm · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've never seen a fantasy-set Jacob and Esau retelling before but this was great.

[Luana ☾ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anglais : 2/5
4/5

Merci à Barbara Kloss pour ce SP.

On se retrouve plonger dans un univers de Fae mélangeant un peu la belle et la bête, From blood and ash et The Bridge Kingdom.
Un univers de Fae avec de la magie « connu » mais aussi des petites spécificité en plus qui apporte plus de profondeur à l’histoire.
J’ai beaucoup aimée cette univers malgré qu’il soit assez peu décrit.

Une intrigue assez connu mais nous sommes pour autant très rapidement happés par l’histoire qui est assez addictive.
C’est une nouvelle donc c’est court et on passe beaucoup de détaille mais avec des retournements de situation digne d’un vrai roman.
On retrouve les trope ennemies to lover, mariage arrangé …
On suit les points de vue des deux personnages principaux ce qui donne plus de profondeur à la nouvelle et surtout on peut mieux suivre leurs évolution, leurs ressentit.
On se retrouve plonger dans des scènes de guerre vraiment bien décrite et addictive.
Nous avons également en fond une bonne intrigue politique qui aurait pu être un peu plus détailler.

La plume de l’autrice que j’avais adorée dans Gods of Men a encore fait un carton. J’adore sa plume, sa manière de raconter les choses.
Elle a pris soin d’intégrée une grande place à l’humour et au sarcasme que j’adore dans les ennemies to lover.
Elle a également intégré beaucoup de citation très inspirante et vraiment magnifiquement bien écrite.

Le personnage de Raquel m’a beaucoup fait rire et impressionnée. Élever pour être mariée à ce Prince ours et venger les hommes. C’est une femme vraiment badass et très sarcastique.
J’ai beaucoup aimé sa relation avec le prince malgré qu’elle soit rapide mais c’est normal pour une nouvelle et j’aurais tellement aimée avoir plus de détaille, que ce soit un bon gros roman ! Il y avait une réel tension entre les deux personnages !
Au début on pense que tout va vite ce passer, mais finalement, on se rends compte que tout est plus lent que ce à quoi on s’attendais et c’est pour le mieux !

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

**I received this book as an ARC from the author**

As with all of Barbara’s tales, I fell quickly into the world she created and was instantly in love with the characters. My only complaint is that it’s a novella and there isn’t any follow up coming anytime soon. I’d love to know what happens after the end, and I’m not referring to the Epilogue that we get at the end.
Jake is a scoundrel, just as Raquel says. And she’s no damsel in distress. Justice is done in the best way, and the fight seems real.
But like I said I wish this was a new trilogy for Kloss. I can see so many potential plot paths to take!

So pick this one up, and I’ll keep my fingers crossed that we’ll get Sienne’s story as a follow up *hint hint Barbara**

[CC · Rating 3 out of 5]

The very fact that this is a Jacob + Esau retelling means that it deserves a good look at.

It's good. It's not as amazing as I wanted it to be, but it's good.

further details to come

[Jadranka Loves Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fall has arrived, and for most, it's the season for witches, horror and spooky stories. I love reading about fairy tales, fairies and magic, in the fall. The "arranged marriages series" fits so goid, and came at just the right time for me 🍁🧡

#barbarakloss starts the series with #marriedbytreachery. I expected a Beauty and the Beast retelling, but was surprised to find that it was also a retelling of the biblical story of Jacob and Esau, set in a fairytale world of fairies and humans.
The figurative and engaging writing style of the author, I was already allowed to get to know and love in "Gods of Men". I was now, also in this fantasy short story, absolutely convinced.
I was completely drawn into a magical world that played out before my eyes, as if I were watching a movie. Most of all, I loved the storyline of the human girl who is the only salvation for the magical fairy kingdom. The drama, suspense and unpredictable plot twists had me devouring the story in a day. Absolute love, also for the dramatic and heartbreaking story between Jake and Raquel, especially with the many funny and ironic moments.
Thank you Barbara, for the ARC and this fantastic reading experience!

[Sahana Ramnath · Rating 5 out of 5]

I. Am. Swooning. 😭

💫 Beauty and the Beast retelling, and it had an amazing twist on Gaston, on the "rose", and on how the curse is broken at the end
💫 Very enemies to lovers, with lots of flirty (and murderous? 😂) banter - this Jude/Cardan for the latter
💫 The hea!!! My heartttt 😭
💫 Possibly more books set in this world? I'm so excited!

[Lora · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm always a fan of long books, so reading a shorter one makes me a little nervous, but Kloss still delivers. A Jacob and Esau retelling, this story delivers the romance and tension. The journey this novella takes is just as enthralling as a full novel. You will love Jake and Raquel, so don't wait on this arranged marriage, enemies to lovers story.

[Rachel Feeck · Rating 4 out of 5]

So who was expecting a Fae romance retelling of Jacob/Esau? Not me, that’s for sure. Some of the later details feel glossed over as the story builds to a rapid fast conclusion, but overall it’s full of danger, fun, and all the absurdity and gravitas of a classic fairy tale.

**Thanks to the author for the ARC**

[h · Rating 3 out of 5]

short and enjoyable read for when you don’t want to think too hard, but ultimately forgettable

[Cait | GoodeyReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

A GOOD TIME.

BLOG || INSTAGRAM

I really enjoyed this!! I thought it was a fun idea to see a bunch of fantasy romance authors get together for a mash-up of loved tropes and romantic novellas.

There was some great banter here and I loved the initial reactions between Raquel and Jake. Their natures really bounced off of one another until the undeniable magnetism took hold. I thought the dreams were a unique sequence to kind of further the romantic plot and help change the characters mind about how they were responding to each other.

I do think being a touch longer would have helped. I was a little confused by some magic system and plot aspects which I know can be hard to wrap all up into a novella. This as a full length series?? YES. Maybe that’s in the works and this is a starting point?! No idea, but one can hope!

The pacing made for a quick, finish in a day read and it hit well. I liked the movement and how things all wrapped up in the end. I love Kloss’s writing style and look forward to her next book(s)!

Overall audience notes:
- Fantasy Romance Novella
- Language: some
- Romance: very brief fade to black
- Violence: medium
- Trigger/Content Warnings: kidnapping, loss of loved ones, battle scenes, grave wounds

[Shay · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Most women would beg for me to call them beloved."

I was lucky enough to get an ARC from Barbara Kloss (Thank you, Thank you!)

This story belongs to a short novel series "Arranged Marriages of the Fae", due to this, these books are not super long! These are quick, cute reads!

I very much loved Married By Treachery! It had all the good tropes!
Tropes- Secret Identities, Enemies to Lovers, Redemption

Then of course Raquel is the lovely spicy Heroine, and our broody fae prince, Jake. It's a very cute story, it IS NOT a slow burn. It is very quick, but keep in mind this is not a normal-sized novel. It's very faerie tale-esque. I highly recommend if you just want a cute story you can enjoy in an afternoon with a cup of tea.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

Insert the lady confused by maths meme here because I have no clue what just happened.

The curse didn’t make sense to me - I couldn’t work out what it meant/what had to happen - but then the ending…. Like what happened to the kingdom? All his people? His friends and family? He was so set on saving everyone and then in the end he just said ‘yeah whatever, idk what happened but they’ll be fine’ like no wtf.

In conclusion, this was a solid story until the confusing ending just ruined everything that was already established.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is so good!! All the makings of great Kith (fae) story. Good characters. My favorite snark. A curse and plot twist.
Highly recommend.

[Lili · Rating 5 out of 5]

I simply love this author, because she always takes me on a journey with stories which are deep and meaningful, and beautifully written.
This story has a particularly good dialogue, and the nature descriptions really bury you deep into a dismal world, where echoes of shapes evoke all that is lost to greed and brutality.
And what's lost is almost all that's good and happy. This is a warning about what could be if there was not a core of pure love always left in the heart, bringing redemption in even the most dire of circumstances.

So - a very well written ode to love with a happy end!

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is always so wonderful when you get to read a book that is just fun and quick! From the very beginning of the book you get fantastic imagery and wording. I could see what I was reading! I loved that the story was short but the characters were developed. I appreciated that the romance was so alive and yet not pornographic. Love the twisted fairy tale. I love Barbara’s ability to take you on the journey (in both her full novels/series-Gaias Secret & Gods of Men) and this one is no different! Reading a Kloss book is not passive as her ability to write transports you to that place and time and this novella shows that she can master both full length stories and short stories! Well done!

[Chelsey Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has been by far my favorite book in the series so far, I absolutely adore everything about it! I love Raquel's fiery spirit and Sass, and Jake's heart. Just the sweetest love story!

my favorite quote:

"It is not things that make one rich. It is love and the relationships rooted within it."

I would highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys the romantasy genre!

[Jennifer Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this Fae romance between Raquel and the Bear Prince!