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Song of the Four Kingdoms #1
Wedded to the Warlord
The Butcher of Borviel takes a bride…
When a princess from the East and a warlord from the West are forced into an arranged marriage to cement an alliance between their kingdoms, they have to learn to get along – or thousands will die.
Mallika has been burned by love before. She trusted the wrong man, and now she’s trapped as a pawn in his underhanded political schemes. With her brother’s life on the line, she’s forced to wed a man who stands for everything she hates, win his heart—and then secretly betray him.
Tristan knew he would never make a love match. As a general to his king, he sold his loyalty years ago in return for his family’s safety. Now, he’s suddenly the heir to a baronetcy, and his king wants him to take a foreign bride. One that he’s not sure he can trust.
With opponents to the alliance in both kingdoms, and their conflicting personalities constantly clashing, their marriage seems doomed to fail. Can these two royal pawns fight their fate and find love?
❤️ Dual POV
❤️ Arranged marriage
❤️ Slow-burn romance
❤️ Opposites attract
❤️ 'Only one bed'
❤️ 'Why can't I hate you?'
❤️ Cinnamon roll hero
~
Wedded to the Warlord is Book 1 in the Song of the Four Kingdoms. A passionate standalone romance with just the right amount of sweet spice, this is the first in a new fantasy romance series, perfect for readers that are new to Sirena's books.
Pick this book for steamy sexy times, slow-burn romance, and a swoon-worthy couple! Perfect for fans of Grace Draven, Elise Kova, and webtoons like ‘Under the Oak Tree’ and ‘Light and Shadow’ looking for diverse fantasy romance.
Tropes: Arranged marriage, slow burn, opposites attract, only one bed, why can’t I hate you, cinnamon roll hero
*******
Contains: Adult language, mild violence, spicy romantic situations between consenting adults. There is NO cheating, NO cliffhangers, and a happily-ever-after ending is guaranteed.
When a princess from the East and a warlord from the West are forced into an arranged marriage to cement an alliance between their kingdoms, they have to learn to get along – or thousands will die.
Mallika has been burned by love before. She trusted the wrong man, and now she’s trapped as a pawn in his underhanded political schemes. With her brother’s life on the line, she’s forced to wed a man who stands for everything she hates, win his heart—and then secretly betray him.
Tristan knew he would never make a love match. As a general to his king, he sold his loyalty years ago in return for his family’s safety. Now, he’s suddenly the heir to a baronetcy, and his king wants him to take a foreign bride. One that he’s not sure he can trust.
With opponents to the alliance in both kingdoms, and their conflicting personalities constantly clashing, their marriage seems doomed to fail. Can these two royal pawns fight their fate and find love?
❤️ Dual POV
❤️ Arranged marriage
❤️ Slow-burn romance
❤️ Opposites attract
❤️ 'Only one bed'
❤️ 'Why can't I hate you?'
❤️ Cinnamon roll hero
~
Wedded to the Warlord is Book 1 in the Song of the Four Kingdoms. A passionate standalone romance with just the right amount of sweet spice, this is the first in a new fantasy romance series, perfect for readers that are new to Sirena's books.
Pick this book for steamy sexy times, slow-burn romance, and a swoon-worthy couple! Perfect for fans of Grace Draven, Elise Kova, and webtoons like ‘Under the Oak Tree’ and ‘Light and Shadow’ looking for diverse fantasy romance.
Tropes: Arranged marriage, slow burn, opposites attract, only one bed, why can’t I hate you, cinnamon roll hero
*******
Contains: Adult language, mild violence, spicy romantic situations between consenting adults. There is NO cheating, NO cliffhangers, and a happily-ever-after ending is guaranteed.
312 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 27, 2022
77 people are currently reading
359 people want to read
About the author
Sirena Knighton
13 books19 followersSirena Knighton has always loved losing herself in fantasy worlds, and swooning over epic romances—so she decided to combine the two.
Her standalone fantasy romance series, Song of the Four Kingdoms, combines the steamy, diverse romance of Bridgerton, and the magic and wonder of The Lord of the Rings. Alpha male elves. Strong heroines. Possessive warlords. Kickass court ladies. Chivalrous knights. Royal politics. Happy Endings!
Pick this series for feel-good romance in a high-fantasy setting! Perfect for lovers of manhua and webtoons like ‘Under the Oak Tree’, and ‘Light and Shadow’.
Read the series for:
❤️Feel good romance
❤️Steamy fantasy romance
❤️Dual POV romance
❤️Webtoon/manhua like romance
❤️Sweet spice
❤️Low angst
❤️No cliffhangers
❤️Happily-ever-after endings
Dive into this world with the FREE prequel: Enchanted by the Elven Prince here: https://bit.ly/SirenaKnighton
Then order Book 1, Wedded to the Warlord :https://getbook.at/WeddedToTheWarlord
Her standalone fantasy romance series, Song of the Four Kingdoms, combines the steamy, diverse romance of Bridgerton, and the magic and wonder of The Lord of the Rings. Alpha male elves. Strong heroines. Possessive warlords. Kickass court ladies. Chivalrous knights. Royal politics. Happy Endings!
Pick this series for feel-good romance in a high-fantasy setting! Perfect for lovers of manhua and webtoons like ‘Under the Oak Tree’, and ‘Light and Shadow’.
Read the series for:
❤️Feel good romance
❤️Steamy fantasy romance
❤️Dual POV romance
❤️Webtoon/manhua like romance
❤️Sweet spice
❤️Low angst
❤️No cliffhangers
❤️Happily-ever-after endings
Dive into this world with the FREE prequel: Enchanted by the Elven Prince here: https://bit.ly/SirenaKnighton
Then order Book 1, Wedded to the Warlord :https://getbook.at/WeddedToTheWarlord
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
December 11, 2023
I feel like the concept was promising, but the execution could use some fine tuning.
Pros:
- I loved the idea of an Indian-inspired fantasy world. Though it does seem to be very pan-India inspired from my knowledge. I am not Indian, but grew up surrounded by a large Indian, mostly Telugu, community and spent a lot of time in the homes of Telugu friends growing up and dated a Gujarati guy in college, who's mom I was very close to. I immediately recognized Raavian as Telugu, but didn't really pick up on any other recognizable elements of Telugu culture specifically, aside from a very late in the book reference to the prince seeing her as a "girl from the south". I think there was a great opportunity to show the diversity of Indian cultures, especially where the Sunvaaran empire is made up of several conquered kingdoms. There could have been a point made of Mallika getting her first full sari, as it's traditional for Telugu girls to wear a "half sari" until marriage, or some discussion of the cultural differences between Raavia and the capitol. It all just seemed very surface-level and I feel could have been more fleshed-out with colaboration with a Telugu advisor.
-The "vibe" fit with the time period it was inspired by. I have an academic background in Medieval history and a huge pet peeve of mine is when Medieval-inspired fantasy has language, objects and situations that are "off." A medieval inspired fantasy with words like "dude" or "boyfriend" or "for the win" (looking at you, Fourth Wing) is an immediate DNF for me. The language in this was not archaeic, but not overly modern to the point it pulled me out of the story. The overall structure of the society works for a country inspired by Medieval England and I appreciated the reference to things like men wearing hose, women wearing shifts (descriptions of Victorias Secret-esque tank top and short sets in Medieval inspired fantasy also make me rage), and wool clothing.
-The 2 main characters, their development, and the development of their relationship.
Cons:
-The writing was a bit clunky. I can look past the odd spelling/gramatical error. I feel like it comes with the territory, especially for indie Authors who don't have a whole publishing house with multiple editors behind them. However, there was a lot of "telling" rather than "showing." Lots of breaks in the middle of conversations for long expositions, often explaining something that was already exposited earlier in the book or even in the same chapter. Often, we would be dropped into a scene with a character in one place and time, and then get a rewided recap of how they got there. This choice can work when used sparingly, but this happened a lot. The ways some things were said was awkward, like saying "Uma, her attendent, was with her" when it was 80% through the book, we know who Uma is, Tristan knows who Uma is, has had conversations with Uma, but it sounded like the first time she was being introduced. This happened a bunch of times, like pointing out again that Sweetmaine is Mallika's horse.
- I feel like many things with the world and the characters could have been more fleshed out. We only got physical descriptions of a few characters on introduction. It was several chapters in before any description of Tristan's physical appearance was given. There are side relationships that are mentioned and could have been given more detail, but were just ended with "yup, they are together." It felt like many of the side characters, aside from George, Dev and Ilya, were just there. We got a lot of information on Uma's background through exposition, but by the end I had no real sense of who she was as a person. There were also very few descriptions of the locations.
-World building. I would have liked some idea of the Merovian religion. We hear a conversation about a cross being placed in the marketplace and I found myself wondering "What is the cross for? Is Jesus in this world? Is it representing another god? What even is the religion?" There were also several inconsistencies like the fact that Tristan was mystified by Mallika's ability to use non-magical healing methods, but then other methods of non-magical healing seeming to be well known and not shocking him, like when he notes a pill she gives him is bitter, "like all medicine." I thought the idea of a culture being overly reliant on magic and having to re-introduce basic healing methods was really interesting, but we didn't see much follow through on it, with the Healing House not being established on page.
-Time. The sense of time was all over the place. Mallika learned Merovian to fluency in the space of a few months, only being confused on words once or twice. Tristan learned Raavian to the point that he could hold a conversation in the space of a couple of weeks. He thinks about learning it in one chapter and in the next, he has. Multiple times, events are referenced as happening "last night" when multiple nights have passed on page. Events are mentioned as an afterthought without any reference to when they occured and I found myself struggling to follow, especially in the second half of the book. As others have stated, it felt like the author lost track of her own story line at some points.
-The logic behind the tension of Mallika keeping her secret from Tristan.
Pros:
- I loved the idea of an Indian-inspired fantasy world. Though it does seem to be very pan-India inspired from my knowledge. I am not Indian, but grew up surrounded by a large Indian, mostly Telugu, community and spent a lot of time in the homes of Telugu friends growing up and dated a Gujarati guy in college, who's mom I was very close to. I immediately recognized Raavian as Telugu, but didn't really pick up on any other recognizable elements of Telugu culture specifically, aside from a very late in the book reference to the prince seeing her as a "girl from the south". I think there was a great opportunity to show the diversity of Indian cultures, especially where the Sunvaaran empire is made up of several conquered kingdoms. There could have been a point made of Mallika getting her first full sari, as it's traditional for Telugu girls to wear a "half sari" until marriage, or some discussion of the cultural differences between Raavia and the capitol. It all just seemed very surface-level and I feel could have been more fleshed-out with colaboration with a Telugu advisor.
-The "vibe" fit with the time period it was inspired by. I have an academic background in Medieval history and a huge pet peeve of mine is when Medieval-inspired fantasy has language, objects and situations that are "off." A medieval inspired fantasy with words like "dude" or "boyfriend" or "for the win" (looking at you, Fourth Wing) is an immediate DNF for me. The language in this was not archaeic, but not overly modern to the point it pulled me out of the story. The overall structure of the society works for a country inspired by Medieval England and I appreciated the reference to things like men wearing hose, women wearing shifts (descriptions of Victorias Secret-esque tank top and short sets in Medieval inspired fantasy also make me rage), and wool clothing.
-The 2 main characters, their development, and the development of their relationship.
Cons:
-The writing was a bit clunky. I can look past the odd spelling/gramatical error. I feel like it comes with the territory, especially for indie Authors who don't have a whole publishing house with multiple editors behind them. However, there was a lot of "telling" rather than "showing." Lots of breaks in the middle of conversations for long expositions, often explaining something that was already exposited earlier in the book or even in the same chapter. Often, we would be dropped into a scene with a character in one place and time, and then get a rewided recap of how they got there. This choice can work when used sparingly, but this happened a lot. The ways some things were said was awkward, like saying "Uma, her attendent, was with her" when it was 80% through the book, we know who Uma is, Tristan knows who Uma is, has had conversations with Uma, but it sounded like the first time she was being introduced. This happened a bunch of times, like pointing out again that Sweetmaine is Mallika's horse.
- I feel like many things with the world and the characters could have been more fleshed out. We only got physical descriptions of a few characters on introduction. It was several chapters in before any description of Tristan's physical appearance was given. There are side relationships that are mentioned and could have been given more detail, but were just ended with "yup, they are together." It felt like many of the side characters, aside from George, Dev and Ilya, were just there. We got a lot of information on Uma's background through exposition, but by the end I had no real sense of who she was as a person. There were also very few descriptions of the locations.
-World building. I would have liked some idea of the Merovian religion. We hear a conversation about a cross being placed in the marketplace and I found myself wondering "What is the cross for? Is Jesus in this world? Is it representing another god? What even is the religion?" There were also several inconsistencies like the fact that Tristan was mystified by Mallika's ability to use non-magical healing methods, but then other methods of non-magical healing seeming to be well known and not shocking him, like when he notes a pill she gives him is bitter, "like all medicine." I thought the idea of a culture being overly reliant on magic and having to re-introduce basic healing methods was really interesting, but we didn't see much follow through on it, with the Healing House not being established on page.
-Time. The sense of time was all over the place. Mallika learned Merovian to fluency in the space of a few months, only being confused on words once or twice. Tristan learned Raavian to the point that he could hold a conversation in the space of a couple of weeks. He thinks about learning it in one chapter and in the next, he has. Multiple times, events are referenced as happening "last night" when multiple nights have passed on page. Events are mentioned as an afterthought without any reference to when they occured and I found myself struggling to follow, especially in the second half of the book. As others have stated, it felt like the author lost track of her own story line at some points.
-The logic behind the tension of Mallika keeping her secret from Tristan.
May 23, 2024
I was having a good time until I wasn’t. This book is an example of political intrigue done badly. It started out so promising. A betrayal, a secret mission our heroine has to fulfill to save her family, and an arranged marriage. But at every turn everyone is making dumb choices so it’s very frustrating to read. The heroine is so frustrating throughout the book because she’s dumb. She tells her family’s biggest secret to a person she hardly knows and it blows up in her face. Then, when she has MANY opportunities to tell her husband the mess she’s in once she’s gotten to know him and knows he’s a good man SHE DOESN’T SAY ANYTHING!! EVEN WHEN HE KNOWS SHES KEEPING SECRETS AND BEGS HER TO LET HIM HELP HER!!! And when she knows the prince is scheming something dangerous she doesn’t even think to scheme back?! She just accepts that she “has to do whatever the prince asks”. Girl, you’re in another country and your husband is an amazing general! Get him involved! I was excited for the Indian coded princess story but it was just poorly done. Oh, and the romance moved at a glacial pace so I got bored of the “will they, won’t they” back and forth.
November 27, 2022
I jumped on the chance to read Wedded to the Warlord based on the description (I love me an only one bed trope) and a desire for something light to read after a bunch of intense books. The description convinced me this was just the book I was looking for, hopefully with plenty of romance and though the first book in a series, one where each book is something of a stand-alone following different couples.
However, this book ended up being much more than this, pleasantly so. There was lots of politics which is something that always draws me in, and the difficulties and tensions that come with being forced into an arranged marriage and learning to adapt to a new place with contrasting beliefs and points of view.
Often I can get a little frustrated with slow burn romances, but this one was done in such a way that felt right for the couple and that I didn’t really notice in the same way. The tension between Tristan and Mallika was so good and I loved every minute of it. I really enjoyed as they navigated getting to know each other after already being wed, and tried to navigate the difficulties of an arranged marriage while figuring out if they could actually be happy in their new lives. Their relationship and its growth was definitely the highlight of this book while they both overcame their own concerns with the situation and learn to work together as a unit.
I will say when I started reading this book I was quite confused initially about everything happening in the opening chapter. This may have been just me being tired, but I felt like I had been thrown into the middle of a conversation and was left to pick out from the bits and pieces to figure out for myself what was going on. It was mostly the context of what had happened with Prince Sekhar that went a bit over my head but that does get clarified further into the book when more detail on the matter comes from Mallika.
On that note, things really pick up the pace near the end of the book when a number of visitors come to the Keep to determine how well the match between Mallika and Tristan is turning out. Prince Sekhar’s plans for Mallika are revealed at the hands of his most trusted man, Rana, and battle ensues that really makes it hard to stop reading. Without giving anything away, much happens and the end of the book leaves the story very much open as far as the politics of the realm go, and greedy Kings trying to gain more land than they are owed, however the story between Mallika and Tristan is wrapped up quite nicely. It does leave me wanting to read the sequel to find out where the main plot will lead, especially based on the epilogue.
If you’re looking for something with heavy romance, but also a larger plot at hand filled with politics, go out and pick up Wedded to the Warlord by Sirena Knighton because it was a very nice read!
However, this book ended up being much more than this, pleasantly so. There was lots of politics which is something that always draws me in, and the difficulties and tensions that come with being forced into an arranged marriage and learning to adapt to a new place with contrasting beliefs and points of view.
Often I can get a little frustrated with slow burn romances, but this one was done in such a way that felt right for the couple and that I didn’t really notice in the same way. The tension between Tristan and Mallika was so good and I loved every minute of it. I really enjoyed as they navigated getting to know each other after already being wed, and tried to navigate the difficulties of an arranged marriage while figuring out if they could actually be happy in their new lives. Their relationship and its growth was definitely the highlight of this book while they both overcame their own concerns with the situation and learn to work together as a unit.
I will say when I started reading this book I was quite confused initially about everything happening in the opening chapter. This may have been just me being tired, but I felt like I had been thrown into the middle of a conversation and was left to pick out from the bits and pieces to figure out for myself what was going on. It was mostly the context of what had happened with Prince Sekhar that went a bit over my head but that does get clarified further into the book when more detail on the matter comes from Mallika.
On that note, things really pick up the pace near the end of the book when a number of visitors come to the Keep to determine how well the match between Mallika and Tristan is turning out. Prince Sekhar’s plans for Mallika are revealed at the hands of his most trusted man, Rana, and battle ensues that really makes it hard to stop reading. Without giving anything away, much happens and the end of the book leaves the story very much open as far as the politics of the realm go, and greedy Kings trying to gain more land than they are owed, however the story between Mallika and Tristan is wrapped up quite nicely. It does leave me wanting to read the sequel to find out where the main plot will lead, especially based on the epilogue.
If you’re looking for something with heavy romance, but also a larger plot at hand filled with politics, go out and pick up Wedded to the Warlord by Sirena Knighton because it was a very nice read!
August 19, 2023
Sirena Knighton is a new author to me and I have to say I thoroughly enjoyed this fantasy romance.
For me, this book had historical veins through it too with the beliefs and behaviours, which I thought were very interesting and kept me reading.
Tristan is a beautiful character. There’s no doubt he’s an alpha male but with the right woman, Mallika, he’s also gentle and caring, protective and supportive.
He’s a larger than life character who endeared himself to me from the very beginning.
Mallika is a strong and awe inspiring character. She was put into an untenable situation but throughout she acted with dignity and a need to protect someone she’d fallen in love with.
Watching Tristan and Mallika walk along the rocky road to love was such a beautiful read.
Highly recommend.
Definite 5 star review
For me, this book had historical veins through it too with the beliefs and behaviours, which I thought were very interesting and kept me reading.
Tristan is a beautiful character. There’s no doubt he’s an alpha male but with the right woman, Mallika, he’s also gentle and caring, protective and supportive.
He’s a larger than life character who endeared himself to me from the very beginning.
Mallika is a strong and awe inspiring character. She was put into an untenable situation but throughout she acted with dignity and a need to protect someone she’d fallen in love with.
Watching Tristan and Mallika walk along the rocky road to love was such a beautiful read.
Highly recommend.
Definite 5 star review
May 12, 2023
3.5 stars, rounded up because although the writing was at times clunky with the exposition/world building cutting into the story, the characters were wholesome (Tristan is A+ at being supportive and a good partner) and the romance was cute. The way Tristan was so open to learning about Mallika’s culture (I think this was pretty much fantasy India?) and wanted to make her feel comfortable and treated her as his equal made me all soft inside.
The plot wasn’t the strongest—the premise of how Mallika ended up being in this position was a bit disappointing because it’s really due to her own naïveté, and it seemed a little too easy for the Crown Prince to do whatever he wanted (wouldn’t there be some kind of uproar if he actually harmed her brother because he’s the heir to their province of the empire???); Mallika’s justification for not telling Tristan seemed shaky because couldn’t Tristan just pretend he didn’t know? Idk, I wasn’t super convinced on that, but I forgave it because Tristan’s a total sweetheart, and the way the conflict was resolved turned out okay/didn’t drag out when it came down to it. Not sure what the Crown Prince would use as justification for invading Borviel either though… I think I have to think less on overall plot and just think about the cute romance lol. (And Dev and Mallika’s sibling relationship was adorable.)
This could also use some more editing (excessive comma usage in places where there shouldn’t be commas, dialogue tags being used incorrectly, etc.).
The plot wasn’t the strongest—the premise of how Mallika ended up being in this position was a bit disappointing because it’s really due to her own naïveté, and it seemed a little too easy for the Crown Prince to do whatever he wanted (wouldn’t there be some kind of uproar if he actually harmed her brother because he’s the heir to their province of the empire???); Mallika’s justification for not telling Tristan seemed shaky because couldn’t Tristan just pretend he didn’t know? Idk, I wasn’t super convinced on that, but I forgave it because Tristan’s a total sweetheart, and the way the conflict was resolved turned out okay/didn’t drag out when it came down to it. Not sure what the Crown Prince would use as justification for invading Borviel either though… I think I have to think less on overall plot and just think about the cute romance lol. (And Dev and Mallika’s sibling relationship was adorable.)
This could also use some more editing (excessive comma usage in places where there shouldn’t be commas, dialogue tags being used incorrectly, etc.).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 26, 2023
I've loved everything I've read by Sirena Knighton! I'd already read book 2 of this series, so knew a bit about these characters, but I still loved getting to see Mallika and Tristan get their happily ever after.
Mallika is forced to marry someone else by her ex-fiance, the Crown Prince of Sunvaara, to protect her brother. Tristan, the new Baron of Boviel, is forced to marry by his King.
There are as many cultural misunderstandings as you would expect, but eventually they start to understand each other instead of just getting offended by everything the other does and says. It would have been nice if they could trust each other with their deepest secrets much earlier in the book, but it would have made the story much shorter and less interesting. I really should make myself a list of names and countries before I read book 3, because I keep forgetting which characters are from which countries.
Mallika is forced to marry someone else by her ex-fiance, the Crown Prince of Sunvaara, to protect her brother. Tristan, the new Baron of Boviel, is forced to marry by his King.
There are as many cultural misunderstandings as you would expect, but eventually they start to understand each other instead of just getting offended by everything the other does and says. It would have been nice if they could trust each other with their deepest secrets much earlier in the book, but it would have made the story much shorter and less interesting. I really should make myself a list of names and countries before I read book 3, because I keep forgetting which characters are from which countries.
December 1, 2022
"Wedded to the warlord" is first in "Song of the four kingdoms" series, by new voice in Fantasy romance, Sirena Knighton. I can say that I was immediately interested in the premises of the book and the series, with royalty, magic, political intrigue and steamy romance. At some point, I am quite traditional in my fantasy readings, I never get tired of certain tropes, as long as the author knows how to work the plot with imagination and colorful detail. Sirena does it admirably. The book worldbuildig is perfectly grounded in medieval and indian settings, with the unique addition of an elf-based magic system, which i hope to learn more about in future stories. And we have a lot of political intrigue, that game of kings, emperors and courts that I just love. Of course, the romance is intertwined with the intrigue, as it is the magnates's ambitions who unite the protagonists in a marriage of convenience. Mallika and Tristan live a love story in the most absolute sense of slow burn: trust, affection and passion are born little by little between the two. The attraction is palpable in the air, but they take time to establish an intimacy that has a lot to do with the adjustment between people from very different cultures. But there is respect and kindness on the part of the two, which makes the plentiful understanding just a matter of time.I'm looking forward to learning more about the other kingdoms, and it would be very helpful if the author added a map to future stories. I would also like to know if there will be a book about Dev, Mallika's brother. I was curious about what kind of magic he possesses and how will be the character's transformation from boy to man.
In all, a very pleasant reading, I recommed to all those who love fantasy romance and especially to slow burn relations lovers.
I received an arc by the author for a honest review.
In all, a very pleasant reading, I recommed to all those who love fantasy romance and especially to slow burn relations lovers.
I received an arc by the author for a honest review.
May 3, 2023
Good read!
This book had everything you want in a great fairy tale. Princes, warriors. Princess, magic, love, romance and family. I do hate that the princess was tricked out of her innocence and betrayed by her original betrothed.
It makes for a sadness when we find out that the General has waited for relations only with his wife and his wife didn't wait for him. But such is life. Even in books.
A highly recommended read.
This book had everything you want in a great fairy tale. Princes, warriors. Princess, magic, love, romance and family. I do hate that the princess was tricked out of her innocence and betrayed by her original betrothed.
It makes for a sadness when we find out that the General has waited for relations only with his wife and his wife didn't wait for him. But such is life. Even in books.
A highly recommended read.
November 30, 2023
I really enjoyed the story, but I found the fmc to be a little to very annoying and also sometimes the writing could be a little awkward. I did enjoy the cultural differences though, it was very refreshing from what I usually find in a romantacy book
November 17, 2023
Decent Story, But Has Problems
Unlike many arranged marriage stories, it's nice that the protagonists don't just fall into bed together immediately. However, there's so much repetition of the same info over and over again. The author also seems to lose track of her own plot several times. This book needed a good editor.
Unlike many arranged marriage stories, it's nice that the protagonists don't just fall into bed together immediately. However, there's so much repetition of the same info over and over again. The author also seems to lose track of her own plot several times. This book needed a good editor.
December 31, 2022
Rating: 3.5 Stars
To start off, I loved the relationship between Malika and Tristan. Malika grows as the story progresses so that you get to see her learn how to engage in a loving and affectionate relationship, which was wonderful to see.
Tristan wins the award for Most Wholesome Male Love Interest of 2022…at least for me. He is just so easy to like and root for, with an honorable nature and a caring personality that really came forward in his every interaction with Malika.
If you’re looking for a fantasy with different cultural influences, as I often am, this book does that very nicely. I like how you can clearly see Malika’s culture highlighted throughout the story. From the mythology of her homeland, to her traditions, clothing and food preferences. All of it combines to add a further richness to the story that I greatly enjoyed.
My main issue is that the story delivers worldbuilding information in lengthy and often overwhelming exposition. I felt the exposition needed to be woven more actively into the events of the story so that the plot didn't suffer so much from abrupt pacing issues.
Other than that, this is an enjoyable read. The slow burn romance was healthy and sweet, so that I rooted for their relationship all the way. A solid start to a series.
To start off, I loved the relationship between Malika and Tristan. Malika grows as the story progresses so that you get to see her learn how to engage in a loving and affectionate relationship, which was wonderful to see.
Tristan wins the award for Most Wholesome Male Love Interest of 2022…at least for me. He is just so easy to like and root for, with an honorable nature and a caring personality that really came forward in his every interaction with Malika.
If you’re looking for a fantasy with different cultural influences, as I often am, this book does that very nicely. I like how you can clearly see Malika’s culture highlighted throughout the story. From the mythology of her homeland, to her traditions, clothing and food preferences. All of it combines to add a further richness to the story that I greatly enjoyed.
My main issue is that the story delivers worldbuilding information in lengthy and often overwhelming exposition. I felt the exposition needed to be woven more actively into the events of the story so that the plot didn't suffer so much from abrupt pacing issues.
Other than that, this is an enjoyable read. The slow burn romance was healthy and sweet, so that I rooted for their relationship all the way. A solid start to a series.
June 3, 2024
This was a solid start to a series!
The blurb caught my attention the second arranged marriage was mentioned because that's one of my favorite tropes. Throw in a slow burn, and I'm sold!
Character development and the growing relationship between the two MCs is what carries this book so beautifully. I'm all about character growth, and the author managed to delve deeper with it, leaving me absolutely amazed.
The plot was what you would normally expect from epic/high fantasy, filled with political intrigue. While it was well-developed, it was a bit confusing to start with. It did take me some time to get a grasp on what's what.
Intrigued to see what happens in the series next!
*I received an ARC copy, and this is my honest review.
The blurb caught my attention the second arranged marriage was mentioned because that's one of my favorite tropes. Throw in a slow burn, and I'm sold!
Character development and the growing relationship between the two MCs is what carries this book so beautifully. I'm all about character growth, and the author managed to delve deeper with it, leaving me absolutely amazed.
The plot was what you would normally expect from epic/high fantasy, filled with political intrigue. While it was well-developed, it was a bit confusing to start with. It did take me some time to get a grasp on what's what.
Intrigued to see what happens in the series next!
*I received an ARC copy, and this is my honest review.
March 18, 2023
I loved the immersive world building and complex politics in this epic fantasy romance. While the story revolves around Tristan and his reluctant bride, who are married to forge an alliance between their nations, there is more brewing between their nations and the other countries, including civil unrest and daring bids for the throne. The romance is sweet and their difficult relationship grows stronger in a natural manner. The characters are finely drawn, flawed but lovable, with complex motivations. I highly recommend this story for fantasy romance fans looking for the start of a high stakes series.
March 7, 2023
This book had potential. Unfortunately I just couldn't handle all of the heroine's lies.
In the first few pages of the book we are told the heroine ignored her parents' warning never to tell anyone her brother had magical powers and could control the wind. She told the Crown Prince because she thought he was her fiance. Oh and she slept with him too.
So he dumps her because now he knows the secret his spies told him could be true. Heroine was an idiot and tells her family's secrets to some guy she barely knows.
That Crown Prince tells her to break off the engagement or he'll tell everyone her brother's secret magic. So she is forced to marry a Baron in the neighboring kingdom who they've been at war with for generations.
They both try to make the best of the marriage. Except heroine mopes around a lot and then decides to build a healing house for when the realm's magical healer isn't available.
She had so many opportunities to tell the hero that she was supposed to spy on him for her ex-fiance. She never tells him and he finds out when it all blows up in her face.
In the first few pages of the book we are told the heroine ignored her parents' warning never to tell anyone her brother had magical powers and could control the wind. She told the Crown Prince because she thought he was her fiance. Oh and she slept with him too.
So he dumps her because now he knows the secret his spies told him could be true. Heroine was an idiot and tells her family's secrets to some guy she barely knows.
That Crown Prince tells her to break off the engagement or he'll tell everyone her brother's secret magic. So she is forced to marry a Baron in the neighboring kingdom who they've been at war with for generations.
They both try to make the best of the marriage. Except heroine mopes around a lot and then decides to build a healing house for when the realm's magical healer isn't available.
She had so many opportunities to tell the hero that she was supposed to spy on him for her ex-fiance. She never tells him and he finds out when it all blows up in her face.
December 8, 2025
Wedded to the Warlord is a beautifully written slow-burn fantasy romance filled with tension, heart, and irresistible chemistry. Mallika and Tristan are complete opposites, yet their forced marriage creates some of the most engaging push-and-pull moments I’ve read in a while. The dual POV adds depth, letting you feel every doubt, every spark, and every shift in trust. The world-building is rich, the political stakes are high, and the romance grows in a believable, delicious way. I loved the ‘only one bed’ tension and Tristan’s cinnamon-roll softness beneath his warlord exterior. A perfect pick for romantasy fans craving emotion and heat.
December 23, 2023
What can i say, first of all being an Indian and reading the similar culture in this book was awesome. The chemistry and the many interesting characters. I do love how it was all played out. I really love this read. And recommend it to everyone.
January 4, 2024
Good premise, but missing a pull
I liked the broad story of an arranged marriage, setup of an inter-kingdom intrigue, but something was missing to pull me in and alongside the characters.
I'm torn as to whether I will read the next ones.
I liked the broad story of an arranged marriage, setup of an inter-kingdom intrigue, but something was missing to pull me in and alongside the characters.
I'm torn as to whether I will read the next ones.
January 29, 2023
I haven’t actually read this book yet, but curious if anyone knows if this is an Own Voices book?
Want to read
February 9, 2023🎁 FREE on Amazon today (2/9/2023)! 🎁
October 3, 2023
2 stars
Not my preference, the mythical world description and customs were too similar to reality, but I really liked the MMC.
Not my preference, the mythical world description and customs were too similar to reality, but I really liked the MMC.
December 26, 2023
2.5 stars
The concept was good enough, but the execution was lacking.
The concept was good enough, but the execution was lacking.
Read
August 7, 2025DNF @ 10% - the writing style is too clunky for me. All telling instead of showing. Awkward chapter lengths and transitions.
February 29, 2024
“Spicy romantic situations” apparently means mature content.
I was plodding through this book, trying to enjoy the arranged marriage trope that I usually enjoy, but just could not get into it. But I kept reading because I was really trying to be good and read a CLEAN book, which I thought this was… nope. It’s not.
There were several times that I thought the characters had consummated, such as:
“Day by day, it was getting harder and harder to simply turn away from him and go to sleep.
Until the day she didn’t.”
But apparently that just meant they were kissing
A few chapters later it got a bit more graphic than I was prepared for, because again, I thought this was a clean book
And then even then, they got interrupted just as they were about to complete things.
I am also annoyed that the virgin man was suddenly more informed of how to bring her pleasure than she, the more experienced woman, did! Ugh. I finally had to return the book at 60%
It was a promising premise. I am just annoyed at the quality of book - I put up with lower quality of writing to support indie authors that write clean romance - its not all that difficult to find good smut, so if a book is going to be smutty - I expect a level of writing that draws me in.
I was plodding through this book, trying to enjoy the arranged marriage trope that I usually enjoy, but just could not get into it. But I kept reading because I was really trying to be good and read a CLEAN book, which I thought this was… nope. It’s not.
There were several times that I thought the characters had consummated, such as:
“Day by day, it was getting harder and harder to simply turn away from him and go to sleep.
Until the day she didn’t.”
But apparently that just meant they were kissing
A few chapters later it got a bit more graphic than I was prepared for, because again, I thought this was a clean book
And then even then, they got interrupted just as they were about to complete things.
I am also annoyed that the virgin man was suddenly more informed of how to bring her pleasure than she, the more experienced woman, did! Ugh. I finally had to return the book at 60%
It was a promising premise. I am just annoyed at the quality of book - I put up with lower quality of writing to support indie authors that write clean romance - its not all that difficult to find good smut, so if a book is going to be smutty - I expect a level of writing that draws me in.
October 20, 2023
This book has a lot of potential.
I loved the interracial relationships and Tristan learning about his brides culture.
I really enjoyed the scene with the festival of colours which called out to the desi romantic hidden deep inside me 😂
But this book lacked some serious polish. There were a lot of opportunities here to add that little something which brings a book from good to great and as a result the book was feeling rushed. It just needs an infusion of emotion.
It could also use a round of edits. The obvious spelling errors and at time atrocious grammar were really taking away from a great premise.
The editor in me has basically written a mental report on what needs doing to push this to greatness and I’m itching to get out a red marker 😂😂
I loved the interracial relationships and Tristan learning about his brides culture.
I really enjoyed the scene with the festival of colours which called out to the desi romantic hidden deep inside me 😂
But this book lacked some serious polish. There were a lot of opportunities here to add that little something which brings a book from good to great and as a result the book was feeling rushed. It just needs an infusion of emotion.
It could also use a round of edits. The obvious spelling errors and at time atrocious grammar were really taking away from a great premise.
The editor in me has basically written a mental report on what needs doing to push this to greatness and I’m itching to get out a red marker 😂😂
May 29, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
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