Wed to the Barbarian

Barbarian Duet #1

by Keira Andrews, Michael Ferraiuolo (Narrator)

Listening Length: 10 hours and 27 minutes

Will an innocent prince forced into marriage choose passion?

Sheltered in the palace with his books, Jem’s life is peaceful. Even if he’s lonely and yearning for romance, the big, strong men he wants don’t crave small, timid princes.

Then he’s forced to marry a mysterious barbarian.

Jem must do his duty—even if it means being stuck with Cador, a brute who dismisses him as weak. Even if it means a fake marriage in name only for the sake of their homelands. Even if he must leave behind everything and everyone to journey to a forbidding island of ice and stone.

Even if there’s only one bed.

Alone with this wild—yet tender?—man, Jem discovers desire that burns hotter than he ever imagined. Can two strangers learn to trust, or will dangerous lies tear them apart?

Wed to the Barbarian by Keira Andrews is a gay romance fantasy featuring enemies to lovers, an age gap, forced proximity, first times, and of course a happy ending (eventually). This is the first action-adventure romance in the Barbarian Duet and must be read before The Barbarian’s Vow.

Genres: Fantasy, M M Romance, Romance, Enemies To Lovers, Historical, LGBT, Historical Romance

11 pages, Audible Audio

First published October 15, 2021

About the author

Keira aims for the perfect mix of character, plot, and heat in her M/M romances. She writes everything from swashbuckling pirates to heartwarming holiday escapism. Her fave tropes are enemies to lovers, age gaps, forced proximity, and passionate virgins. Although she loves delicious angst along the way, Keira guarantees happy endings!

Reviews

[~✡~Dαni(ela) ♥ ♂♂ love & semi-colons~✡~ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Onan is a land divided into four kingdoms: Neuvella to the south, Gwels to the east, Ebrenn to the west, and Ergh, the land of the barbarians accessible only by sea, to the north.

Jem is the son of the king and queen of Neuvella. He passes his days saving wounded birds and reading. His life is peaceful, and if he fantasizes of being taken and ravaged … well, a boy can dream.

Until the dream becomes a nightmare.

Don’t let the cover and title of the book make you think it’s anything less than a masterpiece. Kiera Andrews is playing on the old bodice rippers of the 80s, but Wed to the Barbarian is complex, nuanced, and beautifully crafted.

The setting, from the lush heat of Neuvella to the stark mountains of Ergh, comes alive, and the world building is absolutely brilliant (think late Middle Ages but with fantastical creatures and an enlightened society where race and gender are irrelevant).

While this story is an epic romance, it’s much more than that. It’s an adventure and a novel of suspense and political intrigue.

Cador and Jem loathe each other on sight, even as they’re sealed together for the sake of their kingdoms.

Initially, Cador treats Jem with indifference and casual cruelty. He's dismissive and unsparing.

Jem despises the brutish, uncouth man he was forced to marry so Ergh could finally be reunited with the other three kingdoms and form an alliance with Neuvella.

What the reader knows but Jem doesn’t is that Jem is being used as a political pawn by Cador and his family. Ergh is on the brink of extinction unless Cador fulfills his duty.

Jem is meant to be disposable, and if Cador believed that, his life would be easier. But he can’t ignore Jem’s goodness and cheerful nature, and the two men fall into bed, and into each other’s hearts.

The sex is smokin' hot, all the more so because the tension in this story is sky high. I kept waiting for the other shoe to drop, because we know it will; it’s just a matter of time.

Whom can Jem trust? Who will save him?

Maybe he'll need to save himself.

The last two chapters are almost unbearably intense. I couldn’t read quickly enough and may have stopped breathing at one point.

If you’re looking for a HEA, you won’t find one here. This book ends with a massive cliffhanger. The only way I survived is because I had book 2 ready to go.

Wed to the Barbarian is sexy, romantic, thrilling, and exciting. It’s not easy, but the best things never are.

[Keira Andrews]

I'm so excited that my little escapist breeches-ripper fantasy that I started in lockdown in April 2020 is finally out in the world. This "little" tale took on a life of its own and became an epic two-book duet, and I'm very proud of this labour of love. I hope you enjoy Jem and Cador's action-packed journey to their HEA!

BUY OR READ NOW IN KU:
Amazon US: https://amzn.to/3uxKEGY
Amazon Universal: https://readerlinks.com/l/2048217

*
My Viking-ish breeches-ripper duet is available for pre-order! I started writing the first book in April 2020 in lockdown. I needed to escape to a completely fictional world, so while this is fantasy, there's no magic or dragons, etc.

I only intended Jem and Cador's journey to be one book, but this tale took on a life of its own! After a year and a half, I'm thrilled to finally be sharing these books with you. I hope you love reading this opposites-attract romance as much as I loved writing it. <3

PRE-ORDER BOOK 1 AT AMAZON:

Amazon US: https://amzn.to/3uxKEGY
Amazon Universal: https://readerlinks.com/l/2048217

PRE-ORDER The Barbarian's Vow AT AMAZON:

Amazon US: https://amzn.to/3isle8X
Amazon Universal: https://readerlinks.com/l/2069078

[Heather K (dentist in my spare time) · Rating 4 out of 5]

*Combined review for book 1 and 2*

First, a loooong disclaimer

I am LIVID at myself for accidentally reading these books in the wrong order... completely screwed up this story with a my HUGE facepalm mistake.

Now, it is actually hard to make a mistake like I did. It really is hard to mess up the reading order as book two starts right in the middle of the action... you'd think anyone with any sense would notice that they were reading book two but... GROANS. I thought that the lovely Keira Andrews was just starting her book with some atypical styling, and I went with it, even if it didn't make a whole lot of sense. It wasn't until the very end of the book that I realized that I got them mixed up.

I can't go back in time and correct my mistakes, but I read book one after finishing book two and thought it was great, but I am assuming I would have LOVED them if I read them in order.

Now, on to my review

This book series is the fantasy-lite, hulking barbarian/size difference romance that I've always wanted from Keira Andrews. Keira Andrews NEVER steers me wrong, and she did a fabulous job with this forced-marriage story.

My favorite character was Jem, who was so much more interesting than Cador, who came across as kind of a jerk. Jem was stronger, more willing to branch out and go beyond his comfort zone than the other characters. I ended up enjoying Cador in the end, but I think there needed to be WAY more groveling for my taste. I'm a grovel-porn-lover, and I need groveling that goes on and on. I think part of my issue is that I read the books out of order, so maybe I would have viewed things differently if I had read them in order.

Despite a few little issues, I enjoyed the writing, the world, and all of the twists and turns. The story kept me on my toes, and I was totally rivetted. Keira Andrews does it again with another entertaining story.


*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*

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[Rosabel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Keira Andrews.... Girl *fans herself* THAT WAS FIRE!!! 🔥🔥🔥

I love stories like this one, forced marriage? Yes please! Hate to love? Bring the hate fucks and the popcorn! A barbarian to melt my insides? I'm ready bitch!!!! 😱😱😱

And I was, this was exactly what I wanted and needed, I always enjoy this author writing and in here it was on poooooint!!!!

Jem was a character that I could relate to, he was always thought as weak, small, with no real "manly" qualities, but he had a backbone and fire in him, so I relate to that *(the backbone part not the manly part), he still was so innocent sometimes that I cringed, like a train wreck happening in front of you and you have no way to stop it, but he kept his head high and kept on trying. I RESPECT THE DUDE!

Cador was an ass 💅🏻💅🏻💅🏻 I didn't like him very much, I understood his inner struggles but sometimes his thoughts were really machistas, and I wanted to slap him in the face!!! Still, I understood he was a "barbarian" and that came with it, but *sighs*... 💅🏻💅🏻

He at least came through at the end so that's something. 🙄🙄

The sex was hawt as always with this author, the plot was good and what the fuck is going on with the kids?????!!!

I'll have to wait patiently to know more, but after that ending (KUDOS TO YOU JEM!!! Sit that bastard on his ass!!!) I want that second book NOWWWW. 🥲🥲

[Florence . · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 “he proved me wrong” stars

It is my honor to have lain with you. My privilege. My joy! Before I did, I had come to realize I could never let you be taken and hurt. Could never let you be harmed at all. I would kill for you.”

I absolutely adore these types of historical adventure books where it’s the two main characters against the entire world so I just had to read this one and god was I not disapointed, I really enjoyed the experience of reading this book and I loved the book too.

I shed so many tears while reading this book I almost ran out of tissues. I’m pretty sure my heart was ripped away from my body and thrown into a meat grinder. It just hurts so much. And what a cliffhanger, this book ends on an heart shattering cliffhanger, which pretty much destroyed my entire heart and my nerves.

I wasn’t expecting this book to hurt me this much. I was expecting an epic romance full of romantic moments, but also lies, twists and heart shattering moments. And that is what I got but it really got to me and shattered my heart in pieces a lot of times.

Brief summary
Jem is a prince and he doesn’t want the responsalities that come with it. He prefers reading books and taking care of birds than to talk about war and politics but he’s of age now and figured that he should take part in political things so he attends a submit. There it is announced that Jem has to marry Cador, a barbarian from a neighbouring place, so that they solidify their fellowship and not have to go to war against each other, as there is issues between the two places. As expected, they both really don’t want to get married but they have to. So they do it and this book is the start of their adventures together, as they travel to the place where Cador lives.

First, I really enjoyed reading about the start of their wedding when they didn’t want to be together. I found it fascinating to read about all the reasons they didn’t want to be together and that part of the book was so entertaining to me, I really loved it. I really liked seeing both of them not really wanting the situation and wishing for different lives, it felt so realistic to me and I enjoyed it a lot. I also enjoyed reading about how they got to know each other and how they realize that maybe they enjoy the other’s company after all, it was really lovely to read about for me.

Second, I absolutely adored the world building. It was very fantastical and so immersive. The world sucked me in and never let me go. I loved how everything was described in great details and it made it really easy for me to follow the plot. I really liked the world that Keira Andrews created. It sounded like such a fun place to live and I really liked how gender didn’t matter to the residents when it come to marrying someone, they could marry anyone they want. I like how there was conflict between their two cities, it made for a really fun plot to read about.

Third, oh how I adored Jem. He was a quiet man that prefers to spend time with his books than with people. Which is also me so I could relate to him really badly. I really liked reading about his fear of finding someone and getting married and how he was scared he wouldn’t be happy with Cador. I really felt for him and I just wanted to give the guy a big hug. I really felt a lot for Jem and I cried a lot when bad things would happen to Jem, his character really got to me and I loved him so much. I loved how Jem wasn’t the typical damself in distress. He was brave and strong and when the time came, he fought for his rights to be treated well and to be respected. I absolutely adored that part of the book.

Fourth, one of my favourite thing in books is a good sexual exploration. And Jem had never kissed anyone. So I really appreciate the sexual exploration here, it was absolutely lovely to me.

Fifth, Cador wasn’t the nicest man ever, he was drunk on their wedding day and he spent most of the book insulting Jem and making fun of Jem because he is shorter and smaller than him so I didn’t like him much and I still don’t like him as it stands now. But since I know that there is a second book in the series and that it has to be his redemption, i’m not too bothered by the fact that I don’t like him yet, I know I can learn to appreciate him soon. As long as the next book gives me an insane amount of groveling from Cador, I know I will love him.

Sixth, this book has lies between the main characters and Cador is not really nice most of the time. Which would have bothered me on any other day as I don’t like these things in books. But this book was clearly setting it so book 2 could be Cador’s redemption and him groveling, which is my absolute favorite thing in book so I didn’t find myself minding these things here as it means that i’ll get to read about two of my favourite things in book in the second book of the series.

Seventh, and my one complaint about this book was that a part of the second half of the book felt redudent and it didn’t keep my interest as much as the rest of the book. It was a lot of them traveling and then doing the same thing the next day, I guess I just needed a little more things to happen so I could stay insterested in that part of the book.

All in all I really enjoyed this book and i’m really excited to read the second book in the duology now.

I received a copy of this book, and this is my honest review.

[Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

The adventure of a lifetime :-)

Come on, the title alone makes this a must read. And I must say, the plot is quite thrilling. If only the sex scenes weren't so over the top, this would be a perfect fantasy opera.



Jem is a young prince from the eternally warm and sunny southern kingdom of Neuvella. During a religious ceremony where royal families of the three known kingdoms come together, Jem sees members of the long lost northern kingdom for the first time.

The barbarians from the icy island of Ergh aren't anything like the polished nobles Jem is used to. BUT, they're hot, with muscles for days, hairy chests and groins that almost split at the seams. Much to Jem's amusement, who has had fantasies about muscle studs for all his life - too bad he still is a virgin, though, and by tomorrow, the barbarian hunks will be gone to their cold north again, whereas Jem would return to his beloved aviary by the warm lake in his home country.

Uh-uh, little Prince.

Next thing he knows, Jem is married off to one of the barbarians to ensure a newforged bond with the north. And worse than calling one of these brutes his husband is the fact that he is supposed to travel across the stormy sea to accompany his new husband Cador to his homeland of Ergh, which is just as uninviting and hostile as the name suggests.

Of course, in addition to a pretty spectacular plot about a tragic conspiracy, Jem and his husband Cador also give us some steamy scenes that took my breath away. Maybe a tad over the top most of the time, these guys have a sex life that has most romance couples blush in shame.

But what I did like best about the entire story is the very end. Sure, it's supposed to be a huge cliffhanger that resolves in the next book, but damn, it felt good to see Jem realize what was going on and NOT just shrugging it off and forgiving his hot muscle stud of a husband. No. Would Jem trust him again? Never.

I liked that. Jem, who presented himself as a poor, weak victim stood up for himself and said NO! You did wrong and I do NOT forgive you. So powerful.

This was really quite a great story. Just a bit too much sex.

4 stars!

[nark · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars.

no review, because i can’t be bothered.
i expected to like this more tbh. i actually really liked the beginning of this, but then it slowly went downhill for me, and got a little boring. the ending was pretty good though. although it did end of a cliffhanger… and now i have the whole dilemma of if i should read book 2. idk if care enough tbh lol.

[Ariana (mostly offline) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4,5 stars

What a fabulous new release by Keira Andrews!
It’s been a while, and this is certainly hit the mark with me!

What’s to love:

✔interesting world building

✔ opposites attract:

North meets South.
Cold meets heat.
Rough meets soft.
Strong meets gentle.
Experienced meets innocent.

Jem is very much the pampered prince. He’s lived a sheltered life of luxury with his head mostly in raunchy romances (I did find his taste in books rather amusing) and looking after birds. No wonder he hardly copes with his fate (being married off to a brute) to start with and, I have to say it, I found him a teeny too whiney/whimpy in the early stages although it is totally in character. I loved though, how he adapts and learns to stand up for himself and be brave. And he really more than shines at the end!

Similarly, it took me a while to warm up to Cador because he revels in behaving like a lout at the beginning. We find out gradually that he is not all rough, arrogant and stand-offish. And once he falls for Jem, he certainly puts his whole heart out there. Totally. And I loved him for it. Basically, he is a good man who, before Jem, has never ‘needed’ the ‘softer’ things in life.

✔ enemies to lovers:
Yeah to all the sparring, the spite and the acerbic sparks!

✔ virgin with a penchant for submission
Holy moly, Jem may be a virgin, but primed by years of reading about sex, he is more than ready to have his cherry popped! Not only Cador loves his mix of innocence and ‘sluttiness’! And Cador is the epitome of the tall, strong, broad shouldered ‘barbarian’.

✔ the sex here is scorching with a clear dom/sub vibe as their power dynamics.

✔ slow burn, including jealousy from both men

✔ the mystery. It works really well that we find out together with Jem what is wrong on the island, rather than getting a ‘give-away’ when we are in Cador's POV.

In short: I had a great time and can’t wait for book 2, which, thankfully, will come out at the beginning of next month.

All in all, this is a highly entertaining take on the ‘barbarian meets virgin’ trope, and if you like fantasy and alternative universes, this one’s not to miss!

[Preeti · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

This is a kind of historical fantasy based on the kingdom of Onan. This land was divided into four kingdoms. Our MC, Jem, is a kind-hearted, soft, bird-loving, youngest prince of Neuvella.  Suddenly, due to a political situation, He is married to Cador, the second son of Chieftain from the Kingdom of Ergh. 

Life and people of the Kingdom of Ergh are completely different from Jem's homeland. They hunt, kill and mostly live as barbarians. It was a cultural shock to Jem but even Cador is not happy with this marriage. Because to him, Jem is too delicate and weakling. 

Initially, Cador was either indifferent or cruel towards Jem. They both loathe each other. But, then they start living together in the cottage where each sees the strong qualities of the other. 

Now, the reason for my 3.5 Stars-
I love Keira Andrew's writing style especially her historicals but this book feels so much like reading Scotland based Historical Romance(bodice-ripper) from the 80s. 
The timid heroine from England is married to a brute in Scotland. He doesn't believe in love or fidelity and thinks she is useless. But then she starts showing backbone and he falls in LOVE with her...oops!!! sorry, let's not forget clan wars.😒😒😒 Unfortunately, I have already read many books like this to find something fresh in it.

But, I was impressed by Jem who showed some extraordinary qualities in the last 20% of the book and even though nothing felt new in the setting, I was glad to read this kind of bodice-ripper story in MM romance and the smut was hot.😂😂😂

So, I still have high hopes for the next book in the duology.🤞🤞

[David Alexander · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cannot articulate in words how much I LOVED Wed to the Barbarian so instead I am going to use GIF's

When I found out about this book/saw the Cover Reval


When I got the ARC


When I was into the story and someone called my name


When I got to the Sexy times


When I got to the last few chapters in the book


When I realized that I would have to wait to get the second book

[Alisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Every time I glance at this cover I think he’s holding a phone in his hand to take a selfie of them🤣🤣

[Len Evans Jr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Being gay the only thing I was attracted to of the "Fabio Covered, Bodice Ripper" books was the cover. So I was not sure what to expect from this book. Knowing the quality of Keira's writing I should have know she would knock this book out of the ballpark and she truly did. The character development is so rich and multilayered that both these MCs felt like real people and knew who were friends. The world building is detailed and exactly the right amount needed. I look forward to the addition fleshing out that will occur in book two. This book was impossible to put down and I stayed up till 3am to finish it. LOVED THIS SO MUCH!

[cal · Rating 4 out of 5]

He imagined the ache in his jaw as he submitted, taking the thick rod of flesh into his mouth. Letting the barbarian use him. Thick, rough fingers tugging his curls, holding him in place. Perhaps his hands would even be bound tightly behind him. He'd be helpless, at the mercy of the barbarian and his huge cock, barely able to breathe...

keira andrews reeled me in like a fish with kidnapped by a pirate, lost me with the chimera affair and now won me again, finally, with wed to the barbarian. i simply enjoyed this. it was far from being a great novel but it was for me because it just checked the correct boxes. enemies-to-lovers? check. forced marriage? check. animalistic and barbaric sex? Yes please! also, i was into the political bits in this, especially the fact that it was far from overwhelming. the unlikely romance between prince jem and his barbarian husband, cador, still was the centerpoint. basically this is one of those stories that i wished the characters were honest. but again we need the second book! the writing was easy too. I was flying through the pages.

"Gods," he whimpered. The warmth of Cador's chuckle rippled over Jem's skin. "No gods here. Only beasts."

my only niggle: I don't think the mcs' story deserves a duet/duology treatment. i feel like the story could've been wrapped up in one book honestly. the first chapters got draggy! I read these chunks of chapters of nothing but the characters journeying to their lands. wasn't that full blown boring but thankfully tolerable. the last 40 percent definitely got me invested. won me over. looking forward to the next one! especially with how this book ended.

[Papie · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 🌟 I’m not sure how I feel about this. 🤷‍♀️
Loved:
Jem and Cador
World building
Adventure
Hot steamy sex
The jealousy and pining

Disliked:
The big lie/secret in their marriage. It made me uncomfortable the whole time
The sick children
The weird vibe between Cador and his brother
Most secondary characters
Too much hot steamy sex

Once again, I find myself looking at a duet and wishing it was just one book. It might be my current mood, I’m struggling with focus right now, but I was a little disappointed. I’ll probably read book 2, but the fact that I’m not dying to read it after the cliffhanger ending is not a good sign.

[Kati *☆･ﾟ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4**** stars

“I thought him the foulest of barbarians. Such a beast. Yet…” Austol smiled slyly. “Yet there’s some appeal in…beastliness, is there not?” Face hot, Jem confessed in a whisper, “I am drawn to him. To the notion of being…taken by him. I can imagine…much.” “I bet you can.” He grinned.

“There’s no shame in it. Even if he’s a prick, he’s built for fantasies.”

Nice audio-companion for the time being. Looking forward for Jem’s and Cador’s story to continue in the second book.


**************
Barbarian Duet

Book 1 - Wed to the Barbarian - 4.0 stars
Book 2 - The Barbarian’s Vow - 4.25 stars

[.Lili. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Keira Andrews did it again.

-Worldbuilding
-Opposites Attract
-Arranged marriage
-Forced proximity
-Conspiracies
-Fantasy
-First time
-Royalty
-Barbarians
-Chemistry

The story managed to evoke so many different emotions; it's a page-turner right from the go.

It reminded me of the old bodice rippers I used to read, but with Keira Andrews spiciness.

5 Stars!

+Note: yes, it ends on a cliffhanger, as everyone knows, but it's warranted. The story needed a second book. The wait is worth it!!

[*J* Too Many Books Too Little Time · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 Stars!

This one was a bit slow going for me.

It really picked up about halfway through or so and I really enjoyed the last half of the book.

Only for it to end in a cliffhanger of sorts and to have to start all back over again. ☹️

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

People think I’m obsessed. But I’m ok with it, I am obsessed with it.

I'm gonna have to fight really hard to not write this entire review in caps lock CAUSE IT'S JUST SO FUCKING GOOD. I loved every. single. thing. about this book (except the cover, I'm sorry). The characters, the world, the pacing, the plot, the adventure, the smut, EVEN THE CLIFFHANGER ENDING that was kind of literal cause Keira legit LEFT US ON A CLIFF. THANK FUCK I already have ready access to Book 2 cause I would've imploded on myself like a dying star if I didn't get my grubby little hands on it immediately.

Jem and Cador are everything that I love and everything that I am and they are just utter perfection. I even love how much I FUCKING HATED Cador in the beginning. Which, by the way, just goes to show that this is enemies-to-lovers done RIGHT. It's done so well that even I somehow went from "YEAH NO, FUCK THIS GUY; WHY DID WE MARRY HIM!?" to "I JUST WATCHED THIS MAN BAKE BREAD AND I CAME IN MY PANTS; I LOVE HIM YOUR HONOR"

I already knew I loved Keira's writing and storytelling ability after Kidnapped by the Pirate but this is some next-level shit for me. It has the perfect balance of everything that I like in a story and I'm simultaneously SO EXCITED TO BE HERE and so mad that it took me so long to read this.

AND GOD THAT ENDING. What a perfect fucking ending. I won't say more to avoid spoilers; I'll save that rant for my Book 2 review. With that said, ON TO BOOK 2!

[Eugenia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely Fabulous & Steamy!

This was a surprising treat!
Opposites don’t attract—at least not at first.
Young, virgin petite prince is married off to a husky, gruff, pelted “barbarian.”
The prince is to be a pawn in the barbarian’s schemes.
Watch the barbarian’s walls come down.
See the prince become more self-sufficient.
Enjoy their growing attraction,
And revel in their dirty talk and smexy times.
Yet there lies secrets, danger and treachery.
What will happen?
Read and find out, or listen to the marvelous narration by Michael Ferraiuolo!!

[Cat the bookworm (semi hiatus ish) · Rating 4 out of 5]

For the most part of the book, I’d have gone for 3 stars. Then, the ending happened.

I was looking for a book that’s not too taxing to listen to, and seeing this one in my feed, decided to pick it up. For the first half, not much happens.

It’s set in a fictional, Scot/Pict like medieval universe. Jem is a prince in a southern land, he loved books, and birds, and he’s forced to wed a “barbarian” from the north, Cador, for some not easy to understand political reasons.

What I loved right from the start: in this world, it’s not important what gender you have or whom you’re attracted to. Women are as powerful as men, and one of Jem’s siblings is addressed as they/them. So yay for that 🎉

What I found confusing: being tossed in the middle of a medieval ish universe with strange gods and animals and plants and political issues. But you get to work your way through it, and I promise, it gets better.

Jem is very naive, he’s small, and wholly unprepared for the harsh life in the north. He loves books, and stories, and has a good, compassionate heart.

Cador on the other hand is… well. A barbarian. Initially he despises everything Jem stands for, and that’s why he agrees to a plan to use Jem for some cruel political plot.

But Jem being… Jem, he chips away at Cador’s frosty shell, and Cador starts to fall in love.

The grand finale, the showdown and the cliffhanger (it’s a duology after all) made me cheer for Jem, and I’ll definitely pick up the second book.

As for the narration: it’s solid (the barbarians sound very Scottish), but not overwhelmingly good. Michael Ferraiuolo is one of the narrators I like to listen to, but he’s not in my top 5 narrators of all time.

All in all 3.5 stars, rounded up because of the very well written finale.

[Gerbera_Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a story about two unlikely men falling from hate on sight to deeply in love. They are definitely enemies that have to go through self discovery, find that all is not what it seems, that people change and love can be found in surprising places.

I liked Jem despite his many faults (Jem was rather too timid and indecisive, very unprepared for the reality of life in the beginning). Cador was harder to warm up to (he was rather crude and mean to Jem at first) but when I saw the real him when he reached home, I realized that the situation wasn't cut and dry and that it was not easy for him to deal with it as well. Jem and Cador are the opposites that together complement each other and bring out the best and at times the worst. I liked the slow development of feelings and how both men changed by the end of the book. Cador saw that love was his greatest strength and Jem found gumption to be the man he was meant to be.

I really liked how the author drew me into the mystery of what was happening on Ergh. She kept me guessing. I really felt for the people and what they have faced. There were so many fleshed out side characters that added to the story in terms of emotional intensity. I liked the subterfuge and the final moments even though it ended on serious cliffhanger. I am really curious to see what they'll do next. Steam level is 3.5 out of 5. The world building could be a bit improved upon. Overall, I liked the story. Copy received for my honest and unbiased review.

[Rain · Rating 4 out of 5]

*4.5* A barbarian, MM arranged marriage story! From the time I added this to my tbr, to the time it took me to finally read it, (mostly because the cheesy cover was a turn off), I forgot what the synopsis was about when I started it. Which I think was a good thing!

The not so great:
🏰 The Kingdom of "Ergh." It made me think of that grunty noise made during a tennis match.
🏰 Jem and the holograms. In my head he was singing to his birds with the pink microphone and wearing those cute little magical earrings.
🏰 Cador was a HUGE asshole to his husband.
🏰 What did he do to the books??!!!!!!
🏰 Chewing worms.

The so so so good:
🥇I loved the storytelling.
🥇I loved the world building.
🥇The marriage palm branding.
🥇I loved Jem and his beautiful sensitive heart.
🥇The grovel.
🥇The smokin steam...

“If I’d thought to bring oil, I’d have you on your knees so fast. I’d plunge inside you and fuck you until you screamed. Fill you with my seed and lick it from your arse and feed it to you with my kiss.”

Admittedly, that sounds slightly unhygienic, but the dirty talk is top-tier here.

Ends in a cliffhanger, so have book two ready to go.

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm changing this to 3 stars because I disliked the second book so much that I look at this one differently too.

--------------------------

I promised myself that I would start this only when the next book was out. But of course I couldn’t wait.

And I do have to say that the ending wasn’t the cliffhanger I expected. So I don’t mind too much that I now have to wait two weeks before the next book comes out.

Jem is a prince, who suddenly finds himself betrothed to Cador, a barbarian from the north. Jem has always preferred his books and caring for his birds to the company of other people. But now he has no choice but to travel to a far away land, with his new husband, who apparently hates Jem…

I loved all the hurt/comfort in this. Jem was hurting pretty bad when he found himself in unfamiliar territory, with no one he could trust, and without his precious books. And Cador was a complete ass at first, who didn’t want to like Jem at all.

But of course that what made it so good when he found himself starting to care about Jem.

There is some angst at the end of this book, but I could totally see where both men were coming from, so I didn't mind this kind of angst.

[mwana · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars rounded up to four. Full review after I read the second book.

I should confess I'm no hurry to read the second book because it will probably be riddled with second chance romance clichés, a stupid and unsatisfactory grand gesture, probably a misunderstanding or miscommunication, political intrigue that forgot the intrigue and spinoff bait. I honestly don't think I care about the rest of this story.

[~✿ Tala✿~ · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a perfect example of what I imagine people are referring to when they talk about
the MF Historical Fiction stereotype of a big gruff barbarian of a man + demure small woman (but in MM form.)

And did I love it? YES!! Seriously who needs to reinvent the wheel when these stories are so good as is!

Set in an alternate world where same gender relationships are normal . YAY for no homophobia or secretiveness but some good historical fiction vibes ~

Cador is an ass for most of the beginning, I didn't expect to like him as much as I did. His gruff demeanour melted away the more he let Jem in but god was it satisfying to see him grovelling on his knees for forgiveness. Jem was so precious the whole book, his pain and rejection really touched me. The writing for the emotional scenes was so good, I was in tears several times (like the whole book thing?! As a lover of books it hurt SO much).

The book ends without a HFN or HEA but #teamJem, I support his resolve to stand his ground. Excited for more grovelling and relationship development, can't wait for book 2!!

PS. Readers who read the book, I'm curious what you thought of this scene: when they start humping each/hooking up while sitting on the horse, did anyone else think it was so weird? 😂 The poor horse!!! I imagined the horse like a kid who lives in a dorm with bunkbeds and their roommate is having sex on the top bunk while they just lay there awkwardly 😅hahaha

[Trio · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow, that was so exciting! I used to love those old bodice rippers where the plucky heroine wins over the coarse (but handsome) chap. And Keira Andrews has just elevated the whole thing with strong characters, political intrigue, and smoking-hot, steamy love making in Wed to the Barbarian.

I’d been meaning to read this book last year, but my procrastination TOTALLY paid off, because Michael Ferraiuolo’s performance in the audio version is simply spectacular! Mr. Ferraiuolo makes full use of his incredible variety of accents and voices, and keeps up the fast pace of the story.

I wasn’t aware that Wed to the Barbarian ended in a cliffhanger. Thank goodness the audio version of The Barbarian's Vow is already available. Onward to the happily ever after!

an audiobook copy of Wed to the Barbarian was provided to me for the purpose of my honest review, all opinions are my own

[Ben Howard · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved this

I'd been eyeing Wed to the Barbarian since it's release in 2021 but I just never picked it up. I'm so glad I finally did because this was such a good time. This needs more hype; pick it up! Also, Michael Ferraiuolo does a perfect job narrating the audio.

[Gaby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blessed Morvoren, may she help Jem find happiness and the strength to forgive Cador.

[Sheri · Rating 5 out of 5]

All the love.
I read this duet while I was recovering from cov*d.
I didn't leave my bed for a week and didn't open my eyes much either.
Ten days in isolation was something I won't soon forget.
When I finally had the energy, I slipped into this world or watched Dances with Wolves (on repeat).
Between them, it was a wild time in my bedroom. Ha.
I will remember them fondly.
I'm grateful for the smiles and entertainment they brought me.
Since I read them together, it's hard to separate them in my head.
I just know they were marvelous and came to me when I needed them the most.
Thanks, Keira!

[Elisa Glendenning (on hiatus) · Rating 4 out of 5]

✅ Arranged marriage
✅ Enemies to lovers
✅ Slow burn


Admittedly, I haven’t read much by Keira Andrews but this will probably end up being one of my favourites!

The character/relationship development for both MC’s was really good. Muscleman Cador fulfilled his role as barbarian VERY effectively (the wedding 😤 / the deception 😡/ those books 🤬). I wasn’t too sure in the beginning but I adored him by the end. From his love of animals, the yummy jealous possessiveness, his total inability in keeping his husband at arm’s length, and the turmoil he faced as he got closer to Jem. I really enjoyed the turnaround. As for Jem, I liked him from the very beginning. He’s a bit delicate, a little mollycoddled and inexperienced with matters of the heart. When he isn’t tending to his birds, he spends most of the time hiding in his books. After his parents shitty, strategic manoeuvring, you know he’s in for a bumpy ride and I was with him all the way. He’s far from the weak, pampered prince that Cador and everyone else on Ergh initially take him for. They’re perfect for each other - just a shame that the course of true love never runs smooth. Not sure how Cador will get out of the very large hole he’s dug but a LOT of grovelling would be appreciated.

Aside from a few OTT love scenes and eye rolling endearments, I really enjoyed it. Especially loved the showdown and will be reading the sequel immediately!!