Knight's Bride

Knights of Enar, Book 1

De: Juliette Caruso

Narrado por: Carol Beth Anderson

Lady Rachiele, 18, has spent the last eight years dreaming of a life at court with a loving husband. Then her parents sell her hand in marriage to a stranger. Sir Telon of Yovren is handsome enough, and seems charming at first. But when Rachiele learns he’s a drunkard and in love with someone else, she grows determined to escape and chart her own destiny. She’ll even brave the dangerous, monster-infested woods surrounding castle Yovren if she has to.

For Sir Telon, life has gone from bad to worse. When his lover scorned him for a more advantageous match, his parents immediately tricked him into signing a betrothal contract for Rachiele, a complete stranger. Now duty to his unwanted bride prevents him from winning back his former love. Worse, Rachiele seems to hate him for some mysterious reason.

After his bride vanishes inexplicably from a locked room at the top of a tower, Telon finds himself the prime suspect in her disappearance. To clear his name, he has no choice but to hunt her down. But the woods outside castle Yovren are full of beasts both creature and human. As the runaway bride and her knightly husband work together to survive, they both begin to realize how happy their marriage could have been. Finding the strength to admit it before it ends forever will be a difficult feat: one requiring more than wits, brawn, or magic.

©2023 Juliette Caruso (P)2023 Juliette Caruso

Fun listen - great if you like adventure romance

I RARELY give a 5 for books, but I just absolutely couldn't wait to finish this one, and I read it in just under two days. I loved the snarky smartness of the FMC and the cinnamon roll love of the MMC. The twists and turns that this book had, caught me from page one... well maybe from chapter two, the first chapter you're kind of thrown into the world and here you go.
The world building was great and all of the characters were full. I could see the castles and the countryside and even the crazy creatures who lived in the woods.
I do really love that an honest feeling relationship was built between the two main characters and that the love for each other was real. There was a decent amount of spice in this one too, once you get to it!

{note there are spoilers from here until you see the next brackets}
Although I did like the push pull of the two main characters who were obviously falling in love with each other even though their marriage was arranged, it did get a little tiresome that it took them all the way until the very end to finally admit they had actual feelings for each other and to stop being so darn noble about letting the other go (him to his "true love" and her to her dream of escaping to a new world and sewing.). And the fact that its his grumpiest friend who is like, oh wait hey guys, you're in love, are you sure you want to part ways? That said, it felt typical for young love.
{end of spoilers}

I thank the author and Book of Matches Media for offering me a copy of this book for my honest opinion. To note, I did listen to the audio book, which I highly recommend!

Loved it, but there were a couple things...

I absolutely loved this and yet, there were a few things that made me dock this to 4 stars rather than 5.

I received this from Story Origin as an audiobook advanced reader copy. This is 3rd person, dual POV but only has a female narrator. I enjoyed her voice and she didn't distract from the story. All the voices felt distinct and believable.

The author is able to write well and there was nothing jarring in the writing itself; however, there was one world building issue and one plot issue that made this not perfect.

The world building is pretty fun. This is sort of medieval times with a little magic here and there. However, there is a creature-type that is considered a pest that is discussed as needing to be eradicated like a hornet's nest. And, the more you get to see them, the more you realize these are sentient beings and may have a reason for doing what they do. Sadly, because of the writing, this started feeling like a genocide was being perpetrated against these creatures and, instead of being a way of moving the plot forward, I started to question the morality and ethics of people who would murder an entire society of sentient beings without a care.

I loved the romance. The author does a great job at helping these two immature people get out of their own way by sending them on a journey together. They spend so much time together in adverse conditions, that you really get to see their innate values and inner kindness come out. I loved watching them fall in love. However, these two characters have reasons for not trusting the other one to like them, let alone love them. And they lacked the emotional maturity to EVER talk it out.

It allows for a huge grand gesture at the end, but it dragged the book down. The characters don't really get more mature. The guy gets silent and the woman gets insulting. Like, she would just call him and other characters names on the off chance this would make them talk to her about what really matters, instead of just asking what's going on or being brave enough to confess her feelings and doubts.

The end of the book has them together, but because of something the heroine says, it was not the most satisfying ending. The hero confesses his love and she doesn't tests him and pushes him away even at the very end. We know they're together, but she hasn't been as open about her adoration of him and it bugged me.

I will definitely read this author again, but hope that the author doesn't use the non-communication trope again.

A Fun Romantasy Romp through a Magical Wood

This book was such a fun surprise!

What I liked:
- Cozy Romantasy Vibes
- Likable protagonists
- Fabulous Audiobook Narration
- Magical forest hijinks
- In general, just a sweet fun story
- Nice tension throughout. I honestly found myself worrying (in a good way) if it would have a satisfying ending or if I'd have to wait for the sequel.

What I didn't like
- The pacing of the last 25% or so didn't quite fit for me. In some ways, it feels like they're having the same communication for a little too long.

Recommended for those looking for a fun romantasy with likable protagonists and a pinch of spice. And I'm totally game for book 2! (4.5/5)

So easy to dive into!

I first have to say that the narrator did such an incredible job, I just couldn't stop this audiobook.

The story was so easy to dive into, it just started so quickly and the characters were instantly endearing. The world-building wasn't too deep which made it simple to follow. Rachiele grand escape and of her misfortunes was so diverting and let's be honest I just loved how Telon reacted to all of this. He still decided to protect Rachiele and help her without forcing her to do anything, he wasn't even mad. I loved our characters' interactions so very much, the banter and also their cuteness together. They were fun and honest and it was just nice to follow them on this adventure.

I was honestly so impressed by the fact that the miscommunication trope didn't bother me that much (it's a lot coming from me haha!) I was just going with it and it got me thinking that maybe in fantasy book it is not as annoying to me because so much is happening all the time. And well, let's be honest, in between fighting beasts for your survival, I can forgive the fact that you have other priorities than this whole communication thingy. Our characters also had quite a bit of history that made it relatable and made sense for them to be fearful of this whole relationship. So yeah, not mad about the miscommunication (or lack of communication) for once.

It was such an enjoyable read, a perfect book to just let you escape in such an easy way. I am so happy there's another book in that series cause I really liked this one and will want more of this world and those side characters for sure.

Thanks to BOMM and the author for the ALC. All opinions are my own.

This is delightful and funny and I devoured it

Listen. I could not put this down. I kept insisting to myself that I would stop listening and go to bed, but I kept 'Oh, well, One more Chapter, then' if I was even 1 second too slow to pause it.

While I do not usually love the miscommunication trope, which this has in spades, it is for a good reason. They've both been hurt and they have a hard time trusting one another. They make assumptions about their own worth and often make decisions based on what they think is better for the other person even if it is incorrect. Somehow, it's not annoying. Somehow, these two dummies not talking to one another is thoroughly delightful.

I enjoyed the world-building, though it's not particularly deep. The spice was great. The characters were incredible. Highly recommend and SO EXCITED to see that this book has a follow-up about Corin and Eliana!!!

As a final note, this is an amazing narrator and I will absolutely be seeking out more of her.

I received an ALC for audible from storyorigin and this is an honest review.

Wonderful Narration

I really enjoyed this book! Carol Beth Anderson's accent work and dialogue was superb!

Loved the passion, especially the tantantalizingly described cave scene! The fantasy forest challenges were also engaging.

The girl main character had a massive pride issue that seemed to come from nowhere. I understood why it was difficult for the male M.C. to share his feelings. The girl's insane inner monologue, trying to justify her own selfishness, made me slightly angry. 😆 but overall I really enjoyed this story!

Great Romantic Fantasy

This was my first experience with Juliette Caruso's work, and it was captivating. Lady Rachiele was offered in marriage to Sir Telon of Yovren as part of a trade agreement. After Rachiele found out that Telon was in love with someone else, she decided to run away and follow her own path. I admired the worldbuilding. I liked the characters. There were some twists and some humor which kept my interest. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series. Carol Beth Anderson's narration was fabulous, and her performance added to my enjoyment of the tale. I was given a free copy of the audiobook, and I have voluntarily posted this review.

Humorous

This book was enthralling and humorous. A marriage set by families for benefits for each. How one was desperate to get away and the other had not caring about it. Each seeking that which they think they want but not fully taking the time to talk with each other

Witty, Romantic, Fun

The storyline kept me engaged throughout the book, and the performance was excellent. I can't wait for the next one!