Wed to the Barbarian

Barbarian Duet, Book 1

By: Keira Andrews

Narrated by: Michael Ferraiuolo

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 listened to before The Barbarian’s Vow.

©2021 Keira Andrews (P)2022 Keira Andrews

Ridiculously entertaining

I knew Andrews is that rare mix of steamy sex writer and genuinely talented storyteller, but this one shows she is equally adept at world-building. Her stories are just flat out addictive. Wonderful writer

SO good

Keira Andrews at her best. Wonderfully developed characters, adventure, twists and turns, angst, action, and of course, sweeping romance and hot hot scenes 🔥🔥🔥 ALL the favorite tropes, beautifully written and narrated. It's hard not to fall in love with Jem and Cador (and their worlds) as you listen along. While they may appear one dimensional at first, their development and arcs are beautiful and very satisfying. Ends in a cliffhanger so I can't wait to dig into Book #2.

4.5 stars

I was prepared to give this 5 stars. Love the slow burn and character building, also realistic behaviors and dialogue without using annoying cliché plot fluff...until the last 3 chapters ruined it. Not giving any spoilers, but, what a bummer. I'll read the next one and cross my fingers this story can be redeemed!

better descriptions of each man's make parts, chst

more detailed description of males bodies including chest pits biceps erroneous zones pecs attitude

Very enjoyable Jem and Cador

This was not what I expected, I really enjoyed it, even though there wasn't much romance, as it was a Marriage of convenience, and even though Prince Jem found out the ruse he isn't happy, can't wait to see if the Barbarian can win the Prince's heart in the next book, what a cliffhanger

Ends on an actual cliffhanger

Slow burn enemies to lovers. The romance happens very organically. Lots of Spice, but it doesn't feel shoehorned in. The ending was a bittersweet agony and I'm definitely listening to the next book. Narrator was good with the accents and creating unique voices for the different characters, but sometimes his inflections didn't really suit the circumstances.

Even better in audio

I originally read this. Updated review for audio:

Forced proximity/arranged marriage, opposites attract, age gap, romantic suspense – all enjoyable tropes/genres for me. This was super easy to read with great characters (even if flawed) and wonderful pacing.

I know this sounds weird, but I felt like there was too much sex. Or maybe it was too many scenes in a row for me. But I do tend to prefer my romantic suspense heavier on the suspense than the sex so YMMV. 😉 (Note: I didn’t feel this way the second time around – so I guess it’s just one of those things that hits a certain way at certain times.)

That said, I am absolutely all in to read the second half of this duet and looking forward to seeing how Cador & Jem work things out for themselves AND their respective homelands.

Narration:
Michael Ferraiuolo is perfect for this series. He was equally the fanciful and then frightened Jem as well as the gruff, impatient, and irreverent Cador. Expertly bringing to life the evolving relationship of these two.

Fantastic!!

This is one of my absolute favorite books from Keira Andrews and the audio of it just shines with Michael Ferraiuolo's performance! It is compelling, super fun and a throwback to the old romance novels we read back in the 80's! Loved it!

Love it

I don’t love all the direction choices they have the voice actor some bits were the tiniest bit cringy but overall I loved it, bought the sequel right away

It gave everything I needed it give

It delivered. All the other girlies wish it could be like this story. Keira Andrews understood the assignment.