Wed to the Barbarian

Barbarian Duet, Book 1

By: Keira Andrews

Narrated by: Michael Ferraiuolo

Length: 10 hrs and 27 mins

Publisher's summary

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

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.

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!

Love and Adventure!

I am loving this adventure of Jem and his Barbarian Cador! Jem our sweet book loving sheltered virgin is forced to marry a big rough Barbarian. Funny how against this Jem is given his love of books and adventure! I loved how this realistically started off with both of them seeing one another in a negative light as natural enemies. This is not insta anything for these two!! It takes their adventure together to realize they are drawn to one another. Once these two let their walls down and really get to know each other, things get hot and steamy and well sweet too. My favorite scene was when Cador actually chewed up the worms for Jem's bird! SWOON. Cador has a vulnerable side and Jem has a tough side!! Love that Cador gets Possessive!! Michael brought these two plus all the surroundings and other characters alive with his narration. He gave us all the feels, the good, the bad, the happy and the mad! I am already listening to book two!

Fantastic!

4.5

This… was fantastic. I wasn’t expecting to become so invested in Cador and Jem’s forced marriage, the ache of their casual dismissal of each other. I absolutely loved the slow build into something more. And damn, was it hot.

I was ready with the second book before I’d even finished.

Really good! similar to Kidnapped by the Pirate

Loved this book! It took some time but it definitely grew on me in the end. I was looking for something similar to Kidnapped by the Pirate (my favorite!) and this delivered.

The narrator is really great and sounds EXACTLY like Brynjolf from Skyrim (seriously) when he voices Cador. his voicing for Gem wasn't my particular favorite but it's nice he had some variety in his narration.

*spoilers*
I'll admit I was a little frustrated with Gem and his progression arc. It took longer than I was hoping for for him to quit being so whiny, fortunately there's a sequel though so I hope to see him rise to the occasion!

While I know it was a forced marriage and there's the grim subplot, it gets frustrating having two FULLY MARRIED MEN that live together 24/7 constantly having a back and forth regarding their attraction to each other. I get we need development, but this took ages, and they're already married for crying out loud.

All in all a pretty great listen. The characters are interesting and believable, and Andrews manages to build a wonderful fantasy world without focusing too much in the world-building details which I always appreciate. I'm excited to listen to the sequel!