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

First Book By Keira Andrews

Honestly, At first glance I was hesitant about this book, but seeing the Narrator reading the book (Michael Ferraiuolo) I took a leap of faith. The book is well written, and the plot is a bit predictable. Yet, the character's charms made the book stand out to me overall. I loved the comedic scenes, and the slow-burn romance without the book loosing its original plot.

Michael!!! He is one of my favorite Narrator's on audible. He has yet to dissapoint, he brings the characters to life. I would loved to have heard some more emotion when the characters were supposed to be yelling, but other than that narration is phenomenal!!

A compelling story and passionate love

The underlying plot of monarchies and politics intertwined with an arranged marriage doomed to fail from the beginning was written beautifully into a riveting and erotic tale. Let me just say that I am very happy Michael was the narrator for this wonderful story.

If you're looking for something to pull at your heartstrings and quicken your blood as though you're the one falling in love, I highly suggest taking the dive and buying this audio book. Should I list the things I loved the most? Character development. World building. Intoxicating love scenes. I could go on, but I'd rather you experience what I did.

Go on. Buy it.

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.

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.

A good book

I loved the story for the most part. The animosity at first was heartbreaking. It felt like the switch from enemies to lovers had a part that was skipped somewhere in the middle, but the conclusion was very satisfying

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!!

Amazing Story, Great Tension, and Great Performanc

The tension between the characters is amazing!! I LOVED the book and could NOT stop listening to it. The performance was great! One of my favorites now.

Amazing

What a great book wow I didn’t know there was MM romance novels out there let alone move me to tears, happiness, laughter or on the edge of my seat. Keira Andrews wrote a damn good novel and the narration by Michael was just as good!

Loved it!

I love keira andrews, specially her romantic adventures like this one and kidnapped by the pirate. Please write more of this genre, you’re really good at it!

Mixed feelings and split decision

I have really two reviews for this audiobook. The first half was a 5 hour exercise in ridicule, mocking and degradation that I found unpleasant to listen to. I understand the point was to show how little the barbarians thought of Jem (and pretty much the rest of the world), but that point came across quickly. It didn't need to go on and on for half of the story. It was slow and boring and I almost stopped listening several times. After the boat reached Cador's homeland, however, the pace and action picked up and the story became compelling. It's a story of finding one's way alone in an unfamiliar land amidst secrets, schemes, and betrayal. I loved the way Jem learned, grew, and adapted to his new environment, becoming less of a victim. I especially appreciated the way he took control in the end and withheld his forgiveness. Trust betrayed should not be easily overlooked, and it wasn't. So for me, the first half merits two stars, while I would give the second half 5 stars. Still, taken as a whole, I thought it was interesting and worth 4 stars.

This ends in a cliffhanger, which I wasn't aware of when I requested it, but it ended in a good place for me. An eventual HEA has been promised, and I am looking forward to seeing the ultimate end, but I hope there is some massive groveling and atonement, or I will be severely disappointed.

The narration was good, but I am more used to hearing Michael Ferraiuolo voice lighter, funnier stories, so it just seemed a bit jarring to me. That's all on me and my expectations, not the narration. I confess that the rather cheesy cover made me think this would be a comedy. It's really not. It's a serious story with hardship, illness of children, death, and threats of maiming. Their are some funny bits and thoughts, but mostly it's quite serious,

I received a free copy of this audiobook via Gay Romance Reviews and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.

Jem the Prince and Cador the Barbarian

As with many Keira Andrews books, I had no clue what to expect when I picked up this audio. Keira writes gay romances across a huge spectrum of subgenres – from historical, to dystopic, to comedy, and more. I have to admit, having a barbarian fantasy story intrigued me.

I empathized with Jem – preferring to raise little baby birds who’d fallen from the nest and read his books rather than engage in the political wranglings his mother, the Queen, was involved with. Wanting to perhaps eventually have a lover, but never expecting to be thrust into marriage with a wild man and then sent to live with him in his homeland.

I also empathized with Cador – he’s been alone a long time. He’s had lovers, but doesn’t have that one special person. Now he’s wed to a child for the sake of his people. Okay, maybe Prince Jem isn’t a child - but he sure acts like one. Whiny, yet also kind and considerate. Soon those nights alone lead to more.

But everything is not as it seems and when Jem discovers the truth, he’s ready to bolt. Only, sometimes, going home is impossible. There’s another book in the duet and I’m going to snap it up because I’m curious to see how this all plays out.

Love, love, love Michael Ferraiuolo’s narration of this story – he was perfect. Can’t wait for the conclusion.

Different setting

Beware: This is a dual and this story ends on a cliffhanger to be continued in the next part.

I really enjoyed this audio, the story is set in a different world and the author made me travel to that location while listening to it.
Although it starts with a forced marriage and Cador is rather unpleasant at first, we learn from his POV that he was also blindsided but he means well. Soon we start to care for him as much as we do Jem.

Michael's narration is perfect as always!

A mix of classic tropes

Jem is the classic innocent forced into marriage for political reasons to his total opposite Cador. Initially, Jem is neither respected nor treated well but forunately we get both POV and while not forgiving Cador we do come to understand him. As they both begin to understand the plots that have been swirling around them there is hope that their kingdoms and their relationship can be put right in book two. Very much looking forward to Cador's redemption and Jem's continued growth. I came to care about these two more and more as the story went on. I am a huge Michael Ferraiuolo fan and was very curious to hear his performance of Cador which is outside the type of character I know him for. He gives an amazing performance, finding the small moments where we see there may be more to Cador than we originally think.

Absolutely amazing!

I thoroughly LOVED this story! Full of tension, magic, adventure, growth & love. The story takes the reader/listener on a journey thru kingdoms & politics, machinations & deceptions, power struggles & true love's triumph - eventually, a well-deserved, hard-fought HEA! The way part one ends, though - aaagh! - broke my heart and filled me with hope, all the same. Great job by author and narrator both, excellent performance!

Warning - you’ll get hooked!

Like I’ve seen in several reviews I put this book off because of the cover art, however this was more because I thought I’d be hooked (unlike some of the reviews who got put off by the cover - but I read and listen to a lot of fantasy so this seemed right up my street). And I was right!

I adored Jem’s character - it might be my own love of books but I love a bookish main character. He’s sweet, and innocent and argh he’s just a great character!

Cador - what can I say about Cador?!?! Did I want to shake him many times? Yes I certainly did. Do I also hope that he and Jem get their HEA? Yes I certainly do.

Trying to decide if I break and read book 2, or wait till it comes out on Audible. Enjoyable narration too - definitely worth a listen!

Cliff-hanger, I need book two now.

I didn't think I was going to like this book/audio after the first chapter, but then all of a sudden, it clicked. The story does end on a cliffhanger, and I'm now desperate for book two, which will be consumed shortly.

The world-building was good, the scenic descriptions were on point, the characters were well-developed, and the story was well-written.

Michael Ferraiuolo does a clean and concise narration, which I always enjoy. I speed this narration up to 1.10 on Audible, which is usual for me.

Wed to the Barbarian
Barbarian Duet, Book 1
By: Keira Andrews
Narrated by: Michael Ferraiuolo
Series: Barbarian Duet Series, Book 1
Length: 10 hrs and 27 mins

❤❤❤❤ Overall
🎧🎧🎧🎧 Narration
📚📚📚📚 Story
Read at 1.10 speed on Audible

I received this audiobook for free from GRR at my request. My review is my opinion and an honest review - neither the author nor GRR influenced my opinion.

A favorite of mine!

This is one of my favorite books ever! I have lost the count of how many time I have read and reread this wonderful story about a forced marriage that finished in one of the best love stories I read this year. Jem and Cador complemented each other in a perfect way, they were meant to be together in spite all the intrigue, lies and hate. Even if the story broke my heart and made me cry a lot, it was also an amazing tale full of intense emotions, desperation and above all love. It was a delight hearing how Mr. Ferraiuolo captured all the feelings and intensity in a wonderful narration with his smooth voice and great acting skills. An enjoyable book in any format! Loved it so much!

Opposites

I over looked that this is the first part of a duel which is something I normally don’t do unless I have my hands on the whole story.
The author does a great job of describing the scenery and characters. Jem has led a sheltered life mostly spent with his aviary nursing wounded birds or he is entirely focused on his books. He doesn’t really fit in with his siblings because he is a small protected guy while they are more the guy’s guy. Then he is to wed Cador a total barbarian.
Cador life is totally different than Jem’s so when he is faced with caring for his husband he does a poor job of it. He is rough and not trying to make anything of this relationship. Then he finds Jem is tougher than he looks. He also finds himself being attracted to Jem.
There is a underlying story to the marriage. What all it involves is horrible for Jem but somehow things seem to work themselves out. It is in the middle of this solving the problems that ends the book. I have not read/listened to the second half of this story yet. I feel the narration by Michael Ferraiuolo made the characters visible. His portrayal of Jem is perfect and then his ability to completely change into Cador and others smoothly made me feel like it were actually different people talking.

So Exciting, Excellent Performance by Ferraiuolo!

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