Enjoyable listen

This was an enjoyable listen, and I look forward to the next one in the series.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

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.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Ends in a cliffhanger

There were moments I was grinning and laughing like a loon. I adored Jem and his x rated, vivid imagination. He surprised me at every turn; becoming more confident and bolder.

Cador was harsh and mean towards Jem. Did Cador redeem himself? Will their relationship survive Cador’s ultimate betrayal?

Can’t wait to see what happens next. Ends in a cliffhanger so be warned.

Narrator’s performance was fantastic.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Really? "To be continued"

Quite frustrated to find this isn't a complete story. It ends on a cliffhanger....

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

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

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

I couldn't put it down!

Not a subgenre I've read before but this whole story had me hooked and on edge from the start.

The characters are so vivid and unique, the writing so captivating you can't help but empathize with each character's story. I felt for Jem from the start and my heart broke for his fumblings and life so far. I loved Jem and his growth, care and desire to help. I loved his developing fierceness and can't wait for more!!!

Michael is fantastic as even and breathes new life and nuisance into the story. Each character having their own voice just adds the the exceptional performance!!

I loved it!! Highly recommended adventure.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

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!

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Great Story & Narration🎧 A Fascinating Adventure!

I devoured this book, the story grabbed my attention right from the start and captivated it straight to the end. Keira Andrews is a gifted author, and I loved everything about this story, from her wonderful writing style to the characters and storylines she created to the perfectly cast narrator who brings it all to life from the pages to your ears. Andrews takes us to the Kingdom of Neuvella where the King and Queen are hosting visitors from Ergh, the land of the Barbarians, which is north of them. Jem, the son of the King and Queen, has lived a sheltered life, a life of luxury, he lives in his books and is a bit of a dreamer, so when his parent tell him they arranged a marriage for him for the good of the kingdom it shocked him that was to a Barbaria from Ergh. He may have fantasized about the smoking hot barbarians but his dream never including marrying one or moving to their land in the north. But he has no say or choice in the matter and in a whirlwind he is married off and sails off to an unknown land. Caldor, a brute of a barbarian, is on a mission, married in name only, but he vowed to protect Jem, who in his eyes is a fragile and spoiled. But it turns out that Caldor is not as much of a brute as he appears and Jem is not as incapable as he seems either. My heart went out to Jem, he left not only his family but the only life he has known and thrown into a whole new world and not a good one. But he never complained, he just went with even though he was out of his comfort zone. I loved watching these two fall for each other, I thought they were great together and for each other. But Caldor has plans and one of them did not include him falling for Jem. This is a fabulous enemies to lovers, fantasy, romance novel, it is a cleverly plotted with plenty of drama, angst, heartfelt emotions, and a steamy romance. Keira Andrews, thank you for this amazing adventure and the wild emotional rollercoaster ride.

🎧📚🎧 And for the fabulous narration, Kiera Andrews cast the perfect narrator to bring her characters and story to life. Michael Ferraiuolo is a wonderfully talented narrator and a versatile voice artist, his character voices are amazing, he give each their own distinct voice, one that fits their persona perfectly, and is believable in every role he plays. He sets the perfect tone for the story, captures all the characters’ emotions and projects them into his performance and has you feeling every single one. Michael Ferraiuolo is an entertaining storyteller and a pleasure to listen to. Thank you for another exceptional listen.

You voted on this review!

You reported this 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.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful

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.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!