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!

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.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

2 people found this helpful

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.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!