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.

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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

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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!

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Enjoyable romp

I enjoyed this story. It was a fun romp through a fantasy world and a good story which didn't get silly. Can't wait to listen to part two.

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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.

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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.

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Really? "To be continued"

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

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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.

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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!

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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!

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