Some might call Princess Anja of Ivermere brave for offering herself up as a bride to Kael the Conqueror, a barbarian warlord who’d won his crown by the bloodied edge of his sword. It was not courage that drove Anja from her magic-wielding family’s enchanted palace, however, but a desperate attempt to secure a kingdom of her own—even if she has to kill the Conqueror to do it. She expects pain … beneath his brutal touch as she awaits her chance. She expects death if he discovers the truth of her intentions.
She didn’t expect Kael to reject her and send her back to Ivermere.
Raised in the ashes of the Dead Lands, Kael fears nothing—certainly not the beautiful sorceress who arrives at his mountain stronghold. But no matter how painful his need for her, Kael has no use for a bride who would only tolerate his kiss. Yet the more of Anja’s secrets he uncovers during their journey to return her home, the more determined he becomes to win the princess’s wary heart.
And Kael the Conqueror has never been defeated…
Author’s Note: The cover has been updated! If you aren’t certain whether you’ve read this before, the Kindle preview includes a copy of the original cover.
Don’t miss all of the titles in the Mail-Order Brides series by Alexa Riley, Ruby Dixon, and Ella Goode!
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I loved the magic system and the fact that while this is a romance, it also has inspiring ideas about the magic of kindness and courage. It gives you a lot of heart without being cheesy, along with great characters, and the type of romantic tension that I really enjoy.
Kael the Conqueror is a barbarian warlord from the Dead Lands that became king by way of his sword. A year later he feels out of place and finds himself with an unexpected mail-ordered bride within his domain.
Princess Anja hails from Ivermere, a magic filled kingdom and, when she finds herself rejected by Kael, will have to return home to a family that doesn’t care for her.
Once again, this author delivers a short story, unpretentious and adventure packed. Great for a fantasy fan looking for a quick read. Ms. Wilde definitely can write shorts in an efficient manner, making them enjoyable and without leaving a mess of loose ends.
The book starts with Kael’s POV- a Warrior that had become king, replacing a bloodthirsty tyrant. He is impatient with his royal duties, constantly horny (He wants his partner to be willing, but as a king he can’t tell if they’re willing or just plain scared, so he ends up with an empty bed), a bear in a cage. A princess arrives- that answered the summons to be his wife – and she immediately announces she is going to kill him. He sets out with her to return her to her home and they fall in love.
The lore and world building is thoughtful and can support far more than this satisfying quick read which I devoured in one evening. I intend to keep on to the rest of the books in the series.
3.5 Stars
I was pleasantly surprised by how good this story was. I expected something way over the top with a quick jump in the sack, etc. Instead, I got two characters who were fully developed and who I truly cared about. Their conversations were where the relationship developed as love grew. I adored all the moments that Kael taught Anja about magic. This was really quite a deep read considering it’s a novella.
This also has some drama and action that kept me engaged. And the steam level is pretty high without consuming the story. I loved the Medieval feel to it all and kind of wish this had been longer and fuller.
It took the majority of the book for this couple to get together. And there was only some real action and adventure briefly at the first of the story and then a bit more near the end. The prose was a bit flowery and excessive in some spots. But the main characters were both delightful, and it was great when they finally got together for real.
I wasn’t sure what I was getting into when I picked up The Midwinter Mail-Order Bride. I knew that I absolutely LOVED the cover but I never read the blurb so I had no idea what was waiting around the cover for me. What I found was a fantastic fantasy world full of barbarians, strong women, monsters and magic.
I fell for the characters in this story. Kael may be a fearsome barbarian but when he loves he does it with all of him. Anja may have embarked on her journey with the intent to kill but love knocks her off balance in the process.
I loved the world building that took place here. It was well developed but didn’t overwhelm the story. I am truly eager to revisit this world again.
I am not one who typically highlights while reading, but Kati Wilde’s prose about magic had me saving tons. I loved her take on magic. Essentially how casting spells for personal gain becomes cruel magic but the purest most powerful magic is love, kindness and courage.
“What is magic but an unseen force that works change upon the world? That is what kindness does.”
“Love and kindness are the most powerful of all magics—and not only for the one who gives, but also for whom the magic is bestowed upon. So love is nothing to dread or fear.”
I found these to be such an interesting take on magic. And can not get these thoughts out of my head. I am such a strong believer in spreading kindness and joy. In making sure to find some joy and kindness every day. For me it is what makes it worth it to wake up and face each day. Looking at it as magic, as “an unseen force that works change upon the world,” takes it to a much grander scale. And was such a valuable take away from this book.
The Midwinter Mail-Order Bride was a slow burn yet passionate fantasy that I couldn’t put down.
I was surprised how much was going on in this book! There’s the great debate of using magic or no, the power of kindness, a bit of gore, an intelligent yet grumpy King, a thoughtful princess, and a very engaging road to what began as an unlikely romance. I thought this was a delightfully quick, sensual read and loved every minute!
Just read this and it was flipping awesome. I love finding a new-to-me author that I love!
I really liked this book. Thought the story was original and entertaining.