She never thought to find love. He never thought to keep it.
Sold to whoremasters by her own husband, Tysha flees into the night with pursuers hot on her trail. For once in her life, the gods show mercy and deliver her to Erik the Tempered, a man as wild as he is noble. With him, Tysha’s long-dormant heart awakens, helplessly drawn to the quiet, enigmatic man who seems content to keep his … seems content to keep his distance.
Obligated to choose a bride for himself, Erik has spent weeks in half-hearted pursuit of a woman. Any woman will do, so long as he can easily say goodbye. However, fate brings him an unexpected bride, as nervous as she is lovely. With each passing day, Erik realizes his timid bride conceals the heart of a lion and finds it harder to turn from her sweet touch and haunting green eyes. But loving her comes with a great price: his family, his home, his purpose.
Soon Erik and Tysha will discover both the reward and cost of unconditional love.
The second in a sweeping new fantasy romance series. If you liked the world of Game of Thrones and the savagery of Conan the Barbarian, you’ll love Denali Day’s epic new series.
Buy Erik the Tempered to embark on your fantasy today!
Author’s Note: This is not a shifter romance. The Dokiri men are savage enough in their manly forms. That being said, this book features a mild heat level. Enjoy the smoke but don’t expect to get singed.
Trigger warning: This novel plays on the trope of abduction. While Dokiri men won’t let anything keep them from the woman they love, even that woman herself, all love scenes between the hero and heroine are consensual.
more
Clever and imaginative! Great, multi-faceted characters. Very interesting plot. Vivid descriptions. Kept me intrigued from the first page to the last. Simply a GREAT read!
*I received a complimentary ARC of this book in order to read and provide a voluntary, unbiased and honest review, should I choose to do so.
Fantastic fantasy romance, Omggggggg! Loved the heck out of the heroine!
If you liked Hollen’s story, you will LOVE Erik’s. In this installment Denali dives deeper into the world of na Dokiri. We learn of sister tribes and the mounting threat to the mountain. Not to mention the amazing love story! The dynamic between Erik and Tysha was one I wanted since I began reading his series, but didn’t know how Denali might accomplish it. Having a bride want to be a hamma, but her hamu doesn’t necessarily feel the same way. I was on the edge of my seat while Denali eloquently unfurled each character. This book will not disappoint!
Wow! An epic adventure full of fantasy and magical creatures, hot heroes, a feisty cracked not broken heroine, a clan, evil creatures, and a love for all times! Desperate, running for her life, she stubbles into an unbelievable adventure, if she survives, she may find a new beginning, a home and a family! To be accepted, to be happy, to find love, a family, she didn’t dare to hope any it this could happen to her! The characters are awesome, their lives and emotions overwhelm as you are swept up in this powerful story! Loved it, read it through the night, forget sleep, couldn’t put it down! I honestly didn’t think I would like this book, boy was I wrong, it was exceptional! I really, really, really, loved it!
In this book we focus on Erik, the brother of Hollen who was the main character in the first book of this series. He is a silent and thoughtful man and finds himself with a bride when he gets injured while protecting her. Tysha is timid but a very hardworking and strong woman. Her self-esteem has been beaten down by her husband, who because of a debt sells her to a brothel. I loved that she fought back and saved herself from that horrible place. Erik was at the right place at the right time and got injured while he was trying to protect her from a pack of wolves.
Tysha was very courageous and even though she came across as an obedient wife, she still had that fire inside of her that needed to be sparked. She was able to find herself in the right environment where she could blossom and figure out what she really wanted in life. Erik was a great partner and even though he distanced himself from her because of a secret that was haunting him, he still was very patient and sweet with her. They were just perfect for each other, and I loved seeing Tysha grow so much in this book. She overcame so many hardships and at the end became a fearless warrior. This book was romantic, action-packed, and emotional at times. I already look forward to the next book in this series.
4 1/2 “Goddess” Stars!
Wow! Just when I thought I had the direction of this series all figured out, Ms. Day thew me for a big ol loop! This was the best kind of book surprise. So very clever. It has open this world up to endless possibilities! I really want to say how, but no spoilers from me!!
Both Erik and Tysha were dealing with some very serious self worth issues. I just wanted to both give them a big hug and slap them up side the head at the same time. Admittedly at times I was very frustrated. Especially with Tysha, but all the frustration was completely worth it in the end. Things have a way of coming around. Plus I absolutely loved them both.
This book captured my attention from the very start and never let go. It was heartbreaking, sweet, angsty, sensual, and overall triumphant. If you enjoy Fantasy romance, I highly recommend this series. I just marked my calendar for the next book in the series. I cannot wait to see what will happen on the mountain. Plus grumpy Ivan! Yes, please! Happy reading!
*ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review.
The writing and editing in the ARC version of the manuscript was clean and lyrical, with no typos that I found and beautifully constructed sentences. The world building in this novel was even better than that in the first novel in this series, with the mountains, under dwellers, and other Dokiri tribes coming to vivid life. The characterization was excellent, with both hero and heroine being complex, sympathetic individuals with strengths and weaknesses. The development of the romantic relationship between the hero and heroine was better in this second novel than the first, with simmering attraction and sexual tension sizzling away in the background, even though there were no on-page sexy times. The tension between these two characters made their romance much more satisfying for this reader. The plot and pacing were exciting and quick, meaning I flew through reading this novel. There was little angst and very high stakes in this novel, which is one of my preferred narrative structures for a romance novel. This novel used the Accidental Bride trope. The world building, plot, and pacing were all five stars in this novel. The characterization and development of the romantic relationship were also five stars in this novel. I gave this novel a combined score of five stars, therefore. This novel was significantly better than the first novel in this series, which was already really good. This novel ends on a Happy Ever After ending instead of a cliffhanger, which is a big plus. I recommend this novel to anyone who enjoys fantasy novels or romance novels. This novel has strong cross-genre appeal, in my opinion. I look forward to reading the next novel in this series when it releases, and I will definitely buy myself a keeper copy of this novel.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This is the type of series that I consider an ensemble series. Each book focuses on a different couple as they go through meeting, trials, and falling in love. The danger in such a series is that each installment can feel like a repeat of the one before if they are too formulaic. It’s such a lovely occurrence when an author can pull off an ensemble series and have each story feel like it is its own. This series it’s consistently well written and each story is new and fresh while basically standing on the same premise of a stolen bride. I love how the relationship between Erik and Tysha progressed. It was such a good read. I can’t wait to see how Ms. Day makes Ivan’s story his own.
one of the best books of the year
I was captivated with the original idea of the Dokiri Brides and with Denali Day’s intriguing writing right from the first short prequel which I read, the first book left me wanting to read more and this, the 2nd book though different to the first is just as mesmerising. Erik the Tempered, was a good and noble man who was in the lowlands seeking a bride, as was the way of the Na Dokiri who dwelt on the mountain, serving as sentinels against the evil which would have taken over the lowlands. Tysha was a young woman, beaten and abused by her older drunk of a husband who was about to sell her into a whorehouse to pay for his gambling debts. She fled the horror of the whorehouse in shame not knowing where she fled to, but upon being pursued by a pack of wolves ends up being saved by Erik, and he in turn left unconscious and badly hurt. She straps him onto his gegatu, and flies with him to his home never once thinking of the danger she was in or the strange place she was going to, but putting this stranger’s life first, in recognition of him saving her own threatened life. No unclaimed lowlander had ever been on the mountain in Bedmeg so Erik was forced to claim her, the one they had called she-devil, but after doing so he never looked back. Tysha who had never once had anyone respect her or love her was so broken, and had such little self confidence and self respect she could never believe that a man who appeared like a God in her eyes could ever want her. She desperately wanted to belong, her one wish had always been to have a family, a home and love but in her self denigration she was sure she would lose all that Erik and Bedmeg had become for her. Whilst Erik had a secret which was eating him from the inside out and feared that if anyone found out his secret he would be shunned by all. Turns out Tysha was stronger than she gave herself credit for and that she not only deserved Erik’s love but the respect of all of Bedmeg thus changing their fate forever, through her courageous actions. I cannot express strongly enough how much I enjoyed reading this book, so much so that I once again read it in one sitting, and now regret that it came to the end. I am dying to read book 3 but unfortunately have to wait a bit before this book is published. This author’s writing has captured my imagination and my heart through her portrayal of life in Bedmeg, the beautiful, strong and noble barbaric Na Dokiri men and their highly revered brides and now that evil is threatening their home these proud hunters have to change their attitudes if they are to survive, can they be men enough to do this?
I really enjoyed Erik and Tysha’s story. Two very strong people came together. Courage is what saved the day. I like that the stories are couple based but that there’s a underlying threat that has to be stopped. There was actin and adventure. I loved it.
I received an ARC and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
A beautiful story of healing
When I started this book I hadn’t expected it to be so dang emotional. Of course after reading Hollen the Soulless maybe that was a silly expectation. This book is amazing. The characters are so interesting and engaging that they just pull you into their story. I think what makes me love this book so much is the way Tysha and Erik grow together. Through Each other they become stronger and overcome crippling emotional issues. Tysha is just utterly amazing in her strength and will to protect those she loves. She literally sacrifices everything,even sanity, to rescue Erik. (And that’s all I’m saying before I spoil something)
These books just keep getting better and better. Can’t wait for the next one!
I received this as an ARC, and am so glad for it! Thank you so much for allowing me to read and review Erik the Tempered. I adored this story from the first page. Both the heroine and hero are strong, compassionate and well written.
If there is was something that was rough, it would be the Dokiri language thrown in periodically. I always found myself caught up on what a word meant and it drew me from the story for a second. However, I also loved that it was there.
The on page tension is great between Erik and Tysha. I did not read the first installment in this series, but I am going to go back and read it, along with the rest of this series when they’re released!
Thank you again for the ARC and an introduction to a wonderful author.
Erik the Tempered is the second book in the Dokiri Brides series by Denali Day. Erik is the second brother and second in command to Hollen who is the eldest brother and chieftain to the Bedmeg clan. It is Erik’s turn to find a bride among the lowlanders. One finds him instead! Tysha is running away from a horrible future. Her husband wants to indenture her to the whoremaster to pay his gambling debts. She ends up running into Erik while being chased by men and wolves. Erik, though, doesn’t want a bride. What is stopping him from finding love? This story is exciting and more fast-paced than Book 1. It also has many unexpected twists and turns. The ending is satisfying, but also leaves plenty of loose ends. I can’t wait to read Ivan’s story!
Here’s my favorite non-spoiler quote:
“To have the one thing I want most dangled in front of me.” Her voice cracked. “Even when I can’t see it, I feel it—its mark upon the earth drawing me like the force that draws the sun across the sky.”
I received an ARC. This is my honest and voluntary review.
(Mostly spoiler-free)
If you haven’t read the first two books in the Dokiri Brides series check them out first! (Sven the Collector and Hollen the Soulless).
For readers of Hollen the Soulless who didn’t like the wait on the romance, you’ll love Erik and Tysha.
If I have anything to say about Erik the Tempered, it’s that I felt like this book blew the over-arching plot wide open! So many great things happen outside of the romance that added to the world and made me excited for what happens next.
The romance itself was sweet and it was cool to see another way that the Dokiri men come to claim their brides. Erik and Tysha were delightful and sweet (if you happened to have read Hollen) you’ll see that these characters are much faster to the romance).
It’s also awesome to have a strong female character who is written where strong isn’t equated to badass at fighting. Her internal strength is completely present, to the reader and least, and it’s awesome to watch her discover it!
That being said we still get to see some of Hollen/Joselyn and where they are now as well as some other favorites. Lavinia, Rosemary, Ivan, Magnus and Sigvard. (I know I’m not alone with my love of Sigvard! Your heart only goes out to him more in this installment.)
The villain was brilliantly creepy, and the concept intriguing. I can’t wait to see more of them. There are definitely more veligiri (evil beneath the mountain) and gegatu (the wvyerns) present in this arc of the story, so if you missed that from Hollen, Erik definitely will not disappoint! 🙂
Excited for the next book! (Ivan the Bold)
After reading book 1, I was really anticipating this book. It did not disappoint. I just felt like there’s a strength and selflessness to Tysha’s character. I also liked Erik’s character and just the whole secret that he’s been hiding the whole time. I love them as a couple, even as Erik tried to fight her off, but Tysha’s strength was still unbending. The climax was exceptionally good. I love the simplicity of the Dokiri men and way of life. Loved this whole world then. Love this world still.UGHHHH…now I have to wait a while for the next book.
I love the Dokiri and their brides. The world Denali Day has created is interesting, at times brutal, at times kind and caring, but always just a subtle amount of steam. Eric rescues a woman from a pack of wolves and angry men and she ends up saving his life. Tysha is running from her abusive husband that just tried to sell her to a whorehouse to pay off his gambling debts, when Eric comes to her rescue and is wounded. She gets him on his gegatu, climbs on, and hope it knows the way home. Once there, Eric recovers and to protect Tysha, he claims her, but he has a secret that is keeping him from feeling anything for her. The storyline is so compelling and really a surprise I didn’t see coming. Eric and Tysha are well written, have great chemistry, both have their secrets that come to light. Page turner from start to finish, another great read. Can’t wait for the next brothers story.
I received an ARC and this is my honest review.
Khal Drogo meets the Vikings is back – and this time it’s Hollen’s brother in the limelight!u2063
Tysha lives in an abhorrent marriage with little relief in sight. Erik is obliged to have a bride but having one will cost him everything he has. And the enemies from inside the mountain are closing in again…u2063
u2063
Favourite character: Erik – and his broad bare chest – flying a dragon. Life goals, people!
u2063
To whom: To lovers of Throne of Glass, the Vikings, hot dragon-flying men (keep them coming!), and fantasy. Loved Hollen the Soulless – I can’t believe I’m saying this but I loved this even more!!u2063
u2063
Additional notes: u2063 By sweet baby dragons I loved this book! Got the ARC – will be buying the paperback! Bookdragons, add this on your TBR now!u2063 u2063You need this in your life!
This is my first book by Denali Day and I liked it. I love alpha males who are very protective of her women and this story doesn’t disappoint.
Erik and their brothers aren’s usual men. They belong to an ancient an unusual tribe that live with different rules and laws regarding honor, love, family and life. Tysha is a young girl that hasn’t had luck with love, actually she’s fleeing from her evil husband and jumps into Erik somehow saving his life.
Erik is a warrior, he’s brave, honorable, strong and posessive like his brothers. And althouh in the beginning we see that Tysha is shy and weak. She show she’s ready to fight for what’s worth.
Erik and Tysha paths join under dangerous cirmcustances and from there, their lives change forever. Both are forced to marry and without being aware, they’ll will find that the other is what they were looking for. However isn’t easy since both of them hide secrets.
I liked the way both Erik and Tysha are finding out more about each other and how their feelings are growing. It’s interesting to read about Erik’s brothers, Hollen, Ivan,… and the weird laws of their clan. How they first marry a woman and lately they have to make an effort to woo her. That’s been fun to read.
This review is for the audiobook. This series just gets better! It would be easy for a series like this to not have strong female characters given the way the bride’s are found. On the contrary, from the very beginning Tysha’s inner strength shines through the muck of her life. In spite of being continuously pummeled her spirit finds wings in this story of evolving strength that takes the story in unexpected and exciting directions! Erik’s journey is very different from Hollen’s. He carries the burden of a terrible secret and is resigned to never find happiness. I thoroughly enjoyed the places this story goes to explore the bonds of family and clan. We also find out more about the insidious evil underneath the mountain. Definitely recommend this series!
Shane East is the sole narrator of this story and brings his A game to every character! He switches flawlessly between characters and brings strong emotion and beautiful performances to all aspects of the story. Loved every moment and I’m looking forward to the next story!