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Mending the Rift #1
King's Conquest
This edition no longer available.
In a world where two kingdoms are constantly at war, Prince Rinin, heir to the throne of Kari Kingdom, has been demanded as a war conquest by King Merinej of Jede. The choice is simple: the prince will travel to his enemy's kingdom and share the king’s bed, or else the war continues. But Rin will not lower himself to be a whore, so he demands a contract requiring the king to be faithful. In return, the prince will risk his life by giving the king a child.
Where Rin expected nothing more than a business arrangement, he receives affection, yet the more surprising realization is the willingness of his own heart to return the same. But even his king cannot save Rin from those who wish him harm, and their joining might be over before it can fully bloom.
In a world where two kingdoms are constantly at war, Prince Rinin, heir to the throne of Kari Kingdom, has been demanded as a war conquest by King Merinej of Jede. The choice is simple: the prince will travel to his enemy's kingdom and share the king’s bed, or else the war continues. But Rin will not lower himself to be a whore, so he demands a contract requiring the king to be faithful. In return, the prince will risk his life by giving the king a child.
Where Rin expected nothing more than a business arrangement, he receives affection, yet the more surprising realization is the willingness of his own heart to return the same. But even his king cannot save Rin from those who wish him harm, and their joining might be over before it can fully bloom.
96 pages, ebook
First published January 21, 2012
About the author
Valentina Heart
24 books302 followersI would say that I am first a reader and then a writer. My fascination with books goes way back into the past when I didn't even know I could read something that wasn't given to me in school. Writing came later. First when I tried writing down the plots of the movies I found overwhelming and later in the form of a very dark blog that connected me with people I still consider very good friends.
When in reading I always reached for happy ending romances that helped me deal with the bad side of the world, while in my short stories characters died and their life usually reflected the reality that surrounded mine.
In time, vampires and shifters took the place of knights in shiny armors and I still searched for that happy ending . But with the years also came that wish for something edgier.
My current reading habits take me daily into the world of men, where kink is preferable and angst the realistic side of life in my dose of fiction. It was only natural that my fingers followed my thoughts and I came to a point where men only ogled men and women became side characters.
Somehow out of love for reading a writer was born. I won't say that the handsome men walking through my imagination have everything a reader might want. They are usually troubled, lost and insecure, but as they slowly stroll through my worlds, they eventually find their happy ending.
When in reading I always reached for happy ending romances that helped me deal with the bad side of the world, while in my short stories characters died and their life usually reflected the reality that surrounded mine.
In time, vampires and shifters took the place of knights in shiny armors and I still searched for that happy ending . But with the years also came that wish for something edgier.
My current reading habits take me daily into the world of men, where kink is preferable and angst the realistic side of life in my dose of fiction. It was only natural that my fingers followed my thoughts and I came to a point where men only ogled men and women became side characters.
Somehow out of love for reading a writer was born. I won't say that the handsome men walking through my imagination have everything a reader might want. They are usually troubled, lost and insecure, but as they slowly stroll through my worlds, they eventually find their happy ending.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 129 reviews
January 31, 2012
I've been thinking on my review for about a week now and still have no idea how to express how much I enjoyed this book. All I can really say is that for such a short story, it sure packs a lot of punch!
Prince Rinin (Rin), of the Kingdom Kari, is left with a very important decision after his father, the King, dies - become the neighboring King's uralain, or whore, or go to war. Rin may be uneducated and naive but he has enough dignity to make his own demands. As such, he demands King Merinej (Merin) Erassa, of the Kingdom Jede, to sign a wedding contract which will make Rin the only person Merin can sleep with. Merin's eager to sign the contract, especially after hearing that Rin can give him an heir. Neither men thought their marriage was anything but convenience so when they both start developing feelings for each other, it comes as a pleasant shock. While their fledgling relationship is progressing, they have to deal with more things than just their feelings. There's conflict among their lives, though, with Rin being in an unknown society with people who are generally not accepting of him, Rin being uneducated and clueless on what his duties are and how to control his unknown powers, as well as having a stalker constantly trying to kill Rin, which creates possibly more problems than they can stand.
There are multiple reasons I loved this book. For one I absolutely adore arranged marriages. There's just something about the fact that two people who are enemies grow to love each other that just warms my heart. Aside from that, I loved these characters. Rin was raised with having learned nothing. He knows not what his duties are or what he's supposed to do. He's cute, young, small and naive and it was hard for me not to fall in love with him especially with his innocent acts and expressions. Merin is just the opposite of Rin. He's experienced, a warrior and can be cold when he needs to. He's a perfect king. I loved the connection between these two. I felt like I could feel it. It was intense, sweet and touching.
While the story is short, enough happens that it didn't feel so short to me. Rin and Merin go through a lot and learn a lot about each other and the ways of their people. They have to deal with the fact that, while they just met and have these intense feelings for each other, their relationship could possibly be severed before it actually grows because of a jealous stalker who believes Merin is his and Rin doesn't deserve him. On top of that, Merin learns of the complications that could happen from Rin having his heirs and it puts a whole new perspective on what's most important to them. To say I enjoyed it all would be an understatement!
In the end, I really did love the story. I thought it was a great start to a new series. The characters are charming and lovable, the plot is just suspense enough to have you dying to read more which made this book really great, in my opinion. Definitely looking forward to reading more about this world and Rin and Merin!
Prince Rinin (Rin), of the Kingdom Kari, is left with a very important decision after his father, the King, dies - become the neighboring King's uralain, or whore, or go to war. Rin may be uneducated and naive but he has enough dignity to make his own demands. As such, he demands King Merinej (Merin) Erassa, of the Kingdom Jede, to sign a wedding contract which will make Rin the only person Merin can sleep with. Merin's eager to sign the contract, especially after hearing that Rin can give him an heir. Neither men thought their marriage was anything but convenience so when they both start developing feelings for each other, it comes as a pleasant shock. While their fledgling relationship is progressing, they have to deal with more things than just their feelings. There's conflict among their lives, though, with Rin being in an unknown society with people who are generally not accepting of him, Rin being uneducated and clueless on what his duties are and how to control his unknown powers, as well as having a stalker constantly trying to kill Rin, which creates possibly more problems than they can stand.
There are multiple reasons I loved this book. For one I absolutely adore arranged marriages. There's just something about the fact that two people who are enemies grow to love each other that just warms my heart. Aside from that, I loved these characters. Rin was raised with having learned nothing. He knows not what his duties are or what he's supposed to do. He's cute, young, small and naive and it was hard for me not to fall in love with him especially with his innocent acts and expressions. Merin is just the opposite of Rin. He's experienced, a warrior and can be cold when he needs to. He's a perfect king. I loved the connection between these two. I felt like I could feel it. It was intense, sweet and touching.
While the story is short, enough happens that it didn't feel so short to me. Rin and Merin go through a lot and learn a lot about each other and the ways of their people. They have to deal with the fact that, while they just met and have these intense feelings for each other, their relationship could possibly be severed before it actually grows because of a jealous stalker who believes Merin is his and Rin doesn't deserve him. On top of that, Merin learns of the complications that could happen from Rin having his heirs and it puts a whole new perspective on what's most important to them. To say I enjoyed it all would be an understatement!
In the end, I really did love the story. I thought it was a great start to a new series. The characters are charming and lovable, the plot is just suspense enough to have you dying to read more which made this book really great, in my opinion. Definitely looking forward to reading more about this world and Rin and Merin!
June 2, 2012
Heather C and susan65 made me read this with them. Just FYI
I liked the start okay but some parts seeme longer than needed. I didn't like that he didn't even see the king until like 27% they didn't talk until around 30% that's a big chunk of the short story.
Then things like the palace and character descriptions are too detailed for my tastes.
Roughly 30% to 58% is sex. Starts with talking while stripping to talking about sex to sex. Then that long scene ends immediately followed by another sex scene. Guess we're not wasting time on a plot here.
Yay ends at 97%. Overall some interesting stuff happened last half but it was all rushed and not enough to save the overall book IMO
This was like really flowery and descriptive followed by a lot of sex or remembering sex they've been having while falling instantly in love. Really the characters aren't developed at all except for the numerous physical descriptions.
The pregnancy doesn't happen till last pages and you see nothing about that and it's not explained why babies all come out needing magical healing.
Should add that the writing quality was excellent and the only reason I finished was because its good writing.
I liked the start okay but some parts seeme longer than needed. I didn't like that he didn't even see the king until like 27% they didn't talk until around 30% that's a big chunk of the short story.
Then things like the palace and character descriptions are too detailed for my tastes.
Roughly 30% to 58% is sex. Starts with talking while stripping to talking about sex to sex. Then that long scene ends immediately followed by another sex scene. Guess we're not wasting time on a plot here.
Yay ends at 97%. Overall some interesting stuff happened last half but it was all rushed and not enough to save the overall book IMO
This was like really flowery and descriptive followed by a lot of sex or remembering sex they've been having while falling instantly in love. Really the characters aren't developed at all except for the numerous physical descriptions.
The pregnancy doesn't happen till last pages and you see nothing about that and it's not explained why babies all come out needing magical healing.
Should add that the writing quality was excellent and the only reason I finished was because its good writing.
June 2, 2012
This story wasn't for me at all and if I wasn't reading it for a challenge I would have stopped reading it very early on. The MCs didn't even meet until well after 25% and there was absolutely zero chemistry between them. The whole point seemed to be getting the MC pregnant so he could
What world building it had left me all confused and I had no idea what the big difference between a Jede and a Kari was. Plus, the dialect seemed very inconsistent for this type of historical/alternate reality or whatever genre this was supposed to be. Then, there seemed to be some kind of magic, but that was hardly explained other than wind or fire or something.
Oh!
The only part the I was even remotely interested in was the mpreg parts. I thought that was unique and I'm only slightly curious about what happens after the huge cliffhanger ending...but not enough to read the next book.
What world building it had left me all confused and I had no idea what the big difference between a Jede and a Kari was. Plus, the dialect seemed very inconsistent for this type of historical/alternate reality or whatever genre this was supposed to be. Then, there seemed to be some kind of magic, but that was hardly explained other than wind or fire or something.
Oh!
The only part the I was even remotely interested in was the mpreg parts. I thought that was unique and I'm only slightly curious about what happens after the huge cliffhanger ending...but not enough to read the next book.
June 2, 2012
My first foray into mpreg and I survived. It was strange at first but it was different enough that I could really enjoy it without worrying over the actual mechanics.
Rin, the Prince, and Merin, the King were both amazing characters. I could easily relate to them both and I honestly liked them. I wanted to know more about the mystery man who had it out for Rin but c'est la vie.
I am unsure how I feel about the ending. I think I was so worried about how it would end for Rin that I was a bit disappointed that it was so open-ended. I can't wait for book two because I really want to know if the HFN can really turn into a HEA.
Rin, the Prince, and Merin, the King were both amazing characters. I could easily relate to them both and I honestly liked them. I wanted to know more about the mystery man who had it out for Rin but c'est la vie.
I am unsure how I feel about the ending. I think I was so worried about how it would end for Rin that I was a bit disappointed that it was so open-ended. I can't wait for book two because I really want to know if the HFN can really turn into a HEA.
July 7, 2019
In addition to the amazing cover, Conquest is a roller coaster ride to read. Rin is a prince of a warring kingdom, but his father, the king, has had definite ideas of what Rin can and can't do. Mainly, he isn't allowed to do much of anything. He is a prince in name only, and has no real idea of the workings of the politics of the kingdom. When the king dies, and Rin is demanded as a war prize to be uralain for King Merin, from the enemy kingdom, Rin has no idea of what this entails. Har, chief advisor, is no more forthcoming as to what will occur. Rin demands (show of backbone, yes!) a marriage contract with Merin. He will not be a whore, vulnerable to being sold or dispensed with once Merin has tired of him.
For his part, Merin agrees to the marriage contract. His plan for Rin is to have a child who will unite the two kingdoms, ensuring peace at last. There are differences in the kingdoms that make it difficult for both men. Rin is uneducated not only in the workings of politics, but sex as well. He comes to Merin a virgin with little idea of how things work (Har promises him a book to show him, but doesn't provide it, poor Rin!).
Add in a stalker who wants Merin for his own and the growing emotional connection between Merin and Rin which are colored by the idea that Merin only wants Rin for the child (a childbirth process during which most men die) and you end up with a fantasy story to keep you reading.
NOW, I want the sequel.
For his part, Merin agrees to the marriage contract. His plan for Rin is to have a child who will unite the two kingdoms, ensuring peace at last. There are differences in the kingdoms that make it difficult for both men. Rin is uneducated not only in the workings of politics, but sex as well. He comes to Merin a virgin with little idea of how things work (Har promises him a book to show him, but doesn't provide it, poor Rin!).
Add in a stalker who wants Merin for his own and the growing emotional connection between Merin and Rin which are colored by the idea that Merin only wants Rin for the child (a childbirth process during which most men die) and you end up with a fantasy story to keep you reading.
NOW, I want the sequel.
February 9, 2012
Oh this was so much fun and came complete with a shadowy villian trying to kill our hero Prine Rin. I loved Rin, so sweet and inoocent but plucky and smart. And the king, so in love, so alpha. I am ready for the the sequel. Now.
February 10, 2012
2,5
Prince:
So far looks too easy and has flaws in logic. You are supposed to become a prize for an enemy king, a part of his harem. And you request marriage and fidelity? He never met him, he has no idea how sex between two men even work and the best idea he got is to make sure he has plenty of sex which he might hate? If he felt so strongly about making conditions, why not make a condition of no sex or a higher position than one of the toys in harem and live his life peacefully? Is there no other way to secure his honor, place or whatever? No he decides it's either marriage and fidelity or no truce. Lets get thousands/hundreds people killed just for my honor - forbid anyone sees our prince as a whore. His image is way more important than his kingdom. I just realized that I don't like this character. He is selfish and without honor or sense of duty, responsibility.
Later on, he is angry and disappointed because king, after telling him that the main reason he agreed to this marriage was an heir, tries to impregnate him. How dares he to not fall madly in love with our prince after having sex for the first time?! It's an arranged/forced marriage and it's ok to want for your husband to care and love you, but you cannot be angry if he doesn't on the first day of meeting you! It's normal, you just met, you don't know each other. Get over yourself! Now he seems to me like stupid, whiny, selfish, egocentric b*tch. Will see how it goes later. I actually had to stop reading and turn on my computer to write this paragraph immediately it bugged me so much :D.
King:
And why a king who is winning, who is stronger agrees to get married to some prince instead of taking him as a prize? I completely don't get this. Prince is supposed to be a conquest, a prize. The point is to humiliate and show ones power. And instead he marries him. There was a "logical reason" about wanting a child so much and the prince promised one (which is very dangerous for the "mother"). But he is a king of a powerful kingdom, surely there has to be women/men prepared for the risk for the chance to be his partner? Can't he really choose from many on his own terms?
Plot:
Furthermore, plot flows way too easy. Once conditions are met it's all cozy, nice and no problems. And I am half way in. I doubt there will be any problems. Only some villain trying to kill the prince or something like that. I am just guessing. I hate it when the relationships is flawless, especially an arranged/forced one. It's a crime against logic and reality.
I'm glad it's short or I might not be able to finish. Although if it were longer maybe it would make more sense, could be more developed.
Prince:
So far looks too easy and has flaws in logic. You are supposed to become a prize for an enemy king, a part of his harem. And you request marriage and fidelity? He never met him, he has no idea how sex between two men even work and the best idea he got is to make sure he has plenty of sex which he might hate? If he felt so strongly about making conditions, why not make a condition of no sex or a higher position than one of the toys in harem and live his life peacefully? Is there no other way to secure his honor, place or whatever? No he decides it's either marriage and fidelity or no truce. Lets get thousands/hundreds people killed just for my honor - forbid anyone sees our prince as a whore. His image is way more important than his kingdom. I just realized that I don't like this character. He is selfish and without honor or sense of duty, responsibility.
Later on, he is angry and disappointed because king, after telling him that the main reason he agreed to this marriage was an heir, tries to impregnate him. How dares he to not fall madly in love with our prince after having sex for the first time?! It's an arranged/forced marriage and it's ok to want for your husband to care and love you, but you cannot be angry if he doesn't on the first day of meeting you! It's normal, you just met, you don't know each other. Get over yourself! Now he seems to me like stupid, whiny, selfish, egocentric b*tch. Will see how it goes later. I actually had to stop reading and turn on my computer to write this paragraph immediately it bugged me so much :D.
King:
And why a king who is winning, who is stronger agrees to get married to some prince instead of taking him as a prize? I completely don't get this. Prince is supposed to be a conquest, a prize. The point is to humiliate and show ones power. And instead he marries him. There was a "logical reason" about wanting a child so much and the prince promised one (which is very dangerous for the "mother"). But he is a king of a powerful kingdom, surely there has to be women/men prepared for the risk for the chance to be his partner? Can't he really choose from many on his own terms?
Plot:
Furthermore, plot flows way too easy. Once conditions are met it's all cozy, nice and no problems. And I am half way in. I doubt there will be any problems. Only some villain trying to kill the prince or something like that. I am just guessing. I hate it when the relationships is flawless, especially an arranged/forced one. It's a crime against logic and reality.
I'm glad it's short or I might not be able to finish. Although if it were longer maybe it would make more sense, could be more developed.
June 11, 2018
Reread June 2018
Wow...I didn't remember it being so underdeveloped. This one needed way more. It's very short but a lot going on. ILY's very quick and it leaves you wondering why. It's still somewhat unique.
Originally read August 2017
Very different MM fantasy/historical sci-fi...not sure how to classify it. It was short so not a lot of character development. One of the H's could have been a female if not for his bits and pieces. There wasn't much "maleness" in the way he spoke and acted. But it's an mpreg story so....
I'm interested enough to see what happens next.
Wow...I didn't remember it being so underdeveloped. This one needed way more. It's very short but a lot going on. ILY's very quick and it leaves you wondering why. It's still somewhat unique.
Originally read August 2017
Very different MM fantasy/historical sci-fi...not sure how to classify it. It was short so not a lot of character development. One of the H's could have been a female if not for his bits and pieces. There wasn't much "maleness" in the way he spoke and acted. But it's an mpreg story so....
I'm interested enough to see what happens next.
June 3, 2012
Ooooooooooooh, dubcon/capture fantasy, come to Momma. The best of the best. Write more of this please. Much, much more. :-D
May 4, 2016
To save his kingdom from the stupidity of his father, and the armies of another, Prince Rin has agreed to join with the King of Jeda, Merinej. But he will settle for nothing less than marriage, even if that all but guarantees his death in childbirth. He does not know what to expect from these new people, or this new country, but he comes to hope that there will be some measure freedom from the strict rules and regulations his (not so) dearly departed father bound him with. He never thought to hope for love, though.
For such a short story it wasn’t all that bad. I liked the attempt at world building here, though it did feel like it was trying to pack in way more information than the story needed, or could support, in such few pages. I do love mpreg though, and I found the method of impregnation here a new and unique twist on the usual nonsensical method that is usually touted in these types of stories. I would have loved to have seen the story thru to the birth of the child, though, since a large part of this story is about how the birth of their child is a real danger for Rin. I felt that if you are going to make so much of a fuss about it, it might be good to show us how all of it concludes. But this book is part of a series, so maybe that is just a story for another time.
I had a hard time with the whole ‘jealous lover’ side plot. You meet the bad guy for like three seconds in this story, and not only is he never identified-–except thru a quick and vague ‘he was annoyed at the king’ explanation to Rin-—he was apparently killed off-page, as well. It is not like I am demanding to see the assholes head tumble across the floor, but not doing the whole reveal on page just made the whole plot to kill Rin seem very one-dimensional, and not at all believable. Not to mention the fact that the guards of this castle need to go back and retake Keeping Your Client Alive for More Than a Day 101.
The love story was also a little flat. I think the story spent so much time trying to build the world that it kinda forgot to build up the characters as well. There is a whole lot of insta-love flying around this book. Not only with Rin and Merinej, but everyone at the castle seems to fall instantly in love with Rin as well. He is apparently a foreign, and enemy, prince…and yet he smiles once and all of a sudden all that is forgotten? There’s a bit of time-condensing going on in the story, because of the page length, but I just found the speed at which it all happens is rather too quick for me to believe all the love floating around in the air here.
All that being said, I probably will end up reading the next book in the series because I kinda want to know what happens.
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for Love Bytes. Go there to check out other reviews, author interviews, and all those awesome giveaways. Click below.
For such a short story it wasn’t all that bad. I liked the attempt at world building here, though it did feel like it was trying to pack in way more information than the story needed, or could support, in such few pages. I do love mpreg though, and I found the method of impregnation here a new and unique twist on the usual nonsensical method that is usually touted in these types of stories. I would have loved to have seen the story thru to the birth of the child, though, since a large part of this story is about how the birth of their child is a real danger for Rin. I felt that if you are going to make so much of a fuss about it, it might be good to show us how all of it concludes. But this book is part of a series, so maybe that is just a story for another time.
I had a hard time with the whole ‘jealous lover’ side plot. You meet the bad guy for like three seconds in this story, and not only is he never identified-–except thru a quick and vague ‘he was annoyed at the king’ explanation to Rin-—he was apparently killed off-page, as well. It is not like I am demanding to see the assholes head tumble across the floor, but not doing the whole reveal on page just made the whole plot to kill Rin seem very one-dimensional, and not at all believable. Not to mention the fact that the guards of this castle need to go back and retake Keeping Your Client Alive for More Than a Day 101.
The love story was also a little flat. I think the story spent so much time trying to build the world that it kinda forgot to build up the characters as well. There is a whole lot of insta-love flying around this book. Not only with Rin and Merinej, but everyone at the castle seems to fall instantly in love with Rin as well. He is apparently a foreign, and enemy, prince…and yet he smiles once and all of a sudden all that is forgotten? There’s a bit of time-condensing going on in the story, because of the page length, but I just found the speed at which it all happens is rather too quick for me to believe all the love floating around in the air here.
All that being said, I probably will end up reading the next book in the series because I kinda want to know what happens.
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for Love Bytes. Go there to check out other reviews, author interviews, and all those awesome giveaways. Click below.
October 13, 2012
2nd Read - Oct 13, 2012
My 2nd read before I read the second story. I have to say I am really impressed by Rin. Even though he was kept so in the dark by his fathr, he showed true strength by insisting on a contract. If he had gone to the King as anything less than a partner, the rift between the two countries would never be healed.
What is annoying is that no one seems able to save Rin from so much suffering. But since I believe it helped to bring him and Merin closer, maybe it ended up being for the greater good also.
1st Read - May 16, 2012
Great read. My only problem is that #2 isn't out yet and I can't wait to find out how they deal with the upcoming birth of their children.
Suspense is killing me :)
Recommended
My 2nd read before I read the second story. I have to say I am really impressed by Rin. Even though he was kept so in the dark by his fathr, he showed true strength by insisting on a contract. If he had gone to the King as anything less than a partner, the rift between the two countries would never be healed.
What is annoying is that no one seems able to save Rin from so much suffering. But since I believe it helped to bring him and Merin closer, maybe it ended up being for the greater good also.
1st Read - May 16, 2012
Great read. My only problem is that #2 isn't out yet and I can't wait to find out how they deal with the upcoming birth of their children.
Suspense is killing me :)
Recommended
January 23, 2012
I don't know why I thought this book would be long, but I was wrong... it was very short and everything happened really fast. Too fast if you ask me. Not that I didn't like it!! I loved it, I just hoped that there would have been more. I was a bit disappointed because we didn't get to see the world at all, as everything happened in the same room. Well maybe we'll get to explore the world next time. I can't wait for the next book(s)!!
March 16, 2021
Gray cells' killer.
April 13, 2012
The male consort can give birth to children and usually there is more than one child. Yes, you read that right. A certain type of man in this world can become pregnant, carry children to term and delivery the babies. Prince Rinin from the kingdom of Kari is part of the surrender terms to the kingdom of Jede. He is to be King Merinej’s uralain. For Rinin, this is worse than death, even though an uralain is one of many concubines and an honour. Rinin considers an uralain nothing more than a whore. He forces King Merinej to sign a wedding contract which includes a promise to produce a child.
I picked this book because I had to read how a man could possibly become pregnant. My mind could not conceive how this could happen. I was pleasantly surprised how Ms. Heart made this a reality. This world she created is a familiar one. Warring countries forces the losing side to submit their royalty into sexual slavery. Two countries are brought together with a possibility of children uniting them. I want to know more about each of the countries. We only see a little bit of the differences. I would have liked to learn more about the magic in this world. Does the magic create the power shifts in this world? I’d like to learn more about it and how they use their magic. Is it only for warfare? Or do they use it for daily chores? The little bit of elemental magic taste only whet my appetite. Just as the story pulled me fully into it, it ended.
The relationship between Rinin and Merinej is classic Ms. Heart. One of the characters is unsure of themselves due to a negative influence in their life. The other character balances out with his self confidence and desire to protect. Rinin’s the gentle one who needs affirmation since his upbringing can be summed up in one word – oppressed. Watching Rinin blossom under Merinej’s love and protection is sweetly romantic. This gentle relationship building is something I look forward to in every Ms. Heart book. The King’s Conquest does not disappoint in sweetness. I recommend this book for the m/m reader who wants a sweet romance blooming from adversity.
November 8, 2013
Really more like 2.75 stars. It was OK, I guess. It moved really, really fast and was a bit dis-jointed. But the ending made me want to find out what happened next so I can't say it was too bad. I bought this because I was stagnating in a similar story. It made me appreciate that other story so much more.
Sooo... yeah.
January 29, 2012
I'm not a fan of mpreg books. Too weird if you ask me. But strangely, here I didn't mind it at all. I really, really liked this book. The whole process of getting a male pregnant was unique. I only wish the book was longer. Hopefully, we won't have to wait long for the sequel.
All in all, a very enjoyable read. 4 stars out of 5.
All in all, a very enjoyable read. 4 stars out of 5.
January 9, 2013
Nothing. This book did nothing for me. I didn't feel a thing. It felt awkward and just weird. It felt like a bunch of things happened but nothing was developed enough to really make sense.
February 6, 2018
3 ⭐️⭐️⭐️ Stars!
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May 8, 2013Aside from being among the Bestsellers in Gay Romance for last year, I was drawn by this series for the m-preg theme. I think someone suggested this to me, and being the first one a novella, I thought, why not? The commitment is not too much if I don’t like it, and if I like, there is always book 2. I read it in one night and bought the second novella the same night.
Valentina Heart doesn’t shy away from the chosen theme, and actually, it’s the main reason why Prince Rinin is able to barter a marriage instead of being a sex slave to King Merinej. Rin is now alone, his kingdom lost the war against Merin’s one, and now the council has decided for him: he will be the pawn to beg mercy. Since he was born, Rin wasn’t fated to be a warrior, too fragile and precious; he was special, a man able to give birth, but that is also coming with the almost certainty of death if he tries. And now he is supposed to be a sex slave to Merin, him that doesn’t have any idea of what sex or even the simple contact with a man means. But for once Rin decides to rebel, and proposes to Merin a marriage: he will bear Merin’s child, a child of two kings, someone destined to be powerful and of perfect lineage. If death will come, for Rin it will be better than a life as a slave.
This is for sure a story that appeals to many, but at the same that is not suitable to all. This is a gay version of the Savage Romance, with many of the clichés of that genre, but also with all its attractiveness. It’s not realistic, it’s not about equality in a relationship, it’s about a strong character in relationship with a more fragile one, but fragility doesn’t mean stupidity. Rin is not stupid, he is naïve; he is the first to admit he was not raised to be a leader, and he doesn’t want to be. But at the same time, he is proud of his ancestry, and wants the respect he deserves.
I strongly suggest to approach these two novellas as a whole, and to read both of them close to each other.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0071MU19U/?...
Valentina Heart doesn’t shy away from the chosen theme, and actually, it’s the main reason why Prince Rinin is able to barter a marriage instead of being a sex slave to King Merinej. Rin is now alone, his kingdom lost the war against Merin’s one, and now the council has decided for him: he will be the pawn to beg mercy. Since he was born, Rin wasn’t fated to be a warrior, too fragile and precious; he was special, a man able to give birth, but that is also coming with the almost certainty of death if he tries. And now he is supposed to be a sex slave to Merin, him that doesn’t have any idea of what sex or even the simple contact with a man means. But for once Rin decides to rebel, and proposes to Merin a marriage: he will bear Merin’s child, a child of two kings, someone destined to be powerful and of perfect lineage. If death will come, for Rin it will be better than a life as a slave.
This is for sure a story that appeals to many, but at the same that is not suitable to all. This is a gay version of the Savage Romance, with many of the clichés of that genre, but also with all its attractiveness. It’s not realistic, it’s not about equality in a relationship, it’s about a strong character in relationship with a more fragile one, but fragility doesn’t mean stupidity. Rin is not stupid, he is naïve; he is the first to admit he was not raised to be a leader, and he doesn’t want to be. But at the same time, he is proud of his ancestry, and wants the respect he deserves.
I strongly suggest to approach these two novellas as a whole, and to read both of them close to each other.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0071MU19U/?...
August 5, 2016
Okay ... before I review this book I should give a little background about myself & my reading habits ... at the moment (2013), nearly 99% of what I am reading is for challenges of some sort ... because of this, I am reading a lot of books that I wouldn't normally read ... I'm doing this to stretch my horizons & I must admit that if I am reading a book that isn't normally on my reading radar, it has to be pretty awesome to overcome my underlying disinterest ... I read this book to satisfy an m-preg requirement & unfortunately it just didn't dazzle me into liking it ... I found the world building too shallow ... I found the romance development too sophomoric & insta-love-ish for satisfaction ... I found the mystery/crime plot just meh ... I love sci-fi/fantasy ... I grew up reading Anne McCaffrey & still read Emily Rodda with alacrity ... because of this I tend have a high expectation for any sci-fi/fantasy I read ... this book didn't deliver the quality reading experience I enjoy ... I don't hate the book & there is nothing really wrong with it ... I just expect a lot more that this book potentially could have delivered but didn't.
February 9, 2012
3.5 stars
King’s Conquest has one of the most unique plots I’ve ever read. Its part arranged marriage theme, part sci-fi/futuristic theme, then add in a male pregnancy and you have the storyline of this novella. Since I love the arranged marriage trope, the blurb drew me in immediately, but it was the amazing world-building that kept me reading.
Valentina Heart has created a very visual and interesting world with the Jede and Kari. It was like reading Dune for the first time and trying to learn all the ins-and-outs of that society. I was fascinated with the universe Ms. Heart had developed. My only niggle was that due to the book being written in first person from Rin’s POV, you are limited to only what he sees and hears. You never get to understand where Merinej is coming from, which was a shame. In my estimation, that and the lack of development of the actual romance between Rin and Merinej — it seemed rushed — and the story fell a full star and half for me.
However, as I was so enraptured with the universe the author created, I will probably be reading book two to see what happens next. So, recommended, with some reservations.
Dark Divas Reviews
King’s Conquest has one of the most unique plots I’ve ever read. Its part arranged marriage theme, part sci-fi/futuristic theme, then add in a male pregnancy and you have the storyline of this novella. Since I love the arranged marriage trope, the blurb drew me in immediately, but it was the amazing world-building that kept me reading.
Valentina Heart has created a very visual and interesting world with the Jede and Kari. It was like reading Dune for the first time and trying to learn all the ins-and-outs of that society. I was fascinated with the universe Ms. Heart had developed. My only niggle was that due to the book being written in first person from Rin’s POV, you are limited to only what he sees and hears. You never get to understand where Merinej is coming from, which was a shame. In my estimation, that and the lack of development of the actual romance between Rin and Merinej — it seemed rushed — and the story fell a full star and half for me.
However, as I was so enraptured with the universe the author created, I will probably be reading book two to see what happens next. So, recommended, with some reservations.
Dark Divas Reviews
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May 5, 2017Overall book rating: 4.5 Stars
Audio book: n/a
Book cover: 3.5 stars
MC1: Prince Rinin
MC2: King Merinej
I Absolutely loved this book!!!!?
Why?
Well let me think..... IT WAS SO FAR OUT OF THE BOX!!!!!!!!!!
I am used to MPREG books in shifter form but let me tell you mpreg in an alternate universe with a bunch of magic wielders and secret markings that gives extraordinary people the ability to carry young WOW!!!
The way this book was done was just amazingly good and so different. I don't want to give away to much because this book is so worth reading.
Magic - yes
interesting - yes
different - yes
emotional - yes
markings - yes
out of the box - oh hell yes
Over the moon kind of love - yes yes and yes
Audio book: n/a
Book cover: 3.5 stars
MC1: Prince Rinin
MC2: King Merinej
I Absolutely loved this book!!!!?
Why?
Well let me think..... IT WAS SO FAR OUT OF THE BOX!!!!!!!!!!
I am used to MPREG books in shifter form but let me tell you mpreg in an alternate universe with a bunch of magic wielders and secret markings that gives extraordinary people the ability to carry young WOW!!!
The way this book was done was just amazingly good and so different. I don't want to give away to much because this book is so worth reading.
Magic - yes
interesting - yes
different - yes
emotional - yes
markings - yes
out of the box - oh hell yes
Over the moon kind of love - yes yes and yes
June 28, 2018
Um...So. I didn't like it. Too short. We don't get to know the characters. The one MC, after a week or so with the other was like ''he doesn't care if i get hurt, he just cares for the baby'' Um yes. He doesn't freaking know you. You can't be hurt that someone you JUST met doesn't love you lol. And the whole loooove thing came out of nowhere. It was a little ridiculous , the whole thing.
July 22, 2018
Great writer.
Like this series.
The whole concept is good.
Another favorite..
Like this series.
The whole concept is good.
Another favorite..
July 28, 2023
3.5/5
April 15, 2018
Lesesnack mit ärgerlichem Beigeschmack.
Besonders das sogenannte "Ende" was keines war vermiest einem dann auch die letzte Freude
Besonders das sogenannte "Ende" was keines war vermiest einem dann auch die letzte Freude
April 24, 2017
The age-old, and in our thinking now somewhat outdated, custom of marrying off a prince to seal a peace treaty with a foreign nation is the starting point of this story. It seems cruel, doesn't take into consideration what the individual wants, and can only lead to unhappiness and heartbreak. Right? Well, I am relieved to say that in this rendition of the story not all ends up as badly as it starts. The fantasy background provides a great setting, and for those who like stories including male pregnancy, this book will be a treat for that reason alone. The fact that both Prince Rinin (the one being married off) and King Merinej (the one doing the conquering) are strong characters makes for a wonderful tale of love found in unexpected places.
Prince Rinin, or Rin for short, enters this agreement thinking he will lose everything, and that includes his life. Nevertheless, he insists he will not be a part of the king's harem nor a slave. I admired him for standing up for himself despite the fact that he is scared to death. His attitude is very much that of a true prince even if he believes he will never rule. He might not even survive childbirth, but he faces his fate with pride and knowing that he did everything he could to preserve his dignity.
King Merinej, or Merin for short, is only seen trough Rin's eyes in this book, but in this case, I think it was a good choice. The mystery of who he is and what he wants is only lifted gradually, and we learn about him at the same pace as Rin. From the very beginning Merin doesn't seem as cruel or imposing as the reports have made him out to be. No wonder; the stories all came from his former enemies, and Rin's people were not likely to admit the king was actually a just man.
If you like fantasy stories in far-away settings, if royal etiquette and male pregnancy fascinate you, and if you enjoy seeing two men come together as true despite the unequal and involuntary way their relationship started, you will probably like this short book. I was certainly fascinated by it and look forward to the sequel.
NOTE: This book was provided by Pride Publishing for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Prince Rinin, or Rin for short, enters this agreement thinking he will lose everything, and that includes his life. Nevertheless, he insists he will not be a part of the king's harem nor a slave. I admired him for standing up for himself despite the fact that he is scared to death. His attitude is very much that of a true prince even if he believes he will never rule. He might not even survive childbirth, but he faces his fate with pride and knowing that he did everything he could to preserve his dignity.
King Merinej, or Merin for short, is only seen trough Rin's eyes in this book, but in this case, I think it was a good choice. The mystery of who he is and what he wants is only lifted gradually, and we learn about him at the same pace as Rin. From the very beginning Merin doesn't seem as cruel or imposing as the reports have made him out to be. No wonder; the stories all came from his former enemies, and Rin's people were not likely to admit the king was actually a just man.
If you like fantasy stories in far-away settings, if royal etiquette and male pregnancy fascinate you, and if you enjoy seeing two men come together as true despite the unequal and involuntary way their relationship started, you will probably like this short book. I was certainly fascinated by it and look forward to the sequel.
NOTE: This book was provided by Pride Publishing for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
November 12, 2012
The King's Conquest by Valentina Heart is a fantasy romance between Prince Rinin of Kari and King Merinej of Jede, two men brought together to seal the peace between countries in a longstanding war. Prince Rinin, as the war prize, must pay for the peace with his body. An arranged marriage between the heirs of two warring nations is the basis of King's Conquest.
Heart creates an alien world where men of a certain lineage can give birth and some can wield magic. There are plots and counter-plots throughout King's Conquest. The story is interesting because of the world building that Heart does. Both Rinin and Merinej are clearly from a different world; Rinin can physically give birth to a child!
The science fiction/fantasy elements of this story add nice color to King's Conquest. Heart speaks in Prince Rin's voice throughout the story. From his perspective, there are glimpses of magic-assisted technologies and alien physiologies. The one shortcoming of this story maybe that Heart tells it through the voice of Prince Rin. What are the motivations on King Merinej? Why is he accepting this marriage arrangement? How does Prince Rin's best friend and cousin, Tyn feel about Rin leaving him behind when he goes to Jede? And what about the villain of the tale, the former harem member plotting against the two men as they try to create a working relationship?
Many questions remain unanswered at the end of King's Conquest. It's the opening chapter in the Mending the Rift series, so the next chapter might address them. Still, King's Conquest is a good start.
Reviewed by Creative Ink Romance Reviews
Review originally appeared on QMO Books
Heart creates an alien world where men of a certain lineage can give birth and some can wield magic. There are plots and counter-plots throughout King's Conquest. The story is interesting because of the world building that Heart does. Both Rinin and Merinej are clearly from a different world; Rinin can physically give birth to a child!
The science fiction/fantasy elements of this story add nice color to King's Conquest. Heart speaks in Prince Rin's voice throughout the story. From his perspective, there are glimpses of magic-assisted technologies and alien physiologies. The one shortcoming of this story maybe that Heart tells it through the voice of Prince Rin. What are the motivations on King Merinej? Why is he accepting this marriage arrangement? How does Prince Rin's best friend and cousin, Tyn feel about Rin leaving him behind when he goes to Jede? And what about the villain of the tale, the former harem member plotting against the two men as they try to create a working relationship?
Many questions remain unanswered at the end of King's Conquest. It's the opening chapter in the Mending the Rift series, so the next chapter might address them. Still, King's Conquest is a good start.
Reviewed by Creative Ink Romance Reviews
Review originally appeared on QMO Books
June 4, 2012
This is totally not my cup of tea. I spent most of the book afraid there would be way too many gory details about the pregnancy/birth. However, I was pleasantly surprised this was not the case.
Rin is sweet and innocent, having been almost completely sheltered by his father for all of his life. Merin is the king who takes Rin as his spouse in order to hopefully gain a child, thereby preventing war and securing peace between their respective kingdoms. Merin is patient with Rin, but they just about fall into instant love and trust which felt very rushed.
There are attacks against Rin, magic plays an important role, though I never completely understood the ramifications of that and the birthing and children/parent survival.
So, all in all, it was a somewhat interesting story, but I think my fear of the mpreg aspect prevented me from really enjoying it, though it was well written.
Rin is sweet and innocent, having been almost completely sheltered by his father for all of his life. Merin is the king who takes Rin as his spouse in order to hopefully gain a child, thereby preventing war and securing peace between their respective kingdoms. Merin is patient with Rin, but they just about fall into instant love and trust which felt very rushed.
There are attacks against Rin, magic plays an important role, though I never completely understood the ramifications of that and the birthing and children/parent survival.
So, all in all, it was a somewhat interesting story, but I think my fear of the mpreg aspect prevented me from really enjoying it, though it was well written.
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January 4, 2015
I don't know if I like this well enough to give it even a 2.5 rating; probably not. I really could have done without the inner voice of the miffed and cast aside lover, but even though I don't feel it helped the book any, it's hardly the only thing I had problems with. Sometimes I enjoy a couple who fawns over each other and is not shy with their endearments, but I have to really be in the mood for it to work for me, and this just didn't do it. It doesn't help that I felt the main character got over his fear of things too quickly in the name of love. Overall it just didn't hit it off for me like I thought it would, although this being a quick read certainly helped.
I'm almost curious enough about the mpreg bit to continue on reading the second book, but I don't think I'm quite curious enough about how it goes for them to actually read it. Too bad, since I actually like mpreg.
I'm almost curious enough about the mpreg bit to continue on reading the second book, but I don't think I'm quite curious enough about how it goes for them to actually read it. Too bad, since I actually like mpreg.
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