To Buy A Wife

The Dark Future #1

by K.C. Klein

On a harsh future Earth where corruption rules and women are few, cold realist Hudson Land must purchase a wife to comply with the Elders' laws and save his farm. Instead of an auction, he witnesses the start of an execution. With his first look at

Lake, a chemist and a rebel fighter, is resigned to her death, but when some back-hill farmer rescues her from the chopping block she has no intention of simply becoming his wife. She's pledged her life to the Rebellion and being bought for some stranger's bed doesn't change a thing, even if his soft caresses are damn distracting.

As lies and secrets build between them, can they trust each other enough to stand against the two warring factions in a world where only the strong survive?

Genres: Romance, Dystopia, Science Fiction, Science Fiction Romance, Post Apocalyptic, Fantasy, Dark

105 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 20, 2015

About the author

KC Klein has lived most of her life with her head in the clouds and her nose buried in a book. She did stop reading long enough to make a home with a real life hero, for over sixteen years. A mother of two children, she spends her time slaying dragons, saving princesses, and championing the belief in the happily-ever-after. An award winning novelist, KC Klein is celebrating her latest release in the Texas Fever series, Hustlin' Texas. KC loves to hear from readers and can be found desperately pounding away on her laptop in yoga pants and leopard slippers or more conveniently at www.kckleinbooks.com. To keep up with exciting book news and special promotions please sign up for her newsletter. http://kckleinbooks.com/newslettersignup

Reviews

[Carrie · Rating 3 out of 5]

To Buy A Wife by K.C. Klein is the first book of the science fiction/dystopian romantic The Dark Future series. The characters and story do continue over into the next book so to best be enjoyed one should start at the beginning and read the series in order.

Set in what is meant to be a futuristic version of Earth women have become property and only supposed to be good for bearing children and being wives. Hudson Land was headed to the auction to buy a wife but arrived late only to find himself arriving when Lake is about to be executed. Before he knows it Lake is his property but he didn't count on having a rebel for a wife.

This story wasn't a bad one although with it being short it really lacked a lot of depth which really showed in the world building. To me it felt a bit more historical really than something that would be happening in the future. Otherwise you have the kind man taking in the woman that is used to much harsher conditions and wrap all that into a rebellion story, interesting start.

For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/

[Metessa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't realize when I started reading this book that it is a novella, a cross between a short story and a novella really, less than 100 pages. Conflicts are revealed and resolved very quickly, perfect for those instant gratification types.

Our literary hottie, Hudson, saves the distrusting protagonist, Lake (yes Lake), from certain death. Will she betray him? There is more than just her loyalty to the rebellion on the line...

The world building leaves a lot to the imagination, it has the feel of a western *ew*. Westerns are not my thing, so I just redirected my imagination a bit. There is fantasy/sci-fi element so that helped run off the cowboys.

There is instant attraction, I mean Lake is stop traffic gorgeous, but believe it or not, no insta-love. Lake (yes Lake) is a bit Mary Sue but not overly annoying; her situation and back story inspire sympathy.

Although I don't know him well enough to swoon, Hudson definitely gets a spot on the book boyfriend shelf. Muscular, easy on the eyes, just, kind but tough... sounds good to me. I'm calling To Buy A Wife "wannabe erotica", it's hasn't quite crossed over into the dark side but it's definitely steamy.

I haven't decided if I will continue the series. To Buy A Wife is an amazon freebie but the the next book is $2.99 and also a novella. I think .99 is plenty for a novella, so I may snub it on principle; apparently I am not that invested.

[Chappy · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this crazy post-apocalyptic Earth, the Elders have taken over control of everything. Religious dogma referred to as "The Path" is cruelly enforced and women are rare commodities to be purchased. Only a very few men get to own a wife and mark her with their name on her back.

Hudson really needs a wife, especially if he is to hold onto his farm. Lake has no choice in the matter but she's determined to get revenge on those who have wronged her.

[SheLove2Read · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the writing style but not the story itself. A few minor editing issues that should be resolved but nothing that took me away from the timeline. I think the author could have done so much more with this if it had only been fleshed out a bit more, and didn't have such a misogynistic feel. I probably won't be reading anything more in this miniseries.

[Celestine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a note to myself that I read this book as part of the Hotter on the Edge anthology. It was an eventual trilogy that ended with Dark Future. Dark and dystopian feel to these books. Very good.

[Timitra · Rating 3 out of 5]

To Buy A Wife

It has potential but it needs proofreading, the misspelled and misused words were distracting and took away from the story. The pacing was also a bit wonky. If those issues are fixed it can definitely be a solid read.

[Willow Brooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a very unique dystopian story. Lake was a beautiful young woman who was on the verge of being beheaded for her part in the rebellion. There were so few women left in the world the author created, that in order to have children men would bid for a wife. Farmers were the ones who could afford the nicer looking and younger women to take to wife. All women were considered property with no rights, however Lake endeavor to change the law and make women equal with men.

The only way a woman could be saved from execution was to beg for mercy to the crowd of onlookers. A man could grant her the mercy by purchasing her and paying an extra fee. The only other way to save a woman headed to execution was for a man to claim she was with child. An extra fee was paid in this case also.

A handsome, sexy farmer by the name Hudson saves Lake's life. You would have to read the book to find out how. This book had some intense moments. Some scenes didn't make sense though, like how the first sex scene was Hudson using his fingers to take Lakes mind off of a horrid situation. The author did a great job telling this scene in vivid detail, yet their first actual consummation was practically nonexistent. Example: He made love to her.

Much of Lake and Hudson's trouble revolve around a formula that a corrupt leaders wanted access to. This leader did not care who he and his men killed to get it. Lake was the only person in the world who knew it, and she kept it hidden where no man could find it. This formula can not only cure human diseases, but in large quantities it can........

The plot had me shaking my head and calling Hudson and Lake a couple of fools every now and then. The ending of this story made me upset, although I understood it was the set up for the next book in the series. I read the sample of the next story and I was still kind of pissed off, so as for right now I'm not reading the second book in the series until I calm down.

I will say that this was not a bad read and it has a lot of possibility. I would have thought the ratings for it would be higher. This was a 3.5 star read for me. The book cover and title, which was the reason why I bought the book, took it up .5 of a star for me.

[Deborah · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this future world women are a rare commodity and while they are bought and sold they're looked after especially during their child bearing years.
The Elders rule this harsh new world and according to their rules to own land you must have a wife which is why Hudson Land, complete with his entire life savings finds himself in town to purchase a wife the problem is he's missed the auction and it's now the beheadings which is where he surprisingly finds his wife to be.
Lake is a rebel and that's something which the Elders won't tolerate which is why she finds herself sentenced to death. Lake had resigned herself to dying and so she has mixed emotions about being bought by Hudson, initially we're not sure about Lake but as the book progresses we discover her past and her motivations.
Now Hudson I just loved he's a fabulous character, Lake is intriguing although at times, early on she annoyed me especially when she was being selfish but as the book progresses we see her grow .
This is a short read at only 94 pages but in those pages we're given a whole new world and a good idea of what life was like, we also get the POV of the two main characters which I like.
This is the first book I've read by this author and I only found it because my friend read it although she was unhappy with the ending and is, I quote "calming down" before she starts the second one, I've already downloaded 'To Keep a Wife' and I'll be starting it as soon as I finish this review.

[Melanie A. · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 STARS

[Rea Nicole ✰ · Rating 4 out of 5]

A man cannot own land without also having a wife. Hudson travels to the town square with every piece of gold to his name in hopes of purchasing a wife before losing his farm. Instead, he finds himself buying a female criminal- one with translucent hair and wonderful curves. Beggers can't be choosers when wives are in short supply.



I found the world these characters live in fascinating--women are commodities as their survival rate as infants has fallen drastically. The rebels are working apart from the main center of the country to end such barbaric practices but most rebels are poor men. One person can be the difference to revive the rebels cause.

Hudson was a very likable character- Alpha Male yet also compassionate towards his chattel wife. He is hardened and calloused after a hard working life and isn't afraid to do what it takes to get what he wants. Lake presents herself as unique yet unaware of how her passions and action affect others. Their dynamic worked well together.

One complaint I have is the cut to black scenes- the chemistry was building and about to crescendo and then....cut to black! We didn't get the goods! I also would have liked this to be longer as I feel there was a lot more story to tell with just this plot line.

Overall a really good read & I will for sure pick up book 2. 4 stars xx

[SBee Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

★ Family, honor, a possible future, the prevailing old ways ★

—>>> Hudson Land gives a good portion of his fortune to purchase a wife, sold the very moment he had set eyes on her on the executioner’s chopping block. But this woman is much more than just a pretty face. Her name is Lake, a woman on a dual mission, and nothing is going to stop her when she has already made up her mind, not even Hudson’s intent to make her his wife in all ways. Intriguing first installment into this Dark Future series!

[Monique · Rating 5 out of 5]

TO BUY A WIFE is set in the near future where wives, as the title implies are bought; women are a rare commodity. Lake, a revolutionary, is just about to be executed, when Hudson notices. He needs a wife, otherwise he will lose his precious land. He says she’s bearing his child, and even for that regardless of the crime, a woman cannot be executed. Lake is a very independent woman, she doesn’t want to be anybody’s wife, but Hudson doesn’t look so bad, he looks kinder than other men who had looked at her before. Eventually, she decides to make him believe that she will stay with him, and she would if only she could…

TO BUY A WIFE is another superb SciFi novel concocted by Ms. Klein. I would put it in the same vein as Margaret Atwood’s Handmaid’s Tale, not because the story is similar, far from it, but because it is an intelligent reflection on the condition of women. TO BUY A WIFE is extremely well written, fast-paced, and the story flows very smoothly. There are also quite a few very pleasant surprises, especially in the case of Hudson. I liked both characters a lot. I am not a SciFi reader, and again KC Klein penned a superb story that had me racing to the end!

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good dystopian romance

I was immediately engrossed in this story of Lake, a stunning young woman who is being sold because her parents were killed when the government found a computer in their house. And in this world a man cannot keep property without an heir, so many man want to buy her.
Good writing, a few minor typos, but pretty well edited. I am going to read the next book in this series. Yes, the parts are all written, ready to read!

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lake

She is about to be executed. But Hudson saves her by claiming she is pregnant with his child. She asks for twenty four hours and like a fool he gives them to her. When she runs he finds her but she claims to know a formula to help the rebellion and her brother, if only he will listen.

[Peggy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hudson needs a wife. Lake is going to be put to death. Hudson save Lake but Lake is part of the rebellion. Lake don't plan on being with Hudson. Can Hudson convince Lake to stay with him and save the farm?

[Amy Garrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

kc Klein is the only sci fi I will read

This takes place in a time where beheading happens. His wife is bought to save her life. She is a strong willed independent woman. I really enjoyed reading this, and if it were a film it would be a great one!

[Charlene Kaup · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great start to a new series

A new twist to the never ending want for immortal life. Wonderful characters that are well developed. Looking forward to the next book

[Suzanne Hare · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lake, was taught by her father to be a chemist, a free thinker and now is a rebel fighter. After finding a computer in her home, she is sentenced to death. She is rescued from death by a farmer. Hunter is determined have a wife and she is determined to be free. There are so many secrets build between them that it is hard to imagine can they will be able to trust each other enough to stand together against the battling forces of this dark and harsh world.

This book has been classified as an action-adventure romance, a science fiction romance and a dark romance, but mostly it is just the beginning of a great romantic saga. It is book one in the Dark Future Series, and what a great start. The characters are entrancing, well developed with Interesting personalities complete with strengths and weakness. The are engaging and draw you into their story. Both are strong, determined and the chemistry between them is palatable. The narrative is well crafted with great details of events and scenery and providing insights into the characters’ emotional state and motivations. The gritty storyline flows smoothly and quickly. It I is action packed, filled with danger, betrays, touching romantic moments and suspense. As this is just the beginning of their story, you will not get the happy ever after but you get a great introduction into this dark work, the characters and the fight happening between the opposing factions. If you like science fiction romances with action, you will like this book. I hope to be able to read the next book soon.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Melanie S · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good story - as far as it goes

KC Klein introduces a grim and dangerous dystopian world ruled by a mysterious and powerful religious warlord elite. The Way is the only way to live, and all follow the Way or face the consequences. Of course free, injustice and oppression abound. Of course there's a Rebellion, a clandestine revolutionary group. And when Hudson, a Way-following landowner, must acquire a wife or lose his family's land, then bride price of a beautiful condemned rebel woman seems like the best of all the bad alternatives he has. So he acquires a uniquely rebellious young woman who dares - DARES - to negotiate a modicum of freedom for herself before her claiming. And of course she promptly escapes. Hudson is incensed that his bride is so lacking in honor, and goes after her. He's a man with integrity and intelligence, and he's way more hip to the reality of his world than he lets on. He's a man who attains his objectives. And when he catches up with the runaway wife, she goes back with him. It isn't the end of the story. It isn't HEA, or even close. It's an abrupt halt, and a to-be-continued, and it's irritating as all perdition. I hate it when s potentially good book devolves into yet another reader/marketing opportunity. If you have a high tolerance for this kind of chain-jerking, you many well enjoy To Buy A Wife. I don't, and I didn't, and I'll wait for the finished box set before reading any more of this. I received an ARC of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Dina Bushrod · Rating 5 out of 5]

Discovered that although I had already read this book some time back, that I never left a review, so I re-read it and liked it even better than the first time. In this first of a series (free on your favorite buy site) we have a world where women and therefore children are few. In order to have a wife she must be purchased through auction. This is the story of one man's illogical purchase of a woman as she is being prepared for execution. What the man doesn't know is that this woman is willing to do all she can to save her last family member and she can't do that if she's someone's wife. An exciting start to a great world building series filled with wonderfully detailed description of it's characters, the pain they suffer and the wonder of discovering there is more to living, under the yoke of oppression, than the sweat of hard work and the drive to overcome the hopeless. I'm picking up the second in the series right now.

[India · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Hudson’s world, it isn’t just customary to buy a wife but also necessary for the security of his farm. When he sees the beautiful prisoner on the executioner’s block he jumps in like a white knight but Lake isn’t a damsel in distress and she quickly lets him know. Having spent everything he had on this one chance can he make her stay?
I love a romance set in a dystopian future and this one has an intriguing back story. Women always seem to get the rough end of the deal when it comes to the future but Lake isn’t taking her lot without a fight. Klein’s ability to create a realistic and interesting world in a dystopian future is what sets this book apart from other romances of its kind but it is also an easy read. I’m looking forward to finding out what the next book has in store for us.

[Brandy Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

A quick and dark story

This was an interesting book. A quick and dark story that ended on a cliffhanger and left me wanting to know more. It definitely had that dystopian feel to it.

Lake was in big trouble and couldn't quite decide if she had been rescued or was in even bigger trouble when it concerned Hudson. Hudson was gruff but also could be very gentle. Lake was very stubborn and didn't make anything easy for Hudson, but for good reason really. Trust needed to be earned in this warped world the story took place in. I really favored both their characters and thought the story was very intriguing and edgy. Will definitely be reading the next book to see what happens.

[Sandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A crazy post-apocalyptic Earth.
This sci-fi story was a very interesting set on a world where women have become property Hudson saves a young woman from execution she, in turn, tried to kill him not a great way to start married life. It is a good set up for the next book in the series you want to know about this whacked out world. There is some action at the end that was great reading. I will have to check out the series. I did receive a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.

[H. · Rating 4 out of 5]

4-stars

In many ways, this book reminded me of Margaret Atwood's "A Handmaid's Tale." A not-so-distant future with a patriarchal society where fertile women are so scarce that they're sold like livestock to men in order to bear children--there's even a squicky ritual involved (spoilers). One key difference is the romance element, which was well-done. A quick, entertaining read. Looking forward to the next one!

[Ella · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hudson and Lake live in a different time and way of living. A man can’t own land unless he is married. He also cant just court a woman and fall in love. To marry you need to buy a wife and pay marriage fees. Then a wife needs to me marked to prove you are married. The elders rule and the rebellions fight for freedom. To Buy A Wife is the first book in the Dark Future series. It can be read as a standalone as it doesn’t have a cliffhanger.

[Philleys Peters · Rating 4 out of 5]

A dystopian world where the shortage of women has them auctioned off and living in a society where the Way is their protocol of life. I don't blame Lake for escaping the way she did. She is a rebel and her beliefs haven't changed even though Hudson did save her life. A very intriguing storyline that ends, sadly, in a cliffhanger ending.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Women are very few now and it a man wants a wide he has to buy her. She had been sentenced to death but when he sees her he wants her. He saves her but she wants nothing to do with him. There will be many how and down between them. Can they make it together? Will she leave him behind? See what happens to them

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short dystopian book that is the start of a series. I enjoyed the way the author built this future world and the characters. This is a great introduction for me to this author and to this new series which looks like it’s going to be wonderful.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mills · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 Stars

An interesting premise that could've been really gripping if it were properly fleshed out. Alas, it wasn't. The writing barely scrapes the surface of its world. It's like a plot outline that was never developed and that is made clear by the substantial amount of typos and other errors, not least of which includes the heroine's own name.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

A gritty, seductive novel set in the future, it looks at the fate of women's lives personally and literally in the hands of their keepers. Fast paced, well written characters, and a super storyline make this a MUST read.