This is a captivating blend of medieval grit, slow-burn romance, and emotional tension that fans of historical romance and high-stakes drama will love. Set in 1298 A.D., this gripping tale pits two powerful houses against each other through a forced marriage meant to broker peace. But beneath the surface lies betrayal, secrets, and a love that threatens to defy everything.
The story of Otto Sarragnac and Ariana of Kenmar is one of trust hard-earned and hearts unexpectedly entangled. Otto, a war-hardened noble known as “The Feared One,” is not the typical romantic hero—but that’s what makes his journey toward vulnerability so compelling. Ariana is his perfect match: brave, determined, and entirely unwilling to be a pawn, even if it means deceiving the man she begins to fall for.
The tension between them crackles, both emotionally and morally, as Ariana juggles her mission to save her aunt with the growing realization that Otto may not be the monster she was raised to hate. Meanwhile, Otto’s internal conflict, as he wrestles with loyalty, leadership, and the possibility of love, adds rich complexity to his character.
This is more than a romance—it's a tale of redemption, sacrifice, and learning to trust in the face of everything falling apart.
I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley and Dragonblade Publishing and am voluntarily leaving my review.

A captivating medieval tale filled with druids and adventure, where Ariana and Otto are reluctantly brought together and must confront challenges both within and beyond their home. Though it takes time for them to truly bond, their journey is filled with intrigue and excitement. Otto, a natural-born leader, and Ariana, an exceptionally talented druid, make for an unforgettable pair. The dynamic between the two was truly enjoyable to watch unfold.

1298A.D. Merciless warrior Otto Sarragnac becomes Earl of Darkmoor upon his father’s death in battle. As part of the peace treaty, Otto’s long-standing enemy offers his daughter’s hand in marriage…

Ariana of Kenmar faces her forced marriage without flinching. Not because she aspires to be a wealthy countess, but because her beloved aunt is being held captive in the imposing fortress at Darkmoor. Ariana intends to use her new position to find and free Ysmay, even if that means double-crossing her new husband; the infamous Feared One.


Forced to Marry the Earl
by Elizabeth Heights
Pub Date: Jan 07 202

Show no weakness; show no mercy. This is the Knights’ Code which Otto has lived and breathed since birth. His father’s brutal death has caused him to question its wisdom, but his closest advisors whisper of a growing rebellion within the ranks of his own men. This is the wrong time for The Feared One to discover his humanity. Nevertheless, Otto’s new bride impresses him with her steady courage and backbone of steel. Soon he is seeking out her company, surprising her with gifts and beginning to suspect that he may have a softer side after all.

Ariana can’t allow herself to be distracted from her true purpose. She must rescue Ysmay, no matter how her heart pounds in Otto’s presence. Despite his kindness towards her, she can’t allow herself to trust the man she was raised to fear. And so, behind his back, she plots her betrayal.

Unbeknownst to Ariana, there are even darker forces at play. Soon her duplicity will be revealed, but she stands accused of a grave crime she did not commit. Will Otto uncover the truth and forgive her? Or will their burgeoning love fall victim to the bloodlust of their feuding families?

Could Marriage End a Long-Standing Feud?

Ariana was forced to marry the Earl of Darkmoor. She did not mind the marriage. It would allow her to rescue her aunt, held captive by the earl.

Otto was known as the feared one throughout the land. Could love soften his heart?

Neither Ariana, nor Otto, thought they would fall in love. However, evil was at work, and there was a snake in their midst. A traitor would see them both destroyed. Could love triumph despite the treachery? I enjoyed this entertaining tale. I recommend it to those who like medieval romance with suspense, treachery, and intrigue.

This second book on The Earl's of the North set in 1298AD is an engaging medieval historical romance. This story has so many exciting plot twits and turns due to their way of life, political issues, arranged marriage, dailies battling one another for power, druids, and such strong emotions that kept me very entertained. I enjoyed the couples' chemistry and the beautiful ending. I highly recommend reading!

This was a strong sequel in the Earls of the North series, it had that element that I was looking for and enjoyed from the first book. The characters had that feel that I was looking for and was glad the overall story continued perfectly. Elizabeth Heights wrote this perfectly and am excited to read more from this series.

The second story in the Earls of the North, this is the first book I have read by this Author. I want to read the first book in this series. Otto Sarragnac the Earl of Darkmoor and Ariana of Kenmar have to form an alliance to bring about peace between their peoples in this engaging story. I enjoyed seeing the twists and turns they had to go through to get a happy ending.

This was a medieval story which I don't usually read but for some reason I was drawn to it. Ariana met her husband when she was at the alter. Her father made the arrangements. Otto had the title of being the most feared to everyone. At first she was afraid but she stayed strong as he was holding her dear aunt. She wanted to set her free. She finds the husband is not what she thought but still she had to rescue her aunt as soon as possible. Otto was dealing with his uncle and his pushing him to be feared by everyone. She got her aunt free and his uncle kidnapped her and took her back to her father. He put her under lock and key. Does her husband come for her, what happens to give this couple a happy life?

This medieval romance gives us characters who want to break away from the type of lives they have been living so far.
Our hero is known as the feared one, but he feels there should be room for compassion. Our heroine's druid blood runs strong. That is proved by the courage she shows all through the story.
There are many battles to face for both of them, both emotional and physical.
I was hooked from the first to last page.
Great fun.

A lovely medieval story with druids and adventure. As Ariana and Otto are forced together, they must face both battles in and out of the home. It takes awhile for them to really jell but the path is full of entertainment getting there. Otto is a strong leader and Ariana is a truly gifted druid. Loved the combination of the two.

Set in 1298, two rival families are joined together by the marriage of Otto Sarragnac, Earl of Darkmoor, and Ariana of Kenmar for peace. Only Otto's uncle and Ariana's father have more sinister reasons for the nuptials.

The plot, romance, and action in the novel are good, but compared to the first book in the series, this time, the overall novel was wearisome.
I would rate Forced to Marry the Earl by Elizabeth Heights 3 out of 5 Stars.

This was a fun book to read and I read it at the perfect time. I do wish that the main female character had a little bit more development throughout the book.

I wiish we saw the couple being happy and in love for more than just the epilogue. I know there's going to be problems and challenges to overcome, but Ariana spent too much of the book pushing Otto away and being contrary. The story had the awesome gift of Otto - the medieval guy who believes in consent and who used to be a bad guy but really has a heart of gold. So maybe the truth is I'm just annoyed with the FMC.

It was great to see Guy from the first book. Lonely Lucan looks VERY interesting and Angus as well.

Thank you to netgalley for the ARC. Opinions are my own.

Captives, Druids, Thrilling End.
A new author for me to check into due to the lovely cover. Most enticing and captured my interest but I must say Ariana didn't show much depth or charisma in her personality. I didn't get the feeling of really liking her.
There wasn't much development to Arianas character
I did like Otto as a strong intelligent leader that truly cared for his warriors and friends.
The plot was a forced marriage of enemies to lovers with a mystery behind who was actual villain is?
Newly married Ariana and Otto have a challenging beginning that carries throughout the story with doubts, slow attraction, jealousy, along with reserved desire until the last couple of chapters brought forth a thrilling swashbuckling ending that raised my 3.5 rating rounding up to a 4 star.

This book was okay. I felt the characters really did not develop into the romance. Especially Ariana, she suddenly starts loving Otto. Yes he's handsome and pretty nice guy, but they don't interact enough to fall in love.

It was a solid 2.5* for me.

This is an honest review sponsored through NetGalley. A big Thank You Dragonblade publishing. Another great read

A medieval historical fictional romance set in the wild of the old English countryside. The story Immediately throws the reader into the world and life of the politically arranged marriage of clashing families .
The likable duo simmers with realistic chemistry that gives a depth to the characters, Ariana and Otto. The internal dialogue showcases their inner struggles and the need to be open and honest in relationships. Sigh, How much could be avoided with a conversation? Alas this era does little to allow space for our modern day sentiments. It makes for moments where one may want to shake rational choices onto the characters . . . But I digress.
All in all the story it has a firm and concrete feel with setting, plot, pacing and main characters. It leans more to the predictable side with a few surprises that keep the pace and plot likable, entertaining.
A solid 4 out of 5 star rating.