"What do I get if I help you?"
"Whatever I have to give…"
The only person who can help Katla flee a violent marriage is the Viking in her father's dungeon, the strong and honorable Brandt Sigurdsson. Except Brandt is hungry to see justice done for his family's destruction, the final vengeance on behalf of all the sons of Sigurd. Is there any persuasion she can offer that will free them both to live -- and love -- together?
This was a fantastic conclusion to the series. All five sons of Sigurd swore to avenge their father's death in a treacherous attack on their home. Each book follows the journey of one son in his search for the truth. Each of those sons finds love as well as moving closer to the truth. This is the story of Brandt, the oldest son and heir, who also lost his wife and unborn son on that terrible day. All of the clues the brothers gathered point to Thorfinn Bjornsson, the man who married their mother's sister.
Brandt shows up at Castle Wik and immediately challenges Thorfinn. Brandt is seriously injured, but his life is spared, ostensibly so he can face a trial before the king. Thorfinn charges his daughter, Katla, with nursing Brandt back to health. Katla and Brandt are wary of each other initially, despite or because of the sparks that flare between them. Katla had been married to an abusive man and was frequently beaten by her father, so Brandt makes her very nervous. Brandt is suspicious of Katla, wondering if she spied on him for her father.
I liked both Brandt and Katla. Brandt is an honorable man who was devastated by the deaths of his loved ones. He never expected to survive his confrontation with Thorfinn and isn't happy about it at first. As he slowly recovers from his injuries, he develops a great respect for Katla. Katla works hard to save Brandt and realizes that she has come to trust him. I was impressed by Katla's bravery as she visited him late at night, knowing that some would not be pleased. As the days passed, she and Brandt formed a solid friendship. Neither expected the sparks of attraction that flared between them, nor the deeper feelings that followed. Brandt never thought he'd have feelings for another woman until he met Katla, while Katla never thought she'd welcome a man's touch.
When Katla's father betroths her to a man she is terrified of, she begs Brandt to help her escape. He wants to protect her, but how can he leave without carrying out his plans to avenge his father? As he and Katla plan their escape, they also put their minds to discovering the truth behind his father's death. Some things that Brandt has learned do not make sense, leaving him with more questions. Katla has also experienced some unsettling revelations. When they combine what they know, they come to a startling conclusion. The ending was intense, as Katla provides the last piece of the puzzle that explains it all. There are some nail-biting moments as Brandt finally takes his revenge.
I loved the epilogue and how it brought the series full circle. There is an update on the brothers' quest for justice. We get to see all five brothers together again, this time with the women who changed their lives. I loved the scene around their father's grave and the depth of emotion displayed.
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