Tempted by Her Viking Enemy - Terri Brisbin (HH #1537 - Nov 2020)

Series: Sons of Sigurd (Book 5)

"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.

Redeeming Her Viking Warrior - Jenni Fletcher (HH #1527 - Sept 2020)

Series: Sons of Sigurd (Book 4)

He's sworn celibacy…

Until he gets vengeance!

Danr Sigurdsson is indebted to the captivating, mysterious healer living alone in the wilderness who carefully tends his wounds. Consumed with anguish over the massacre that killed his family, Danr has sworn not to touch another woman until he finds those responsible. So resisting Sissa should be easy, but as they search for the truth, fighting their mutual attraction becomes the hardest battle…

Terrific continuation of the series. It can be read alone, but it is better if you know the full background. In the previous book, the brothers discovered something that leads them to believe that their father's wife may be responsible for his death. Danr volunteers to find Hilda and confront her. Not known for his patience, Danr's initial attempt at interrogation ends with him wounded and on the run. He is found, near death, by a mysterious woman who heals him.

I was pulled into this story from the very first pages. Danr is the brother known for his ability and willingness to charm the ladies. On the day of the massacre, he was lured away from the wedding by a woman and knew nothing of the attack until it was too late. Distraught and guilt-ridden over his failure to protect the family, Danr swore that he would not touch another woman until he found who was responsible and earned his brothers' forgiveness.

Sissa's village was destroyed five years earlier in a raid. She barely escaped with her life and was taken in by a reclusive healer. The woman trained Sissa before her own death, and for the past three years, she has been on her own. Wary of people, Sissa developed her mysterious persona as a way to protect herself. She is especially wary of the injured warrior she finds in the forest.

I loved the description of the first encounters between Danr and Sissa. He fears at first that she's an apparition, while she isn't sure it's safe to go near him. Sissa can't leave him hurting and sets about healing him. Even in his weakened state, Danr can't help being drawn to her despite his vow of celibacy. As soon as he is on the road to recovery, Sissa disappears. She is dismayed by her reaction to him and wants him gone. Fate does not cooperate, however, as Danr finds his way to her home, determined to repay her for his care. This scene is hilarious as the silent Sissa faces a Danr who talks and talks and talks until he talks his way into staying.

I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Danr and Sissa. Both start with suppressed feelings - Danr because of his vow, and Sissa because of her fear of loss. Sissa's walls are so thick, and she is so stubborn that it is hard to believe she will let him in. Danr is unexpectedly domesticated, and it is his kindness, cooking ability, and way with a good story that begin to break down those walls. I loved watching them grow closer as each reveals more of their history. Simmering under the blooming friendship is attraction. Danr does his best to bury his, determined to stick to his oath, but he can't help thinking what it would be like to have Sissa in his life. Sissa feels the sparks also, but in her innocence, it takes a while for her to recognize the feelings he stirs in her. I ached for them both as Sissa's fears push Danr away. A bit of unexpected danger brings them back together, and advice from an unlikely source helps them through the last obstacles. There is still a bit of excitement due to misunderstandings, but the ending is terrific.

The overarching series story of the search for those responsible for the massacre moves ahead in this book. Danr's first confrontation with Hilda doesn't go as planned, and he is left stewing while he heals. Eventually, he shares the story with Sissa, who has some theories of her own. Sissa's acting on those theories created some personal drama for them that led to some unexpected danger. I loved the scene in the village as Sissa and Hilda joined forces and the further revelations that ensued. It was a great lead-in to Brandt's story, and I can't wait to see how it ends.

Conveniently Wed to the Viking - Michelle Styles (HH #1515 - July 2020)

 

Series: Sons of Sigurd (Book 3)

Strangers on the run

Now they must wed!

Sandulf, youngest of the famed Sigurdsson brothers, is on the trail of the assassin who murdered his family. On his way, he meets Scottish runaway Lady Ceanna, a prickly, wary woman trying to escape a forced marriage. Her beauty and courage make Sandulf realize there may be more at stake than his revenge… As the threat of her family follows them, there's only one way to keep her safe -- marriage!

Another fantastic entry in the Sons of Sigurd series. This one features the youngest son, Sandulf. As in the previous books, the story opens on Alarr's wedding day and the attack that decimated their family. The oldest brother, Brandt, tasked Sandulf with watching over his pregnant wife, Ingrid. Sandulf does his best but is no match for the assassins who attack. He is devastated by his failure, a feeling that is compounded by Brandt's harsh words on his return. Sandulf is sent away to Constantinople to protect him from Brandt's anger.

As the youngest, Sandulf idolized his older brothers and followed them around when he was younger. As he got older, he trained hard so that he could join them. But he is also still young and headstrong and tends to rush in without thinking things through. This creates quite a bit of strain between him and his brothers, who do not let him forget the problems he causes. He looked on his protection of Ingrid as a way to prove himself. As he leaves his home and family, he swears to find the man who killed Ingrid and make him pay.

Several years later, a matured and changed Sandulf has tracked the assassin Lugh to Scotland. In a village in Scotland, where Northmen are not exactly welcomed, he waits for the guide he hired to take him on the next leg of his journey. A chance encounter with Lady Ceanna provides him with another key to his pursuit of the assassin Lugh.

Ceanna is desperately trying to escape a forced marriage. Her new stepmother is determined to marry her off to the captain of the guard, who is also her lover. Ceanna's father is fading fast, and Ceanna is his only heir. Marrying Ceanna to her henchman would cement the stepmother's power. Ceanna is sure that if she can get to her aunt, an abbess in a nearby city, she would be safe. She plans to become a nun, putting her home under the Church's protection. Unfortunately, the guide she hired left without her, leaving Ceanna stranded.

Sparks flew between Sandulf and Ceanna from the moment they met. Ceanna is wary of Sandulf, unwilling to trust a stranger in her escape. Sandulf immediately senses that Ceanna is his ticket to the monastery where his quarry is rumored to be. I loved their back-and-forth in the tavern as she refuses his attempt to join her on her journey. Sandulf's instincts are good that she's in trouble, and he prevents one attempt to stop her before she even gets started. Ceanna is a determined and intelligent woman and sets out on her own, unaware that Sandulf follows her. She is none too pleased when he reveals himself but eventually sees the sense in joining forces with him. This was none too soon, as they soon caught up with the guide's party, which has been attacked. The guide is injured, and the rest of the party is dead, including a woman dressed in Cearra's clothing.

This began a journey full of ups and downs. Ceanna knows the way to the monastery, but the trip is not an easy one. Added to the strains of the trip is the attraction that grows between Ceanna and Sandulf. Both try to resist because of Ceanna's stated goal of becoming a nun, but it is not easy. There are some amusing moments as each one holds mental arguments with themselves over those feelings. Sandulf is very protective of Ceanna, determined that he won't fail to keep her safe. Their arrival at the monastery doesn't go quite as planned, and with becoming a nun out of the picture, the only way to keep Cearra safe is for Sandulf to marry her himself!

I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Sandulf and Cearra. It was fun to see Sandulf's reactions to Cearra's practicality and lack of squeamishness. She is nothing like the women he is used to, and it only adds to her appeal. He also finds her beautiful, and can't understand why she doesn't realize it. Cearra quickly comes to trust Sandulf, but that doesn't stop her from standing up to him when she thinks he is wrong. Once they are married, their feelings for each other grow more potent, but neither feels worthy of the other. I ached for them both until they realized that they belonged together. I loved the scene at the end where Sandulf was finally able to lay his quest to rest and confess his love to Ceanna.

The pursuit of the assassin was full of twists and turns, and complicated by the trouble that stalked Ceanna. Their arrival and conversation with Cearra's aunt did not go as Cearra hoped. I did not like the aunt and her attitude toward both Cearra and Sandulf, especially at first. I loved Cearra's persistence in pursuing the truth. I didn't feel terribly sorry for the abbess as she was forced to face the truth. I was glued to the pages as Cearra and Sandulf returned to her home, found she was believed to be dead, and that an unexpected suspect was believed to be the murderer. I was on the edge of my seat as they carried out their plan to rescue the suspect and confront the stepmother and assassin. The confrontation was exciting and intense.

There are still some questions that remain in the search for the truth behind the attack and murder of Sigurd. The quest continues with the next brother, Danr, who is on the way to confront their mother.

 

 

Falling for Her Viking Captive - Harper St. George (HH #1503 - May 2020)

Series: Sons of Sigurd (Book 2)

The Viking warrior

In her cellar…

Lady Annis must stop Viking Rurik Sigurdsson from discovering the truth about his family's death. Her only solution is to imprison him. But as the ruggedly handsome Viking starts to charm his way out of his cell and into her heart, can she be sure he's not still intent on vengeance -- or perhaps an unexpected alliance is the solution?

Very good book. The sons of Sigurd continue their quest for revenge over their father's death and the murders of their friends and families. The book opens on the day of the attack. Rurik and his brother Brandt, arrive back at the village for Alarr's wedding only to find heartbreaking scenes of death and destruction. Furious at what has occurred, Rurik vows revenge on those responsible.

Two years later, Rurik has traced one of the culprits, Wilfrid, to Glannoventa. While he is in a local tavern, a young woman approaches him and lures him outside where he is captured. He wakes up later, chained in a cell. After a short time, Lady Annis arrives to question him about his reasons for being there. She heard of his inquiries in the town and suspects she knows the reason but needs to hear it from him.

Lady Annis is Wilfrid's daughter-in-law. Her husband was killed in a battle with Rurik's father, Sigurd. Both she and Wilfrid had reasons to want Sigurd dead. While Wilfrid paid for assassins to kill Sigurd, Annis took a much more active role in her revenge. Since that time, she has suffered from guilt over what she saw and did, and would keep that information from Wilfrid.

I loved the scenes between Annis and Rurik in the cellar. Rurik is furious at being captured (a little embarrassed, too) and is determined to confront Wilfrid. Annis is equally determined to keep him away, for reasons of her own. I loved their confrontations. Both of them are stubborn and have their pride, so neither is willing to back down. There are also obvious sparks between them. It doesn't take long for Rurik to decide to use those sparks to his advantage. I had to laugh as Rurik used a bit of trickery to lure Annis into his cell. Their struggle was short, but intense, with Annis giving Rurik more trouble than he expected. Though he did overpower her, his confidence was short-lived. The heat that flared between them proved to be his downfall, allowing her to escape him. But fate left a little on his side, and he soon managed to escape his cell and go in search of Wilfrid.

What he finds puts an end to his plans for Wilfrid, leaving him searching for a new target for his revenge. He is still a captive, but one with more freedom. He and Annis clash frequently, and Rurik discovers that he enjoys the challenges she presents. Rurik stirs Annis's feelings the way no one has before. When word arrives that the local Dane ruler, Jarl Eirik, is on the way to facilitate a marriage between Annis and one of his men, Wilfrid proposes that Rurik marry Annis. This will protect her, as well as give Rurik something he has longed for - a place to belong.

I loved seeing the struggle that both Rurik and Annis had to accept that this was the best option. But once they accepted their fates, it warmed my heart to see how they were all-in. Their troubles are not over, however. First, Annis has not told Rurik of her part in what happened to his father, and the guilt eats at her. She knows she needs to confess to him, but she also fears his reaction. Second, they must deal with Jarl Eirik and his anger over their marriage. There were some tension-filled moments, but Rurik held his own very well. I liked how Annis worried about him. I also liked that Eirik explained the reasons for his actions. During the weeks that Eirik was there, Annis and Rurik grew closer, but she knew that time was running out to tell Rurik the truth.

I ached for Annis because the truth came out before she could tell him herself. Rurik's feelings of betrayal were devastating, and his fury at Annis is so great that he won't listen to her explanation. Her despair is heartbreaking because she can see that she has destroyed any feelings he might have had for her. What she doesn't realize is that his anger is so intense because of how he feels about her. My heart hurt for her as she made the only decision she could see to solve the problems caused by their falling out. I wasn't sure how they would get their future back on track if she succeeded. I loved Rurik's reaction as he realized how much he had to lose.

Also present in the book were two visitors. The first was Rurik's younger brother, Sandulf, who had also been present on the day of the murders. He spent the last two years searching for the assassins, from England to Constantinople and back. His search brought him to Glannoventa and precipitated the problems between Rurik and Annis. I liked how Annis tried to make amends and provided Sandulf with some vital information. I'm looking forward to his book and seeing what is in store for him. The other visitor was Rurik's twin brother, Danr. He arrived for a visit after hearing of Rurik's marriage. An item discovered in Wilfrid's belongings raised more questions about Sigurd's death and sent Danr off on his own pursuit of answers. It stirred up suspicions that I had in the first book, and I can't wait to see if I am right.

Stolen by the Viking - Michelle Willingham (HH #1490 - Mar 2020)

Series: Sons of Sigurd (Book 1)

Bought for his vengeance

But claimed for his bed!

Battle-scarred Viking Alarr is a broken warrior who expects to die carrying out his oath of blood vengeance. He saves maiden Breanne O'Callahan from slavery only with the intention of getting close enough to kill her foster father. Until their spark of passion ignites a desire to keep her close...and presents Alarr with a gut-wrenching choice--his revenge or his heart?

Good start to the new series. It opens with a joyous occasion that turns to tragedy. Alarr is about to marry the lovely Gilla, an arranged marriage, but one he looks forward to. But before the wedding can take place, uninvited guests attack. His bride and his father are killed, and Alarr is viciously attacked. Two years later, Alarr has regained some of his fighting ability but feels he will never be the warrior he once was. He is determined to take his revenge on King Feann and plans to use the man's foster daughter to get close to him.

Breanne was abducted from her home and sold to a slave trader. For two weeks, she waited for her foster father to rescue her, and has about given up hope. She thought he loved her as if she were his own, but maybe she was wrong. Breanne won't give up without a fight, though, and hatches a desperate plan to escape. She might have succeeded, too, if a Norseman hadn't caught her.

I enjoyed the first encounter between Alarr and Breanne. Though he stopped her escape, he bought her from the slaver. She was afraid of his intentions but refused to show her fear. Alarr admired her spirit, and because he was raised to treat women well, he showed her some kindness. He meant her no harm, as he was only going to use her as a tool to get close to her foster father. Neither expected to feel sparks of attraction.

Breanne believes that Alarr is her savior, no knowing that he was responsible for her abduction. She is more and more drawn to him as they travel toward her home. She feels cared for instead of ignored. Alarr is attracted to Breanne also, but thinks that he is no longer good enough for any woman. Breanne is horrified when she finds out Alarr's true intentions and wants to convince him not to kill Feann. Her methods are not unusual, and it isn't long before they form a deeper connection. I ached for Alarr, whose desire for vengeance is wrapped up in his self-perceived loss of manhood. Even his growing feelings for Breanne can come to nothing because of it.

There are other players in the game that neither is immediately aware of. Breanne has a rejected suitor who won't give up making her his. Breanne's mother, who she believed to be dead, was exiled to another holding. A visit between Breanne and her mother shows her to be another person who wants to use Breanne for her own purposes. Breanne is torn over the right thing to do.

I hurt for both Breanne and Alarr. Their feelings for each other were strong, but neither believed anything could come of it. Breanne doesn't know what Alarr's intentions are, and staying with him without a commitment is just asking for heartache. She also doesn't want to leave her homeland. Alarr wants Breanne for his own, but besides his lack of belief in himself, he doesn't think he will survive his fight with Feann. There is a heartbreaking scene between the two as they push each other away.

The confrontation between Feann and Alarr is exciting to watch as Alarr pits his diminished skills against the fit, but older Feann. The ending of the fight was not what I expected, and made unlikely allies of the two men. Breanne's return to her mother placed her in unexpected danger. She was furious at the betrayal and horrified by the fate that awaited her. I loved that she wasn't going to give up without a fight, and laughed out loud at the way she used her head. The confrontation between Oisin and Alarr was a nail-biter, and I enjoyed seeing how Alarr fought smart as well as hard. The ending was terrific. I especially liked Alarr's support of Breanne and belief in her abilities. Their big moment at the end was sweet and romantic, as they bring out the best in each other.

I liked Alarr's younger half-brother, Rurik, who went along with Alarr on this trip. It's easy to see that there is both love and respect between the two men. Rurik is also very protective of Alarr, which causes a little tension between the two men at one point in the book. Rurik had his reasons for accompanying Alarm on his trip, which we learn a bit of. I'm looking forward to his book and learning more about what he discovered.