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Captive Brides #1
Twin Passions
Bride-to-be Anora finds her wedding plans suddenly shattered when she and her identical twin, tomboyish Gwendolyn, are kidnapped and taken aboard a Viking ship. While the handsome captain mistakes Gwendolyn for a boy and appoints her his servant, Anora captures his heart and he vows to have her. To preserve her sister's virtue, Gwendolyn initiates a dangerous game. Will the twins be rescued before Gwendolyn surrenders to her own passion?
Author's This novel reflects a sometimes harsh Viking culture.
Author's This novel reflects a sometimes harsh Viking culture.
309 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 1988
688 people are currently reading
1021 people want to read
About the author
Miriam Minger
66 books225 followersMiriam Minger is the bestselling author of sweet to sensual historical romances that sweep you from Viking times to Regency England to the American West. Miriam is also the author of contemporary romance, romantic suspense, inspirational romance, and children's books. She is the winner of several Romantic Times Reviewer's Choice Awards--including Best Medieval Historical Romance of the Year for The Pagan's Prize--and a two-time RITA Award Finalist for The Brigand Bride and Captive Rose.
Miriam Minger says: It's been a wonderful experience to have all my novels published as eBooks, but the greatest thrill for me as a writer is when readers take the time to let me know they enjoyed my stories...
"I have read hundreds if not thousands of books in my lifetime and not once have I ever been moved to comment on one until now. This is without a doubt one of the best books I have ever read. I laughed. I cried. I remained at the edge of my seat devouring every single word you wove with this incredible story. I just wanted to let you know how deeply this story moved me and to thank you for creating it."
Wow. This one left me speechless, and thankful. I had done my job, which is to make you feel like you've dropped feet first into a world that captures your imagination and emotions so vividly you might be living and breathing the story. And that's one of the purest joys of reading, isn't it? I know it is for me, and it is my hope to continue to write books that make you live and breathe the adventure, laugh and cry, and that touch your heart.
I'd love for you to visit my website where you can sign up for my newsletter and read more about my books: www.miriamminger.com.
Miriam Minger says: It's been a wonderful experience to have all my novels published as eBooks, but the greatest thrill for me as a writer is when readers take the time to let me know they enjoyed my stories...
"I have read hundreds if not thousands of books in my lifetime and not once have I ever been moved to comment on one until now. This is without a doubt one of the best books I have ever read. I laughed. I cried. I remained at the edge of my seat devouring every single word you wove with this incredible story. I just wanted to let you know how deeply this story moved me and to thank you for creating it."
Wow. This one left me speechless, and thankful. I had done my job, which is to make you feel like you've dropped feet first into a world that captures your imagination and emotions so vividly you might be living and breathing the story. And that's one of the purest joys of reading, isn't it? I know it is for me, and it is my hope to continue to write books that make you live and breathe the adventure, laugh and cry, and that touch your heart.
I'd love for you to visit my website where you can sign up for my newsletter and read more about my books: www.miriamminger.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews
January 5, 2013
Exciting, Fast-Paced Viking Romance Kept Me Reading!
I should first say that I loved this story. It’s a 5-star historical romance, but I could not give it 5 stars as it suffers from some improbable elements and missed details (discussed below). Even with these detractions, however, I found the story absorbing and it kept me reading late into the night. I recommend it.
Set in England and Norway in 973-984 AD, when King Edgar ruled the Anglo-Saxons, it tells of two beautiful twin sisters who are captured by a Norwegian Viking merchant’s men and taken back to his home in Norway. One of the sisters, Anora, is betrothed to (and in love with) Wulfgar, a prince of Danelaw—a marriage arranged by King Edgar. The other sister, Gwendolyn, is a tomboy who wears her hair short and trained with their father’s men as a warrior. Yet she is still the virtual double of her beautiful sister. Both girls had many suitors in England.
Though the sisters were taken against Hakon’s orders, and he recognized by their speech and mannerisms they were highborn, he tells them they will be his slaves in Norway (“Norge”) and will not be returned to England. In this, Hakon looked less than noble. He lusted after Anora and wanted her for himself, so he also appeared selfish. His own actions were contrary to his admonishment to his crew that they not become involved with the Anglo-Saxons.
What Minger did well: an intriguing plot, wonderful characters (Gwen was wonderful, particularly in the first half), excellent reflection of the historical setting, good dialog, superb writing, great action scenes and a fast-pace read (this stuff is hard to get right so it counts for much!).
But there were things that kept me from giving her the 5 stars I wanted to:
Minger tended to “head hop” from one character’s mind to another (I counted 5 points of view changes in the first two chapters!). While this doesn’t usually bother me, her changes came so rapidly and sometimes for only a sentence or two that it distracted. Then, too, in more than ten instances, while in Hakon’s point of view, he thinks “Gwendolyn” when he should have thought “Garric”; and in at least other 5 instances he should have thought “Anora.” That was confusing.
I was following the logic of the story, really hanging in there, until half way through the book when the brilliantly defiant Gwendolyn, who’d been masquerading as the lad Garric and protecting her sister while hating Hakon for what he’d subjected them to, takes her sister’s place when Anora is summoned to Hakon’s bed. I saw Gwen’s action as noble and was cheering her on, but after they had sex, all her anger, hate and resolve to escape just dissipates into nothing. What a let down that was. I expected her to be even angrier after that since she, a noble born Saxon, had been forced to become a Viking’s whore. But no…all Hakon’s people think it’s “special” that she is now the chieftain’s “concubine,” and Gwen apparently sees no problem with it. I couldn’t fathom that, not in an era when a young woman’s purity was her greatest possession. This total turnaround in Gwen’s emotions came too suddenly to be believed.
Other improbable elements:
--No one, not even Hakon, ever asked the two captives who they were, nor did either of the sisters tell Hakon that they were the daughters of the Earl of Cheshire or that Anora was betrothed to a prince of the Danelaw. That seemed bizarre when it might have protected them if not returned them home.
--When the head Jarl tells all the chieftains (including Hakon) they are searching for two Anglo-Saxon sisters taken captive because if the girls are not returned, it will mean war with Denmark and England, no descriptions or names are given to the chieftains to help them find the sisters, nor do any ask. That didn’t seem logical.
--Gwen (in disguise as Garric) was whipped with the lash and while suffering welts on her woman’s skin, went to Hakon’s bed and he never noticed her welts and she never winced as he embraced her. Even when she was naked in her bath none of the women noticed anything. How was that?
--During the whole story, no one noticed the difference in muscles or callouses between the two sisters, yet Gwen had been rowing the boat with the men for days and well as saddling horses. To me this was an omission, especially since Hakon was sleeping with Gwen thinking she was Anora. And very late in the story, Hakon wonders how a brother and sister can look so much alike. He also never considered she would be pregnant though he was bedding her each night, all of which made him seem highly unobservant and a little dense.
Finally, which of the sisters did Hakon love? Anora, Gwen, or both? It was Anora he came to know and desire on the boat ride to Norway, and after they arrived he was obsessed with having her. But he has sex with Gwen when she went to his bed pretending to be her sister. It was Anora that Hakon wanted but he got Gwen. Yes, he tells Gwen he loves her after a night of passion, but is it really Gwen he loves, or Anora—or both? Lastly, he never apologized to Gwen for taking her honor though her father and Wulfgar would kill him for it. What a cad!
I should first say that I loved this story. It’s a 5-star historical romance, but I could not give it 5 stars as it suffers from some improbable elements and missed details (discussed below). Even with these detractions, however, I found the story absorbing and it kept me reading late into the night. I recommend it.
Set in England and Norway in 973-984 AD, when King Edgar ruled the Anglo-Saxons, it tells of two beautiful twin sisters who are captured by a Norwegian Viking merchant’s men and taken back to his home in Norway. One of the sisters, Anora, is betrothed to (and in love with) Wulfgar, a prince of Danelaw—a marriage arranged by King Edgar. The other sister, Gwendolyn, is a tomboy who wears her hair short and trained with their father’s men as a warrior. Yet she is still the virtual double of her beautiful sister. Both girls had many suitors in England.
Though the sisters were taken against Hakon’s orders, and he recognized by their speech and mannerisms they were highborn, he tells them they will be his slaves in Norway (“Norge”) and will not be returned to England. In this, Hakon looked less than noble. He lusted after Anora and wanted her for himself, so he also appeared selfish. His own actions were contrary to his admonishment to his crew that they not become involved with the Anglo-Saxons.
What Minger did well: an intriguing plot, wonderful characters (Gwen was wonderful, particularly in the first half), excellent reflection of the historical setting, good dialog, superb writing, great action scenes and a fast-pace read (this stuff is hard to get right so it counts for much!).
But there were things that kept me from giving her the 5 stars I wanted to:
Minger tended to “head hop” from one character’s mind to another (I counted 5 points of view changes in the first two chapters!). While this doesn’t usually bother me, her changes came so rapidly and sometimes for only a sentence or two that it distracted. Then, too, in more than ten instances, while in Hakon’s point of view, he thinks “Gwendolyn” when he should have thought “Garric”; and in at least other 5 instances he should have thought “Anora.” That was confusing.
I was following the logic of the story, really hanging in there, until half way through the book when the brilliantly defiant Gwendolyn, who’d been masquerading as the lad Garric and protecting her sister while hating Hakon for what he’d subjected them to, takes her sister’s place when Anora is summoned to Hakon’s bed. I saw Gwen’s action as noble and was cheering her on, but after they had sex, all her anger, hate and resolve to escape just dissipates into nothing. What a let down that was. I expected her to be even angrier after that since she, a noble born Saxon, had been forced to become a Viking’s whore. But no…all Hakon’s people think it’s “special” that she is now the chieftain’s “concubine,” and Gwen apparently sees no problem with it. I couldn’t fathom that, not in an era when a young woman’s purity was her greatest possession. This total turnaround in Gwen’s emotions came too suddenly to be believed.
Other improbable elements:
--No one, not even Hakon, ever asked the two captives who they were, nor did either of the sisters tell Hakon that they were the daughters of the Earl of Cheshire or that Anora was betrothed to a prince of the Danelaw. That seemed bizarre when it might have protected them if not returned them home.
--When the head Jarl tells all the chieftains (including Hakon) they are searching for two Anglo-Saxon sisters taken captive because if the girls are not returned, it will mean war with Denmark and England, no descriptions or names are given to the chieftains to help them find the sisters, nor do any ask. That didn’t seem logical.
--Gwen (in disguise as Garric) was whipped with the lash and while suffering welts on her woman’s skin, went to Hakon’s bed and he never noticed her welts and she never winced as he embraced her. Even when she was naked in her bath none of the women noticed anything. How was that?
--During the whole story, no one noticed the difference in muscles or callouses between the two sisters, yet Gwen had been rowing the boat with the men for days and well as saddling horses. To me this was an omission, especially since Hakon was sleeping with Gwen thinking she was Anora. And very late in the story, Hakon wonders how a brother and sister can look so much alike. He also never considered she would be pregnant though he was bedding her each night, all of which made him seem highly unobservant and a little dense.
Finally, which of the sisters did Hakon love? Anora, Gwen, or both? It was Anora he came to know and desire on the boat ride to Norway, and after they arrived he was obsessed with having her. But he has sex with Gwen when she went to his bed pretending to be her sister. It was Anora that Hakon wanted but he got Gwen. Yes, he tells Gwen he loves her after a night of passion, but is it really Gwen he loves, or Anora—or both? Lastly, he never apologized to Gwen for taking her honor though her father and Wulfgar would kill him for it. What a cad!
May 7, 2019
1.5 uncouth Viking stars.
This was a strange book.
Firstly, I have to say that the Viking/medieval vibe was pretty authentic, ie. there were no warm, fuzzy feels in this story. The men were brutish, uncouth and violent, the women oppressed and stuck in their roles of whore, mother or slave (often all three at once). I am not one to believe those times were romantic and if the author wants to write a romance novel but give it an authentic context, all power to her. It’s just that she’ll have a hard time trying to make it romantic for me. (I guess coming off episode 4 of the last season of GoT has me very aware of how UNromantic medieval times were! Way too much blood...)
Putting that aside for the moment, what bothered me the most about this story was the cardboard characterisation of the hero, and the rapidity with which the captive heroine flips from hatred for her captor (he mistreats her, has her lashed/whipped and generally behaves like a cliché Viking) to ceaseless lust and longing for him. And I am not even mentioning the impossibility of the heroine succeeding in having a whole ship’s crew believe she was a boy for such a length of time. Didn’t she get her period? How did she wash? How did she go to the toilet? Nobody saw her boobs??
My practical side, which I admit is not even that well-developed, struggled with this.
Now, if the characterisation and the relationship had been interesting and layered, I could have suspended my disbelief. But that wasn’t the case. The hero was in lust with the heroine’s twin at first sight, then, when they swap places, never realises that it is now someone different, and continues lusting. Well, how could he realise- he never bothered to have a conversation, to try to get to know her or talk to her. He completely objectified her. She was not an actual person to him. While this might have been typical of bloke's views about women at the time, it doesn't really make me want to read it. I'm looking for men and women who stand out from the crowd. I guess we should be grateful he didn’t actually rape her- only blackmail her to sleep with him. Because that is so much nobler and more ethical.
I think the bottom line for me was that there was no actual relationship, other than a sexual one. The author writes of the hero telling Gwen Viking legends and stuff about his culture. Supposed chatty time after sex. Not once does he ask her anything about herself! He doesn’t know anything about her home, her family, that she has a TWIN. I got the feeling he wasn't interested, as long as he could bang her. You would think he might show some curiosity, given that he had kidnapped her from her home and was planning to keep her. Every now and then he would ponder, using what passed for a brain in that big, Neanderthal head, how hard it must be for her to like him given that he had stolen her away from her family. But that thought was quickly chucked into the too-hard basket, because his poor little Viking, rape-and-pillage head might explode if he pondered on it for too long. Clearly a token attempt by the author to portray the man as having a conscience.
Now, I know we cannot judge the actions of people from 700 years ago using our modern values. So, I am happy to just let it be what it is. But I am not going to pretend that this story speaks to me on any level, except maybe the: Really? You are kidding me! level.
Will I read more by this author? Unless a GR friend can convince me to try:
This was a strange book.
Firstly, I have to say that the Viking/medieval vibe was pretty authentic, ie. there were no warm, fuzzy feels in this story. The men were brutish, uncouth and violent, the women oppressed and stuck in their roles of whore, mother or slave (often all three at once). I am not one to believe those times were romantic and if the author wants to write a romance novel but give it an authentic context, all power to her. It’s just that she’ll have a hard time trying to make it romantic for me. (I guess coming off episode 4 of the last season of GoT has me very aware of how UNromantic medieval times were! Way too much blood...)
Putting that aside for the moment, what bothered me the most about this story was the cardboard characterisation of the hero, and the rapidity with which the captive heroine flips from hatred for her captor (he mistreats her, has her lashed/whipped and generally behaves like a cliché Viking) to ceaseless lust and longing for him. And I am not even mentioning the impossibility of the heroine succeeding in having a whole ship’s crew believe she was a boy for such a length of time. Didn’t she get her period? How did she wash? How did she go to the toilet? Nobody saw her boobs??
My practical side, which I admit is not even that well-developed, struggled with this.
Now, if the characterisation and the relationship had been interesting and layered, I could have suspended my disbelief. But that wasn’t the case. The hero was in lust with the heroine’s twin at first sight, then, when they swap places, never realises that it is now someone different, and continues lusting. Well, how could he realise- he never bothered to have a conversation, to try to get to know her or talk to her. He completely objectified her. She was not an actual person to him. While this might have been typical of bloke's views about women at the time, it doesn't really make me want to read it. I'm looking for men and women who stand out from the crowd. I guess we should be grateful he didn’t actually rape her- only blackmail her to sleep with him. Because that is so much nobler and more ethical.
I think the bottom line for me was that there was no actual relationship, other than a sexual one. The author writes of the hero telling Gwen Viking legends and stuff about his culture. Supposed chatty time after sex. Not once does he ask her anything about herself! He doesn’t know anything about her home, her family, that she has a TWIN. I got the feeling he wasn't interested, as long as he could bang her. You would think he might show some curiosity, given that he had kidnapped her from her home and was planning to keep her. Every now and then he would ponder, using what passed for a brain in that big, Neanderthal head, how hard it must be for her to like him given that he had stolen her away from her family. But that thought was quickly chucked into the too-hard basket, because his poor little Viking, rape-and-pillage head might explode if he pondered on it for too long. Clearly a token attempt by the author to portray the man as having a conscience.
Now, I know we cannot judge the actions of people from 700 years ago using our modern values. So, I am happy to just let it be what it is. But I am not going to pretend that this story speaks to me on any level, except maybe the: Really? You are kidding me! level.
Will I read more by this author? Unless a GR friend can convince me to try:
Want to read
October 1, 2012Holy crap with the 9-to-5 dragqueen-do. :o
October 1st:
Free again, today, ladies!
October 1st:
Free again, today, ladies!
July 11, 2014
Let me open my review by saying that this was the first book published as a "romance novel" I've ever read (well, read in its entirety, that is...). I wanted to expand my horizons through exposure to different types of fiction, and I thought that this book, with its medieval setting and quasi-Shakespearean plot, was a good choice for an introduction to the genre.
I expected that it would at least hold my interest, and in that respect, it didn't disappoint. The plot was interesting enough to keep me engaged, and the lead character was likable and well-developed. Unfortunately, the other characters--all of them--were rather weak, and I didn't particularly care about anyone other than the lead. The plot, while fun, was also rather predictable, and when surprises were woven in, they came across as rather contrived. For example, one villain happens to show up on three separate occasions to threaten the main character, and each time another character just happens to swoop in and rescue her just when all appears lost.
As far as the sex scenes were concerned, I thought they were adequate...not really a weakness, but there was definitely some room for improvement. In terms of emphasis, while they were somewhat explicit, the focus was more on the sensations and emotions rather than the physical play-by-play (probably typical for this type of book).
In terms of style, it was very readable. My main complaint would be that some of the descriptions got a little repetitive (his "crushing kiss," her "lithe form," etc.). I only noticed one historical flaw--potatoes were eaten on a couple of occasions; these would not be introduced to Europe until after Columbus, as they are native to the Americas. Otherwise, the historical details seemed pretty good to me.
In terms of the overall rating, I'd give it a 2.5 if I could. I'll make it an even three based on the fact that I did enjoy reading it despite it being not my usual fare. If it sounds interesting, and if you can get it for little to no cost, then I'd say it's worth a look.
I expected that it would at least hold my interest, and in that respect, it didn't disappoint. The plot was interesting enough to keep me engaged, and the lead character was likable and well-developed. Unfortunately, the other characters--all of them--were rather weak, and I didn't particularly care about anyone other than the lead. The plot, while fun, was also rather predictable, and when surprises were woven in, they came across as rather contrived. For example, one villain happens to show up on three separate occasions to threaten the main character, and each time another character just happens to swoop in and rescue her just when all appears lost.
As far as the sex scenes were concerned, I thought they were adequate...not really a weakness, but there was definitely some room for improvement. In terms of emphasis, while they were somewhat explicit, the focus was more on the sensations and emotions rather than the physical play-by-play (probably typical for this type of book).
In terms of style, it was very readable. My main complaint would be that some of the descriptions got a little repetitive (his "crushing kiss," her "lithe form," etc.). I only noticed one historical flaw--potatoes were eaten on a couple of occasions; these would not be introduced to Europe until after Columbus, as they are native to the Americas. Otherwise, the historical details seemed pretty good to me.
In terms of the overall rating, I'd give it a 2.5 if I could. I'll make it an even three based on the fact that I did enjoy reading it despite it being not my usual fare. If it sounds interesting, and if you can get it for little to no cost, then I'd say it's worth a look.
Want to read
January 5, 2025🎁 FREE on Amazon today (3/31/2020)! 🎁
May 2, 2021
Not bad for a first read for my by this author. I look forward to more!
November 10, 2012
I have just finished this fabulous story...I cannot tell you how much I enjoyed it, its a must read.
A wonderfull Viking Historical Romance, starts with Twin beauties Gwendolyn and Anora High born females being captured from their homeland in England by Vikings on the eve of Anora's wedding. What an adventure they have in store for them, many scary moments, hardships, and danger. Luckily Gwendolyn is a tomboy and has learnt many male skills, she is one strong, high spirted, fiesty female who at all costs protects her sister from the enemy Vikings, however, she hasn't planned for one Hot Viking awakening her female passion.
Highly recommend
A wonderfull Viking Historical Romance, starts with Twin beauties Gwendolyn and Anora High born females being captured from their homeland in England by Vikings on the eve of Anora's wedding. What an adventure they have in store for them, many scary moments, hardships, and danger. Luckily Gwendolyn is a tomboy and has learnt many male skills, she is one strong, high spirted, fiesty female who at all costs protects her sister from the enemy Vikings, however, she hasn't planned for one Hot Viking awakening her female passion.
Highly recommend
October 10, 2022
I definitely enjoyed this book - although for some reason, it took me some time to get into.
I loved this twelfth-night-esque plot between the twins, and I think it was very well done (including the building relationship between the fmc and mmc).
The only criticism I have is coining the fmc as a hunter, who is skilled with weapons and fighting, and then making her cower in fear later in the novel. I wish there was more representation of her skills, rather than falling into that damsel in distress mode that is so expected from fmc’s in this genre.
Otherwise, it was deffo a fun read
I loved this twelfth-night-esque plot between the twins, and I think it was very well done (including the building relationship between the fmc and mmc).
The only criticism I have is coining the fmc as a hunter, who is skilled with weapons and fighting, and then making her cower in fear later in the novel. I wish there was more representation of her skills, rather than falling into that damsel in distress mode that is so expected from fmc’s in this genre.
Otherwise, it was deffo a fun read
October 10, 2012
WOW. This was Miriam Minger's debut novel and it is my FAVORITE so far that I've read of hers. I've always been fascinated by Vikings and the history of the Norse people. This book combines that rich history with a very interesting love story that was full of development, change, and tension. If you love romance, history, and unique plots, this is a GREAT read. Now, don't expect a picture perfect hero, because the men in this story are products of their rather savage times. Still, I was touched by the depth of love between the two main characters. I will definitely read this again.
Read
June 7, 2012Another oldie resurrected for Kindle that I downloaded for free.
It was pretty cheesy, and I could not finish it.
No rating because DNF
This was apparently the Author's first novel, so it is possible that her other works would be more enjoyable.
It was pretty cheesy, and I could not finish it.
No rating because DNF
This was apparently the Author's first novel, so it is possible that her other works would be more enjoyable.
January 28, 2014
Read about 25% and could not continue. Did not enjoy the story line.
March 7, 2021
Recently, I was offered a “box set” of romances by Miriam Minger, called Captive Brides, at a discounted price. Okay, the whole “captive bride” plot sounds a bit like an 80s thing, but I am getting old and flat out tired of woman centric stories, so I bought the set. Thus far, I have only read the first book, Twin Passions, but I rather liked it. Here’s the book blurb: “Beautiful, feminine Anora finds her wedding plans suddenly shattered when she and her identical twin, tomboyish Gwendolyn, are kidnapped and taken aboard the Viking warrior Hakon Magnuson’s dragon ship.”
The blurb is a great summary, as it should be, but the author of Twin Passions does a far better than average job of blending the elements of romance with the historical details that make her tale engaging, believable, and suspenseful. Gwendolyn, the tomboy, is the point of view character, and Minger uses dramatic irony to the hilt to keep the suspense going. And, yes, the idea that a mere change of clothing keeps the passionate Viking alpha male in the dark about the gender of his “captive” does stretch the imagination a bit, but if the reader can accept that, everything else works fairly well.
Some eras of history are in vogue, and with the made for cable show “Vikings” still being shown, this book capitalizes on the trappings of that time, with plenty of broad swords, long boats, and fjords sprinkled in the setting and narrative.
As of this post, I don’t plan to continue with the other two novels in the set, but I may revisit them later, as I really do like Ms. Minger’s writing. For readers who enjoy historical romance, this book is a winner!
The blurb is a great summary, as it should be, but the author of Twin Passions does a far better than average job of blending the elements of romance with the historical details that make her tale engaging, believable, and suspenseful. Gwendolyn, the tomboy, is the point of view character, and Minger uses dramatic irony to the hilt to keep the suspense going. And, yes, the idea that a mere change of clothing keeps the passionate Viking alpha male in the dark about the gender of his “captive” does stretch the imagination a bit, but if the reader can accept that, everything else works fairly well.
Some eras of history are in vogue, and with the made for cable show “Vikings” still being shown, this book capitalizes on the trappings of that time, with plenty of broad swords, long boats, and fjords sprinkled in the setting and narrative.
As of this post, I don’t plan to continue with the other two novels in the set, but I may revisit them later, as I really do like Ms. Minger’s writing. For readers who enjoy historical romance, this book is a winner!
March 19, 2025
This was a freebie on Amazon so why not?
Anora and Gwendolyn are kidnapped and taken aboard a Viking ship. While there the captain mistakes Gwendolyn for a boy and appoints her as his servant while he tries to capture the heart of Anora. Anora's heart belongs to another, so Gwendolyn will initiate a dangerous game. However, she can't help but be attracted to the dangerous Viking. Will rescue come before Gwendolyn loses her heart and surrenders to her own passion?
Bleh. Gah. I just could not get into this one. I doubt that Gwendolyn could keep the secret of her womanhood as long as she did. It's a small ship and the servants and soldiers would have noticed her. It's not a camp where she can skaddle off. Tight quarters and all.
Also, our captain was a bit too blood thirsty and too alpha-y for my liking. Don't get me twisted. I love a good man's man, blood-thirsty male (*fans self*) but it rubbed me the wrong way. This is an 80s HR so the vibe is different I think.
But yeah. Not for me, but I finished this because I wanted to see how it ended. Morbid curiosity? I'll admit I skimmed QUITE a bit during the middle bits to just get to the ending.
2 stars from me.
Anora and Gwendolyn are kidnapped and taken aboard a Viking ship. While there the captain mistakes Gwendolyn for a boy and appoints her as his servant while he tries to capture the heart of Anora. Anora's heart belongs to another, so Gwendolyn will initiate a dangerous game. However, she can't help but be attracted to the dangerous Viking. Will rescue come before Gwendolyn loses her heart and surrenders to her own passion?
Bleh. Gah. I just could not get into this one. I doubt that Gwendolyn could keep the secret of her womanhood as long as she did. It's a small ship and the servants and soldiers would have noticed her. It's not a camp where she can skaddle off. Tight quarters and all.
Also, our captain was a bit too blood thirsty and too alpha-y for my liking. Don't get me twisted. I love a good man's man, blood-thirsty male (*fans self*) but it rubbed me the wrong way. This is an 80s HR so the vibe is different I think.
But yeah. Not for me, but I finished this because I wanted to see how it ended. Morbid curiosity? I'll admit I skimmed QUITE a bit during the middle bits to just get to the ending.
2 stars from me.
March 31, 2019
I never tire of reading Miriam Minger books. Hokan is a proud and strong warrior. Gwendolyn is a tomboy who breaks all the rules. They clash from the moment they meet. The story takes us on the tempestuous journey as they each try to outwit each other. Gwendolyn is trying to protect her sister from Homan’s attention. She also finds herself having to guard her heart from the feelings she is having for him. There is an abundance of adventure that gives vivid insight into the lifestyle of the times. The author, as she usually does, creates a vivid picture for the reader of scenery, emotions and gives great historical authenticity to the story. Hokan and Gwendolyn as well as Añora and Wulfgar all get their happy ending.
January 7, 2024
I both liked and was irritated by this book. First, I hate when things pull me out of the book. Things and words not of the time do that. To say that they were eating potatoes did just that. There was no way they would be eating potatoes in 973! This pulled me so far out of the book that I stopped reading it for the night. Also, there's no way that everyone who came into contact with the sisters was that stupid that no one figured out there were two girls. These are intelligent observant people and yet no one figured out there were two girls? Hakon couldn't figure it out? And finally, rape. He took her against her will. Just because he did foreplay and gave her an orgasm doesn't mean it wasn't against her will. Ugh. This book could have been so much better had it not had these issues.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 3, 2019
Sacrifice for love
In Twin Passions, Anora and Gwendolyn; twin sisters, find love but know not the hard road that they have to travel to get to it or cherish it. Sacrifice of self for one another is part of the sisters hard road. This is full of fly by your pants adventure, sadness, love, passion and determination of family loyalty. Characterization was great. Danger is prominent in this story and will keep you reading up all night. You will not be sorry. I loved it. Couldn't put it down. Recommend to any adult who likes historical romance with a twist.
In Twin Passions, Anora and Gwendolyn; twin sisters, find love but know not the hard road that they have to travel to get to it or cherish it. Sacrifice of self for one another is part of the sisters hard road. This is full of fly by your pants adventure, sadness, love, passion and determination of family loyalty. Characterization was great. Danger is prominent in this story and will keep you reading up all night. You will not be sorry. I loved it. Couldn't put it down. Recommend to any adult who likes historical romance with a twist.
January 6, 2025
exciting and twisting
I enjoyed this book, a twist on the normal highlander books.. in this book twin sisters are kidnapped by two horrid Vikings on the eve of one of their wedding
As they were taking a n evening stroll.
They are forced to travel to Norse, and one sister pretends to be a young boy in order to keep her sister safe. There is a lot of action, and a war when the chiefs 1/2 brother tries to claim the inheritance when the older brother dies.
There is a lot going on and it was hard to put the book down. It’s definately worth reading
I enjoyed this book, a twist on the normal highlander books.. in this book twin sisters are kidnapped by two horrid Vikings on the eve of one of their wedding
As they were taking a n evening stroll.
They are forced to travel to Norse, and one sister pretends to be a young boy in order to keep her sister safe. There is a lot of action, and a war when the chiefs 1/2 brother tries to claim the inheritance when the older brother dies.
There is a lot going on and it was hard to put the book down. It’s definately worth reading
June 20, 2018
Took me a while to get through it because it started off rather slow and boring for me. In the end, in typical Bodice Ripper fashion, there was sex, flowery sex, more sex, insta-love from sex, and more sex. I found myself totally skipping the sex scenes after the first one and just getting to the what-happens-next.
Over all, it turned out to be an okay read though the plot was hella predictable and had me rolling my eyes a lot.
Over all, it turned out to be an okay read though the plot was hella predictable and had me rolling my eyes a lot.
April 9, 2020
Well written and lovely plot. Although I am biased because I adore stories where the heroine disguises herself as someone else (in most cases a boy) and falls in love with the hero who, for the most part, remains utterly clueless until that perfect moment of clarity punches him between the eyes. Then the real fun begins. Steamy parts are a bonus and compliments the storyline well.
All in all a great read. This was an e-book version.
Happy reading!
All in all a great read. This was an e-book version.
Happy reading!
May 17, 2020
Exciting tale
The story of two twin sisters, very different in temperament, but identical in every other way. One very feminine and delicate, the other, always looking for adventure, having trained and hunted with her father and his men since childhood. Their joint adventure will require every bit of their resourcefulness and cunning.
A wonderful story that will delight you with several really nasty guys thrown in. Enjoy!
The story of two twin sisters, very different in temperament, but identical in every other way. One very feminine and delicate, the other, always looking for adventure, having trained and hunted with her father and his men since childhood. Their joint adventure will require every bit of their resourcefulness and cunning.
A wonderful story that will delight you with several really nasty guys thrown in. Enjoy!
May 13, 2019
Wow! What a ride!
From the start this story grabbed me and I couldn’t put it down. The connection between the twins and Gwendolyn’s care of her sister is so heartwarming. Surprising that Hakon doesn’t realize that he had fallen in love with Gwendolyn and not Anora, but it’s great that both twins finally get the man that they adore in the end.
From the start this story grabbed me and I couldn’t put it down. The connection between the twins and Gwendolyn’s care of her sister is so heartwarming. Surprising that Hakon doesn’t realize that he had fallen in love with Gwendolyn and not Anora, but it’s great that both twins finally get the man that they adore in the end.
March 31, 2020
Twins rule!
This is a great read using a lot of history as background. It was interesting how the sisters supported each other focusing on each other’s strengths and weaknesses throughout. Women always played a lesser role during this time except when true love is involved. Interesting perspective going from a slave,concubine, maid to a wife.
This is a great read using a lot of history as background. It was interesting how the sisters supported each other focusing on each other’s strengths and weaknesses throughout. Women always played a lesser role during this time except when true love is involved. Interesting perspective going from a slave,concubine, maid to a wife.
April 14, 2020
Ah, Vikings
A bit sappy, a bit farcical, but who doesn't love a happy ending?
Ridiculous to get away with posing as a boy--especially as they kept trading places. The part that really irked me was the outrage at finding a woman on the battlefield. The Vikings were highly feminist and would have had no problem with this!
A bit sappy, a bit farcical, but who doesn't love a happy ending?
Ridiculous to get away with posing as a boy--especially as they kept trading places. The part that really irked me was the outrage at finding a woman on the battlefield. The Vikings were highly feminist and would have had no problem with this!
May 20, 2020
TWIN PASSIONS: CAPTIVE BRIDES: such a satisfying read by my favorite historical author. English twins Anora and Gwendolyn are abducted on the eve of Anora’s wedding to Wulfgar a Danish Prince by Viking Hakon. Gwendolyn dressed in male clothing continues the deception.....until the night Hakon determines to take Anora’s virginity....it gets better from there
May 21, 2020
Kept me riveted
From the very first page, I found myself riveted and totally absorbed by this story. The tension of waiting for the moment Gwendolyn would finally be discovered in her rouse kept me reading til the end. I loved how everything worked out so perfectly for both sisters happily ever after. Definitely a romance that I will remember for a long time to come.
From the very first page, I found myself riveted and totally absorbed by this story. The tension of waiting for the moment Gwendolyn would finally be discovered in her rouse kept me reading til the end. I loved how everything worked out so perfectly for both sisters happily ever after. Definitely a romance that I will remember for a long time to come.
May 26, 2020
Loved
A truly beautifully written historical romance. The characters were amazing and very believable. I loved the romance, characters, and concept of this story. I read the whole thing without putting the book down. I highly recommend this story to anyone who loves a good romance.
A truly beautifully written historical romance. The characters were amazing and very believable. I loved the romance, characters, and concept of this story. I read the whole thing without putting the book down. I highly recommend this story to anyone who loves a good romance.
March 31, 2020
Good read
I have read this book several times since downloading it a couple years ago. Other than the over use of the word suddenly this story continues to capture my attention and enjoying the adventure the author takes me in.
I have read this book several times since downloading it a couple years ago. Other than the over use of the word suddenly this story continues to capture my attention and enjoying the adventure the author takes me in.
May 26, 2020
Twin Passions
I loved this story. I recommend everyone to read this book. I look forward to reading more of her books. I could not put the book down. Way to go girl.look forward to seeing more great stories. Katie.
I loved this story. I recommend everyone to read this book. I look forward to reading more of her books. I could not put the book down. Way to go girl.look forward to seeing more great stories. Katie.
July 8, 2020
Thoughts: What a great concept..twins! Vikings and Danes, too! It was really quite well done. I don't know about any historical accuracy because I don't know the period. The author didn't linger on the brutality, which I'm glad of. I liked the author's writing. Recommended
August 10, 2020
Interesting, enjoyable plot, characters and romance
Enjoyable, believable romance between independent, tomboy Gwendolyn and handsome Hakon who has never had a woman angered by his interest in her. The world of the Vikings is beautifully detailed.
Enjoyable, believable romance between independent, tomboy Gwendolyn and handsome Hakon who has never had a woman angered by his interest in her. The world of the Vikings is beautifully detailed.
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