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The Souls Within Us #1
Heart of the Viking Queen
Desperate Viking Queen. An Infuriatingly Flirtatious Chieftain. The Future of their People in Danger. One Solution: Marriage.
Eighteen years after the death of Runa’s husband, her clan’s lands seem determined to follow him into the grave. Crops wither in the fields, fires decimate her towns, and her Keep is bursting with refugees. With her people on the brink of starvation, Runa is prepared to do whatever it takes to save them, even if it means endangering the one thing she never thought she’d have to sacrifice, her heart.
Harried on all sides by a faceless enemy and saddled with more land than his meager populace can hold, Jotunn needs an ally to swell his numbers–fast. Unfortunately, the best choice is potentially more dangerous than his enemy. Runa threatens his control and his carefully constructed plans, is resistant to his flirting, seems constantly enraged at him, and he has never been more excited.
Runa and Jotunn might not even make it to the marriage bed–their combined problems are catching up with them and tensions in their communities–and their marriage–are at a boiling point. If they can’t work together, they risk losing everything they’ve sacrificed to build. Could the fate of both their peoples really rely on Jotunn winning the heart of a Viking Queen?
Heart of the Viking Queen is the first book in the Souls Within Us series featuring strong people shaped by their harsh climate. Start on the journey with Runa and Jotunn–buy it on Amazon or find it on Kindle Unlimited when it releases this fall!
Please Note: This book contains explicit content and darker elements, including mature language, violence, and sexual content. It is not intended for anyone under 18 years of age. This is book one in a series, but has a happily ever after for the main characters. For a more detailed content warning list, please refer to the Content Warnings page within the book.
Eighteen years after the death of Runa’s husband, her clan’s lands seem determined to follow him into the grave. Crops wither in the fields, fires decimate her towns, and her Keep is bursting with refugees. With her people on the brink of starvation, Runa is prepared to do whatever it takes to save them, even if it means endangering the one thing she never thought she’d have to sacrifice, her heart.
Harried on all sides by a faceless enemy and saddled with more land than his meager populace can hold, Jotunn needs an ally to swell his numbers–fast. Unfortunately, the best choice is potentially more dangerous than his enemy. Runa threatens his control and his carefully constructed plans, is resistant to his flirting, seems constantly enraged at him, and he has never been more excited.
Runa and Jotunn might not even make it to the marriage bed–their combined problems are catching up with them and tensions in their communities–and their marriage–are at a boiling point. If they can’t work together, they risk losing everything they’ve sacrificed to build. Could the fate of both their peoples really rely on Jotunn winning the heart of a Viking Queen?
Heart of the Viking Queen is the first book in the Souls Within Us series featuring strong people shaped by their harsh climate. Start on the journey with Runa and Jotunn–buy it on Amazon or find it on Kindle Unlimited when it releases this fall!
Please Note: This book contains explicit content and darker elements, including mature language, violence, and sexual content. It is not intended for anyone under 18 years of age. This is book one in a series, but has a happily ever after for the main characters. For a more detailed content warning list, please refer to the Content Warnings page within the book.
352 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 15, 2023
5 people are currently reading
93 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
September 15, 2023
I can’t believe this is a debut novel. The way that the characters emotions and struggles with mental health are written was done so in depth, yet not excessively. The main character’s grief and the way it was gradually overcome almost made me tear up multiple times. This book was such an emotional rollercoaster, but in the best way. All of this PLUS the dual POV’s, marriage of convenience trope, and the slowburn romance aspect made it a perfect read.
A HUGE thank you to the author for letting me read this as an ARC. This is clearly your calling, and I can’t wait to read more from you in the future!
A HUGE thank you to the author for letting me read this as an ARC. This is clearly your calling, and I can’t wait to read more from you in the future!
August 29, 2023
I am jetlagged as Hel, as my Vikings would say, so my review isn't as thoroughly thought as I'd like, but I'll update it when my brain fog has cleared a bit in two days.
What I loved:
*Badass Viking queen FMC who is a widow and a mother. And has brown hair and a strong but flawed body for a change.
*Caring, funny and teasing MMC with a secret. And long hair and a beard 😍.
*Age gap: she's 38, he is 28 (Yay to older FMC)
*LGTBQIA* rep galore. Thanks for including enby characters and gender-inclusive language.
*Grief, anxiety and healing.
*Slow burn, though the attraction is there and it's portrayed in a reasonable way.
*He falls first (and falls hard).
*Epic battle scenes.
*Spicy spice.
*None of the usual MMC alpha bullshit.
What could be a bit better (thus one star less):
*The conflict with the evil guy. I saw it coming from the start. And his motivations, though understandable, were a bit soft. But that's just a me thing. And it really doesn't detract from the story.
Love it and recommend it wholeheartedly!
What I loved:
*Badass Viking queen FMC who is a widow and a mother. And has brown hair and a strong but flawed body for a change.
*Caring, funny and teasing MMC with a secret. And long hair and a beard 😍.
*Age gap: she's 38, he is 28 (Yay to older FMC)
*LGTBQIA* rep galore. Thanks for including enby characters and gender-inclusive language.
*Grief, anxiety and healing.
*Slow burn, though the attraction is there and it's portrayed in a reasonable way.
*He falls first (and falls hard).
*Epic battle scenes.
*Spicy spice.
*None of the usual MMC alpha bullshit.
What could be a bit better (thus one star less):
*The conflict with the evil guy. I saw it coming from the start. And his motivations, though understandable, were a bit soft. But that's just a me thing. And it really doesn't detract from the story.
Love it and recommend it wholeheartedly!
August 24, 2023
Did I think I was going to enjoy a Viking romance this much? Maybe. Am I feral with bi panic for both Runa AND Jotunn? Absolutely. Is this a bada$$ debut that features grief and loss, healing and the fight to be vulnerable again, fierce women who don’t take $hit, a single momma who is a little older, age gap with a mischievous, sunshine younger man, themes of betrayal, redemption, community, and love? Yes, that and more. I love these characters and I can’t wait to see what Nicola Ren does next.
December 11, 2024
✨ Heart of the Viking Queen ✨
~ Age Gap (older FMC/younger MMC)
~ Marriage of convenience
~ Grumpy/Sunshine
✨ My thoughts ✨
This book was absolutely delicious. Runa is a complete badass. Her journey in this was beautiful to read. I loved seeing her strength when needed, but I also loved watching her walls come down. Now Jotunn.... that man has a mouth on him and he knows how to use it. Plus he has a man bun and beard. What more can you ask for?? But in all seriousness I did love seeing how much he supported Runa when she struggled. I loved all the side characters too. I like the story flowed really well. I laughed and got emotional while reading this one. I love the LGBTQ+ rep. I am excited to see what else happens in this Viking world.
Heart of the Viking Queen is book one in The Souls Within Us series by Nicola Ren. Recommended for 18+. As always please check TW before reading. This book is a darker viking romance. I can't recommend it enough.
✨ I want to thank Nicola for an ARC of her debut novel. These are my own true thoughts. ✨
~ Age Gap (older FMC/younger MMC)
~ Marriage of convenience
~ Grumpy/Sunshine
✨ My thoughts ✨
This book was absolutely delicious. Runa is a complete badass. Her journey in this was beautiful to read. I loved seeing her strength when needed, but I also loved watching her walls come down. Now Jotunn.... that man has a mouth on him and he knows how to use it. Plus he has a man bun and beard. What more can you ask for?? But in all seriousness I did love seeing how much he supported Runa when she struggled. I loved all the side characters too. I like the story flowed really well. I laughed and got emotional while reading this one. I love the LGBTQ+ rep. I am excited to see what else happens in this Viking world.
Heart of the Viking Queen is book one in The Souls Within Us series by Nicola Ren. Recommended for 18+. As always please check TW before reading. This book is a darker viking romance. I can't recommend it enough.
✨ I want to thank Nicola for an ARC of her debut novel. These are my own true thoughts. ✨
September 19, 2023
"I take great pleasure in riling you up. I'm addicted to how you react to me. Every scowl. Every blush. Every secret smile, and laugh. Runa, my queen, I'm addicted to every part of you."
4.5/5 stars! And a beautiful healing journey!
I adored this book, I was blessed with an ARC of Hear of the Viking Queen by the author for my honest review! I genuinely loved going through this story I loved being immersed into a world I don't normally have the chance to read about. Vikings, war, struggles and a single mom being strong for it all. I loved getting into a different sort of comfort zone and I do not have any regrets about it!
Runa was quite actually one of the strongest FMC's I have read about. Not only is she a tall queen, she's a damn Viking warrior who had her first giant battle at 18 years old WHILE PREGNANGT ??
The story takes place 18 years later but flashes back to her time when she lost her husband Ulf. Runa was as stubborn and protective of her own heart as it gets. She is extremely hard headed and takes a while to make a breakthrough, but it really truly fit her character, a Viking queen ruling over her people on a dying land, a cruel father, a late husband and an 18 year old daughter? Protecting her heart from men is the only way she can manage that all. I felt for her anxieties and shoveling feelings down, I know any woman reading this (mother or not) can relate to her character greatly.
Jotunn is like a giant bearded feisty ball of energy. His character was giving tough golden retriever with the loyalty of a pit bull. He loved Runa from the moment she punched him in the face. I enjoyed his story, the background with his partner. I think Jotunn was a great character for this book and really dedicated to trying to help Runa heal.
Reading about Vikings is a wild time, the battles are absolutely crazy and make your heart race. Heart of the Viking Queen is about healing, growth and telling your truth. It was a beautiful story by this first time author. Runa's journey to overcome the people and her own self from holding her back was definitely so worth reading.
If you like:
- A single mother
- Vikings
- Dislike to lovers
- slightly slow burns
- Crazy battles and some gore
- Big boys with beards
Then definitely pick this book up!
4.5/5 stars! And a beautiful healing journey!
I adored this book, I was blessed with an ARC of Hear of the Viking Queen by the author for my honest review! I genuinely loved going through this story I loved being immersed into a world I don't normally have the chance to read about. Vikings, war, struggles and a single mom being strong for it all. I loved getting into a different sort of comfort zone and I do not have any regrets about it!
Runa was quite actually one of the strongest FMC's I have read about. Not only is she a tall queen, she's a damn Viking warrior who had her first giant battle at 18 years old WHILE PREGNANGT ??
The story takes place 18 years later but flashes back to her time when she lost her husband Ulf. Runa was as stubborn and protective of her own heart as it gets. She is extremely hard headed and takes a while to make a breakthrough, but it really truly fit her character, a Viking queen ruling over her people on a dying land, a cruel father, a late husband and an 18 year old daughter? Protecting her heart from men is the only way she can manage that all. I felt for her anxieties and shoveling feelings down, I know any woman reading this (mother or not) can relate to her character greatly.
Jotunn is like a giant bearded feisty ball of energy. His character was giving tough golden retriever with the loyalty of a pit bull. He loved Runa from the moment she punched him in the face. I enjoyed his story, the background with his partner. I think Jotunn was a great character for this book and really dedicated to trying to help Runa heal.
Reading about Vikings is a wild time, the battles are absolutely crazy and make your heart race. Heart of the Viking Queen is about healing, growth and telling your truth. It was a beautiful story by this first time author. Runa's journey to overcome the people and her own self from holding her back was definitely so worth reading.
If you like:
- A single mother
- Vikings
- Dislike to lovers
- slightly slow burns
- Crazy battles and some gore
- Big boys with beards
Then definitely pick this book up!
September 7, 2023
I was given an e-ARC of this debut novel by Nicola Ren, thank you so much for letting me read this one early!
Heart of the Viking Queen has consumed me almost entirely since I began reading it. I was pulled in immediately with the prologue and what we learn about Runa, our female main character's, past. And then we jump forward to her in her present time as she's trying the best she can as the Queen of her people, and without a king. And being without a king does not mean that she is any less strong or lacking the ability to do her duty as their Queen. That's actually where this story starts. Runa is trying to keep her lands from becoming a wasteland that her people cannot live in nor cultivate crops from. As time has gone on, the lands they live on are no longer viable for proper living. And she's got to figure out how she can keep ahold of her clan's livelihood and not allow everything to wither away. A marriage of convenience must be made now... and Fiora, Runa's daughter, is at the age that she needs to make the sacrifice as the future ruler of her people and marry so they can all continue to thrive. Before Runa can no longer promise a future for her people.
Enter Jotunn... well Jotunn wants something akin to Runa's plan, but Jotunn doesn't want Fiora, he wants Runa. This badass viking woman can kick his ass to the ground in a fight and he hasn't been more turned on. This viking warrior with a cinnamon roll heart is ready to help Runa's people, as long as it's her he gets to marry.
So begins Jotunn's attempt to win over the fiery Heart of the Viking Queen.
This book has heart and soul, care and love written into it and I loved every moment of it. We can feel the true love and grief Runa had from her past and continues to feel as she now begins to work through it so many years later. There is no expiration on grief and I will stand by that forever, but the time does come when grief is accepted and understood and put up on a shelf for safe keeping so that one can open their heart again to many things, including love. The walls Runa has up to protect herself are very strong and until Jotunn enters her life, they were going to stay there, but this man wears her down in all of the right ways. He respects her boundaries and the time she needs to let herself fully open to him as her new partner. He can sense what's behind those walls, and he knows that he wants this woman however she may be, but she needs to be ready.
Oh, and don't forget, there is a big bad they get to fight together, and boy do they FIGHT.
If you like any of the below, you're in for a treat:
Vikings
Badass women
Cinnamon Roll Heros (who are also badass)
Body acceptance of any size
LGBTQ rep
Mental health and grief rep
Spicy scenes
Highly recommend this one!
Heart of the Viking Queen has consumed me almost entirely since I began reading it. I was pulled in immediately with the prologue and what we learn about Runa, our female main character's, past. And then we jump forward to her in her present time as she's trying the best she can as the Queen of her people, and without a king. And being without a king does not mean that she is any less strong or lacking the ability to do her duty as their Queen. That's actually where this story starts. Runa is trying to keep her lands from becoming a wasteland that her people cannot live in nor cultivate crops from. As time has gone on, the lands they live on are no longer viable for proper living. And she's got to figure out how she can keep ahold of her clan's livelihood and not allow everything to wither away. A marriage of convenience must be made now... and Fiora, Runa's daughter, is at the age that she needs to make the sacrifice as the future ruler of her people and marry so they can all continue to thrive. Before Runa can no longer promise a future for her people.
Enter Jotunn... well Jotunn wants something akin to Runa's plan, but Jotunn doesn't want Fiora, he wants Runa. This badass viking woman can kick his ass to the ground in a fight and he hasn't been more turned on. This viking warrior with a cinnamon roll heart is ready to help Runa's people, as long as it's her he gets to marry.
So begins Jotunn's attempt to win over the fiery Heart of the Viking Queen.
This book has heart and soul, care and love written into it and I loved every moment of it. We can feel the true love and grief Runa had from her past and continues to feel as she now begins to work through it so many years later. There is no expiration on grief and I will stand by that forever, but the time does come when grief is accepted and understood and put up on a shelf for safe keeping so that one can open their heart again to many things, including love. The walls Runa has up to protect herself are very strong and until Jotunn enters her life, they were going to stay there, but this man wears her down in all of the right ways. He respects her boundaries and the time she needs to let herself fully open to him as her new partner. He can sense what's behind those walls, and he knows that he wants this woman however she may be, but she needs to be ready.
Oh, and don't forget, there is a big bad they get to fight together, and boy do they FIGHT.
If you like any of the below, you're in for a treat:
Vikings
Badass women
Cinnamon Roll Heros (who are also badass)
Body acceptance of any size
LGBTQ rep
Mental health and grief rep
Spicy scenes
Highly recommend this one!
October 1, 2025
⚔️Huge bearded Viking cinnamon roll MMC
⚔️Fierce badass warrior single-mother FMC
⚔️reverse grumpy/sunshine
⚔️lgbtq rep
⚔️grief/trauma healing
⚔️reluctant allies to lovers
⚔️hair braiding
⚔️ “my wife”
🌶️🌶️.5
I must be in my growly Viking cinnamon roll era because I think I have yet another book husband taking the top 5. Jotunn and Runa have a romance to swoon and sweat for. 🥵🔥 Runa is a 36 year old Viking queen, widowed at 18 after a few months of wedded bliss, with a baby in her belly. Forced by duty and strength of character to take over ruling her late husband’s clan, she raises her daughter and rules her growing clan with an iron sword and fierce heart. But as their land dies, she must look for a more permanent solution to keep them going. Enter Jotunn, 28 year old bearded monstrosity of a Viking man, looking to make a deal of his own for protection of his clan. He comes looking for allies, but one knock on his ass by Runa, and sweet sarcastic Jotunn is smitten. And boy can this man be smitten. His swoon-worthy quips to stoic Runa had me giggling and kicking my feet so much my face hurt from smiling. His determination to break down her walls, get to know her, win her heart, and make her blush, made their interactions so delicious I didn’t want it to stop.
While this is a sweeping romance, it’s setting is a dark and violent world where its inhabitants suffer for every step gained. Our MCs are flawed and real, holding onto secrets and grief equally. Runa is full of self doubt, constantly cataloguing her failures as queen and her worthiness as Jotunn’s wife. Her internal monologues were relatable and often somber, warring between a new fire of desire she thought long dead and the guilt of betraying the memory of her first love. I teared up multiple times reading her thoughts, and wanted to hug her and tell her she deserves every good thing. Jotunn likewise has feelings of guilt and failure, and his desperation to trust and connect with Runa wars with his duty to protect his clan and his secrets. He is so incredibly patient with Runa while she sorts through her feelings and fears, and it was beautiful to see him thank her for every bit of herself she gives him.
Have some tissues ready as the writing will make you feel every thing the characters feel. I cried for Runa when Jotunn’s secrets finally came to light, and couldn’t put the book down until my heart felt somewhat healed 💔♥️
This was an extremely well written, sweeping romance set in a rich descriptive Viking world. You can feel the rain and mud, the warmth of the fire, and the swooning love story will have you grinning and your cheeks heating. I already purchased the physical book for my shelf, and plan to reread, though I wish I could experience these two for the first time again. Runa’s absolute badass-ness and Jotunn’s blush-inducing teasing will forever live rent free in my head! 5⭐️!
⚔️Fierce badass warrior single-mother FMC
⚔️reverse grumpy/sunshine
⚔️lgbtq rep
⚔️grief/trauma healing
⚔️reluctant allies to lovers
⚔️hair braiding
⚔️ “my wife”
🌶️🌶️.5
I must be in my growly Viking cinnamon roll era because I think I have yet another book husband taking the top 5. Jotunn and Runa have a romance to swoon and sweat for. 🥵🔥 Runa is a 36 year old Viking queen, widowed at 18 after a few months of wedded bliss, with a baby in her belly. Forced by duty and strength of character to take over ruling her late husband’s clan, she raises her daughter and rules her growing clan with an iron sword and fierce heart. But as their land dies, she must look for a more permanent solution to keep them going. Enter Jotunn, 28 year old bearded monstrosity of a Viking man, looking to make a deal of his own for protection of his clan. He comes looking for allies, but one knock on his ass by Runa, and sweet sarcastic Jotunn is smitten. And boy can this man be smitten. His swoon-worthy quips to stoic Runa had me giggling and kicking my feet so much my face hurt from smiling. His determination to break down her walls, get to know her, win her heart, and make her blush, made their interactions so delicious I didn’t want it to stop.
While this is a sweeping romance, it’s setting is a dark and violent world where its inhabitants suffer for every step gained. Our MCs are flawed and real, holding onto secrets and grief equally. Runa is full of self doubt, constantly cataloguing her failures as queen and her worthiness as Jotunn’s wife. Her internal monologues were relatable and often somber, warring between a new fire of desire she thought long dead and the guilt of betraying the memory of her first love. I teared up multiple times reading her thoughts, and wanted to hug her and tell her she deserves every good thing. Jotunn likewise has feelings of guilt and failure, and his desperation to trust and connect with Runa wars with his duty to protect his clan and his secrets. He is so incredibly patient with Runa while she sorts through her feelings and fears, and it was beautiful to see him thank her for every bit of herself she gives him.
Have some tissues ready as the writing will make you feel every thing the characters feel. I cried for Runa when Jotunn’s secrets finally came to light, and couldn’t put the book down until my heart felt somewhat healed 💔♥️
This was an extremely well written, sweeping romance set in a rich descriptive Viking world. You can feel the rain and mud, the warmth of the fire, and the swooning love story will have you grinning and your cheeks heating. I already purchased the physical book for my shelf, and plan to reread, though I wish I could experience these two for the first time again. Runa’s absolute badass-ness and Jotunn’s blush-inducing teasing will forever live rent free in my head! 5⭐️!
September 22, 2023
I am so thankful I was chosen to be an ARC reader for Heart of the Viking Queen. I had yet to read a book about Vikings and after reading this book I do not understand why I hadn’t jumped on board yet.
Heart of the Viking Queen had me all over the place. I was laughing out loud, I was mad, and at one point I even felt like crying. Mostly, I was laughing and smiling.
I love the relationship between Jotunn and Runa. Jotunn is the golden retriever husband who tries to bring out the best of Runa and I love it. After losing her first love, Runa is easily annoyed with Jotunn because she fears getting too close to him and having to lose him as well.
Runa and Jotunn have a mutual dislike for Runa’s father, for different reasons. Widowed at a young age, Runa has to rely on her father and his kingdom’s help to survive. Jotunn’ s kingdom is constantly under attack by Runa’s father, but he keeps it a secret from Runa. He wants to make sure she is ready to learn that information. When Runa discovers this, she is hurt that Jotunn with held this information from her. But, she is devastated with what comes along with this news.
Heart of the Viking Queen had me all over the place. I was laughing out loud, I was mad, and at one point I even felt like crying. Mostly, I was laughing and smiling.
I love the relationship between Jotunn and Runa. Jotunn is the golden retriever husband who tries to bring out the best of Runa and I love it. After losing her first love, Runa is easily annoyed with Jotunn because she fears getting too close to him and having to lose him as well.
Runa and Jotunn have a mutual dislike for Runa’s father, for different reasons. Widowed at a young age, Runa has to rely on her father and his kingdom’s help to survive. Jotunn’ s kingdom is constantly under attack by Runa’s father, but he keeps it a secret from Runa. He wants to make sure she is ready to learn that information. When Runa discovers this, she is hurt that Jotunn with held this information from her. But, she is devastated with what comes along with this news.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 17, 2023
I found this book on Instagram and had a fun time reading it. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it and really hoped I would give it 5 stars for the concept alone but here is why I couldn’t.
1- Concept and plot: 5 ⭐️. Whoever shipped Tourmond and Brienne of Tarth on Game Of Thrones (don’t grill me on spelling) will enjoy this book. So naturally I did.
2- Characters: 4 ⭐️ The main characters were well written, the side characters needed to be more fleshed out.
3- The romance: 5 ⭐️ I love me a reverse age gap where he is cocky and self assured while she slowly comes to her power.
4- The politics: 4 ⭐️
5- Writing: 3 ⭐️ (I couldn’t get over the use of modern language and mannerisms in a historical fiction; it takes away from the Viking adventure atmosphere).
Spice: 🌶️🌶️ 🌶️
Overall score: 3.5 ⭐️ (rounded up to 4 ⭐️ on goodreads)
It was a good debut and I would certainly read more of Nicola’s writing. I predict that with minor adjustments and more strict editing her books will become more better and more enjoyable. Well done.
1- Concept and plot: 5 ⭐️. Whoever shipped Tourmond and Brienne of Tarth on Game Of Thrones (don’t grill me on spelling) will enjoy this book. So naturally I did.
2- Characters: 4 ⭐️ The main characters were well written, the side characters needed to be more fleshed out.
3- The romance: 5 ⭐️ I love me a reverse age gap where he is cocky and self assured while she slowly comes to her power.
4- The politics: 4 ⭐️
5- Writing: 3 ⭐️ (I couldn’t get over the use of modern language and mannerisms in a historical fiction; it takes away from the Viking adventure atmosphere).
Spice: 🌶️🌶️ 🌶️
Overall score: 3.5 ⭐️ (rounded up to 4 ⭐️ on goodreads)
It was a good debut and I would certainly read more of Nicola’s writing. I predict that with minor adjustments and more strict editing her books will become more better and more enjoyable. Well done.
September 19, 2023
This book was my first viking romance, and I love it so much!
The journeys of the relationships between the characters, the communities as a whole, and internally for the MCs were so amazing. There is so much heart in this book, Nicola did an absolutely fantastic job!
It’s refreshing that the characters have more average appearances too. Jotunn has a dad bod, and Runa has a bit of a belly and sagging breasts. That’s relatable for so many of us, and as we know as readers, sometimes appearances like that in characters can be hard to find.
I ran the gamut of emotions while reading this story, the banter between the characters had me laughing, the treachery had me practically growling, and the heartbreaking moments made me cry.
When the rest of the series comes out I will definitely be reading it and I highly recommend you put this book on your TBR or pick up a copy today. It’s a good book for everyone to read.
The journeys of the relationships between the characters, the communities as a whole, and internally for the MCs were so amazing. There is so much heart in this book, Nicola did an absolutely fantastic job!
It’s refreshing that the characters have more average appearances too. Jotunn has a dad bod, and Runa has a bit of a belly and sagging breasts. That’s relatable for so many of us, and as we know as readers, sometimes appearances like that in characters can be hard to find.
I ran the gamut of emotions while reading this story, the banter between the characters had me laughing, the treachery had me practically growling, and the heartbreaking moments made me cry.
When the rest of the series comes out I will definitely be reading it and I highly recommend you put this book on your TBR or pick up a copy today. It’s a good book for everyone to read.
August 18, 2023
Viking Romance.
I sort of went into this blind…. And I’m just blown away.
This is an amazing debut novel! The characters, the setting, the action, the romance. 🔥
We meet Runa & let me tell you she’s a top FMC for me. She’s a single mom. She’s a queen. She’s fierce. She’s a warrior.
Then we meet Jotunn. He’s funny. Sarcastic. Wild. So damn charming !
The tension. The battles. The scars. The past. You FEEL ALL THE EMOTIONS!
If you’re looking for a Viking romance with
-Marriage of convenience
-Queen
-Warrior FMC
-Single mom FMC
-Cinnamon roll MMC
Then Check out this book on KU when it drops 9/15/2023!!
I’m in awe that you wrote & are publishing this story 👏
I sort of went into this blind…. And I’m just blown away.
This is an amazing debut novel! The characters, the setting, the action, the romance. 🔥
We meet Runa & let me tell you she’s a top FMC for me. She’s a single mom. She’s a queen. She’s fierce. She’s a warrior.
Then we meet Jotunn. He’s funny. Sarcastic. Wild. So damn charming !
The tension. The battles. The scars. The past. You FEEL ALL THE EMOTIONS!
If you’re looking for a Viking romance with
-Marriage of convenience
-Queen
-Warrior FMC
-Single mom FMC
-Cinnamon roll MMC
Then Check out this book on KU when it drops 9/15/2023!!
I’m in awe that you wrote & are publishing this story 👏
August 22, 2023
This book! It’s gritty and full of emotion and betrayal. Runa is harsh and soft, she isn’t always lovable and that’s ok. It’s real, a person with trauma and emotions and a past. Jotunn has his hands full trying to break her walls down. The writing is great and easy to follow, plot is simple but intriguing and the banter is top notch! Jotunn is hilarious but also so sincere. The love story between Runa and Jotunn is sweet and tricky. The trauma they carry is heavy, but finding love in each other may just help heal that pain. I really enjoyed seeing this story unfold and getting to know the characters and their history. ❤️
September 4, 2023
This will be a book I will be thinking about for months! I really enjoyed the relationship that was built between the main characters. I could really tell that they cared for each other and wanted to genuinely get to know the other one.
The pace of the book was well timed and the plot was engaging. There was equal parts romance and adventure. Every time I put it down (to go to bed or socialize) I would wonder what would happen next and reflect on what i had just read.
This is definitely a book to put on you TBR!
The pace of the book was well timed and the plot was engaging. There was equal parts romance and adventure. Every time I put it down (to go to bed or socialize) I would wonder what would happen next and reflect on what i had just read.
This is definitely a book to put on you TBR!
September 15, 2023
This book made me love the Vikings all over again. Has action, romance, and spicy scenes! If you are looking for an awesome read check this book out because it has something for every adult reader. Once you pick it up it pulls you in and you won’t want to put it down. Has great detail and makes you feel you are actually in the story watching everything unfold. This author is fantastic and can’t believe it is her first book. Go check it out! And don’t forget that epilogue because it is🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥. Can’t wait to see what else this author puts out.
March 7, 2025
Loved it
I’m one of her new biggest fans. Thank you so much for the happily ever after for this couple mention in the blurb. I wouldn’t have read an unfinished series without that. This was fabulous. I’m blown away that it’s the only one published. I need more.
I’m one of her new biggest fans. Thank you so much for the happily ever after for this couple mention in the blurb. I wouldn’t have read an unfinished series without that. This was fabulous. I’m blown away that it’s the only one published. I need more.
November 12, 2023
This is an excellent viking story about love and loss and what it takes to care and sacrifice for your people. I love these characters so much and can't wait for more from this author!
January 1, 2024
It gives it all
Runa and Jotunn give all the feels you want from a historical romance, viking romance.
Runa is so strong and powerful, but is plagued with self-doubt and guilt.
Jotunn is light-hearted and strong, and the beard.
The prologue had me thinking this book was going in an entirely different direction than it did, and I have never been so glad to be wrong.
This book was a Rollercoaster from beginning to end. It has some incredible troupes, diverse and hilarious side characters, and all the spice you can want.
Recommend this to readers who enjoy historical romance, viking romance, political romance, suspense, battle, and plot twists.
Runa and Jotunn give all the feels you want from a historical romance, viking romance.
Runa is so strong and powerful, but is plagued with self-doubt and guilt.
Jotunn is light-hearted and strong, and the beard.
The prologue had me thinking this book was going in an entirely different direction than it did, and I have never been so glad to be wrong.
This book was a Rollercoaster from beginning to end. It has some incredible troupes, diverse and hilarious side characters, and all the spice you can want.
Recommend this to readers who enjoy historical romance, viking romance, political romance, suspense, battle, and plot twists.
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