What do you think?
Rate this book
Viking Omegaverse #3
The Summer Siege
They’ve arrived. Ten thousand Norsemen, encircling the fort where Tamsin grew up.
Up there, behind those high walls, hundreds of Vanirdøtur huddle together to keep safe from the enemy.
So the Viking occupation begins. Norse voices rise into the air as Gofraid’s army settles in for the long haul, forming a siege camp full of thousands of cursed men.
Tamsin and her Dubliners must scheme to break the siege apart. It seems impossible; she is just one Vanirdottir amidst this roiling mass of warriors. And her Dubliners are few. But there is nothing quite like the stuffy intimacy of a siege camp to grow close to the men around you.
She learns much more about the men who are fated to her. She learns why Ivar wears runes upon his skin… and how his deep knowledge of Freya’s teachings could benefit them all, if he could only set aside the pain of his past and his own obstinate attitude.
Because in the end, when faced with such staggering obstacles, the only thing they can truly rely on is each other.
--
THE SUMMER SIEGE is a historical fantasy book that is loosely based on real historical events. It is the third tome of a 6-book saga, slow-burn with Reverse Harem romance and omegaverse dynamics. Though there are recaps of previous events, it is not meant to be read as a standalone. This novel contains graphic depictions of violence, and sexually explicit scenes.
Up there, behind those high walls, hundreds of Vanirdøtur huddle together to keep safe from the enemy.
So the Viking occupation begins. Norse voices rise into the air as Gofraid’s army settles in for the long haul, forming a siege camp full of thousands of cursed men.
Tamsin and her Dubliners must scheme to break the siege apart. It seems impossible; she is just one Vanirdottir amidst this roiling mass of warriors. And her Dubliners are few. But there is nothing quite like the stuffy intimacy of a siege camp to grow close to the men around you.
She learns much more about the men who are fated to her. She learns why Ivar wears runes upon his skin… and how his deep knowledge of Freya’s teachings could benefit them all, if he could only set aside the pain of his past and his own obstinate attitude.
Because in the end, when faced with such staggering obstacles, the only thing they can truly rely on is each other.
--
THE SUMMER SIEGE is a historical fantasy book that is loosely based on real historical events. It is the third tome of a 6-book saga, slow-burn with Reverse Harem romance and omegaverse dynamics. Though there are recaps of previous events, it is not meant to be read as a standalone. This novel contains graphic depictions of violence, and sexually explicit scenes.
867 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 22, 2023
235 people are currently reading
1335 people want to read
About the author
Lyx Robinson
10 books461 followersUSAT bestselling author Lyx Robinson spent her childhood in Brittany, where she became familiar with all sorts of old Celtic legends and landscapes. Living in a place with such strong tethers to its past made her naturally inclined towards fantasy, which is what she loves to read and write the most.
A late-comer to romance, Lyx fell head-first into the omegaverse in 2020 and decided to combine what she loves writing most - historical fantasy and erotica.
As a digital artist, Lyx's covers feature her own illustrations unless otherwise stated.
A late-comer to romance, Lyx fell head-first into the omegaverse in 2020 and decided to combine what she loves writing most - historical fantasy and erotica.
As a digital artist, Lyx's covers feature her own illustrations unless otherwise stated.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 139 reviews
October 31, 2023
I wanted more Ivar and I got more Ivar ❤️🔥 Full review to come XD
Review in Progress
In this review I'm including plot recaps for books 1 & 2, in case it has been a while for anyone and they don't have time to reread previous books. If you're a brand new reader to the series please skip this part and start at Stolen by the Wolves, the books must be read in order.
Plot recap for Stolen by the Wolves (serious spoilers for the entire book):
Review in Progress
In this review I'm including plot recaps for books 1 & 2, in case it has been a while for anyone and they don't have time to reread previous books. If you're a brand new reader to the series please skip this part and start at Stolen by the Wolves, the books must be read in order.
Plot recap for Stolen by the Wolves (serious spoilers for the entire book):
July 28, 2025
Smuttilicious
September 15, 2023
TL;DR This is how payoff is done in slow burn romance, everyone take notes!
I was lucky enough to be a Beta reader and I am finally allowed to scream about the book because it is being released on September 22nd. So very soon!
Eeeeeeeeeeek!!!
The Summer Siege has been a highly anticipated sequel ever since I absolutely ripped through books 1&2 sometime in April of this year. Yes, I was late to the party. Still, the wait for book 3 felt interminable because I was so excited to have discovered such a brilliant gem. If you read the first two books and liked them, you really don't need my review. Just pre-order book 3! I'm just here preaching to those people who are considering giving this series a try in the first place. I'll tell you why you absolutely should!
I am not usually a fan of omegaverse romance (more on that later), so the intensity of my love for this series came very unexpected. Basically I went into the first book loving the cover and with low expectations (did you know Lyx Robinson paints all her own art??? She's such a talented artist omg. You can really see in her art how much her characters mean to her and I really love Tamsin piggy-back-riding on Ivar for the third cover. Just awesome!). I was blown away by many things in the series, but most importantly:
- the way the plot is structured with a clear intent and destination
- the clarity of characterization: Lyx obviously has a clear vision of who these people are
- the seamless integration of omegaverse "logic" into a history/culture/society. Instead of being a silly addendum, the elements really make the world make sense. This story would not exist without the premise of omegaverse beneath.
Summer Siege is the direct continuation of books 1&2, so if you thought you could take a breather in the first few chapters to remember who everyone is, you really can't, because we jump right into action and the title says "siege", there is a lot of battling here and the downtime is mostly politicking and scheming.
In short: it was a very tough book to write. Based on the tough to chew content, I fully understand why this must have been very difficult to mold into a well-paced, interesting book that does not feel like an "in-between" novel. As a reader, though, I breezed right through it.
Lyx Robinson has planned Viking Omegaverse as a 6-book series, and the individual novels are LONG. Summer Siege was easily the longest of the three and that can be daunting. Wordy books (and these are wordy books) can sometimes be a chore to read. I am thinking the latter books of the Outlander series, for example. The long passages of seemingly just living can be tiring to read. What makes the difference, for me, is author's intent: does the author really say something when using so many words to do it? And in Lyx's case, it's a yes.
Her tendency is to write long passages and to really dive into her settings and characters where other authors might just cut through the work and summarize what happens. Fan fiction readers will probably appreciate the love and care for details. Brevity is overrated anyway.
This series is a real gem because there is REAL character development. Like, in every book. And yes, there is development for the relationships that are already there as well.
In book 3, we finally get the relationship between Tamsin and Ivar we have been longing for ... and Thrain and Ivar as well! We also got to know Olaf a little better, which is gold.
Plotwise, I don't want to spoil the book, which I absolutely would if I started going into detail. Let's just say the plot went where it needed to go to set up the next stage in the character's journey. Very important decisions were made. There were many tense moments. Many moments where I cheered. Moments that broke my heart.
After the Summer Siege, I am even more excited to see what else Lyx has planned for her characters. All I can say is that I'll be there on day 1, reading and cheering along.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Pre-Review before I read this novel:
Words do not come close to expressing what a revelation this series has been.
I do not like Omegaverse.
As a genre, I have long felt that Omegaverse simplifies the love stories that are being told by relying on brain chemistry and heat cycles when real writing and character development would have been necessary. Much like the maligned *fated mates* trope, I felt that it was impossible to write one without subverting the genre itself.
Viking Omegaverse is not a book that subverts the genre.
It does not question the validity of the genre tropes or subvert reader expectations in the way the very best *fated mates* novels do. On the contrary, author Lyx Robinson embraces Omegaverse tropes, imagery and dynamics so fully, the entire story - and the characters she brought to life - are impossible to imagine without Omegaverse elements. Instead of using Omegaverse to spice up an otherwise tepid love story or to embellish wild dub con fantasies, Robinson made Omegaverse theory (if there is such a thing) the cultural foundation of her art, and building characters and story from there.
Is it wordy? Yes. Does the complexity of the world and people merit a six-book series? Also, definitely yes.
The way these novels are written, much like fanfics written only for one pair of eyes first and foremost, lacks restraint. In a way, Robinson is as detail-obsessed and enamored with her main cast as Diana Gabaldon with the minute daily chores of farming in the 18th Century, as long as her beloved Claire and Jamie do it. With one notable difference: Tamsyn, Thrain, Ivar and Olaf have been both far more entertaining and more purposeful in their endeavors then Gabaldon's cast.
There is a clear objective to this sprawling behemoth.
Even though readers cannot see the outcome as clearly as the author, it is very evident that with every chapter and new plot development, Robinson is doggedly laying red threads out for us to follow. Again and again, her plotting becomes visible. This is not a bad thing, obviously. Sometimes, it can be grating when a novel or series is too obviously written to plan, particularily in literary fiction. But in the Viking Omegaverse series, the plotting is counterbalanced by unbridled passion in the subject matter, and the appearance of a red thread instead inspires faith in the author and her vision.
That was a long ramble on why I think this series really is worthwhile for all romance readers. But the short version is simple: I loved every second so far and I'm waiting on the edge of my seat for the upcoming sequels, as soon as they are ready.
I was lucky enough to be a Beta reader and I am finally allowed to scream about the book because it is being released on September 22nd. So very soon!
Eeeeeeeeeeek!!!
The Summer Siege has been a highly anticipated sequel ever since I absolutely ripped through books 1&2 sometime in April of this year. Yes, I was late to the party. Still, the wait for book 3 felt interminable because I was so excited to have discovered such a brilliant gem. If you read the first two books and liked them, you really don't need my review. Just pre-order book 3! I'm just here preaching to those people who are considering giving this series a try in the first place. I'll tell you why you absolutely should!
I am not usually a fan of omegaverse romance (more on that later), so the intensity of my love for this series came very unexpected. Basically I went into the first book loving the cover and with low expectations (did you know Lyx Robinson paints all her own art??? She's such a talented artist omg. You can really see in her art how much her characters mean to her and I really love Tamsin piggy-back-riding on Ivar for the third cover. Just awesome!). I was blown away by many things in the series, but most importantly:
- the way the plot is structured with a clear intent and destination
- the clarity of characterization: Lyx obviously has a clear vision of who these people are
- the seamless integration of omegaverse "logic" into a history/culture/society. Instead of being a silly addendum, the elements really make the world make sense. This story would not exist without the premise of omegaverse beneath.
Summer Siege is the direct continuation of books 1&2, so if you thought you could take a breather in the first few chapters to remember who everyone is, you really can't, because we jump right into action and the title says "siege", there is a lot of battling here and the downtime is mostly politicking and scheming.
In short: it was a very tough book to write. Based on the tough to chew content, I fully understand why this must have been very difficult to mold into a well-paced, interesting book that does not feel like an "in-between" novel. As a reader, though, I breezed right through it.
Lyx Robinson has planned Viking Omegaverse as a 6-book series, and the individual novels are LONG. Summer Siege was easily the longest of the three and that can be daunting. Wordy books (and these are wordy books) can sometimes be a chore to read. I am thinking the latter books of the Outlander series, for example. The long passages of seemingly just living can be tiring to read. What makes the difference, for me, is author's intent: does the author really say something when using so many words to do it? And in Lyx's case, it's a yes.
Her tendency is to write long passages and to really dive into her settings and characters where other authors might just cut through the work and summarize what happens. Fan fiction readers will probably appreciate the love and care for details. Brevity is overrated anyway.
This series is a real gem because there is REAL character development. Like, in every book. And yes, there is development for the relationships that are already there as well.
In book 3, we finally get the relationship between Tamsin and Ivar we have been longing for ... and Thrain and Ivar as well! We also got to know Olaf a little better, which is gold.
Plotwise, I don't want to spoil the book, which I absolutely would if I started going into detail. Let's just say the plot went where it needed to go to set up the next stage in the character's journey. Very important decisions were made. There were many tense moments. Many moments where I cheered. Moments that broke my heart.
After the Summer Siege, I am even more excited to see what else Lyx has planned for her characters. All I can say is that I'll be there on day 1, reading and cheering along.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Pre-Review before I read this novel:
Words do not come close to expressing what a revelation this series has been.
I do not like Omegaverse.
As a genre, I have long felt that Omegaverse simplifies the love stories that are being told by relying on brain chemistry and heat cycles when real writing and character development would have been necessary. Much like the maligned *fated mates* trope, I felt that it was impossible to write one without subverting the genre itself.
Viking Omegaverse is not a book that subverts the genre.
It does not question the validity of the genre tropes or subvert reader expectations in the way the very best *fated mates* novels do. On the contrary, author Lyx Robinson embraces Omegaverse tropes, imagery and dynamics so fully, the entire story - and the characters she brought to life - are impossible to imagine without Omegaverse elements. Instead of using Omegaverse to spice up an otherwise tepid love story or to embellish wild dub con fantasies, Robinson made Omegaverse theory (if there is such a thing) the cultural foundation of her art, and building characters and story from there.
Is it wordy? Yes. Does the complexity of the world and people merit a six-book series? Also, definitely yes.
The way these novels are written, much like fanfics written only for one pair of eyes first and foremost, lacks restraint. In a way, Robinson is as detail-obsessed and enamored with her main cast as Diana Gabaldon with the minute daily chores of farming in the 18th Century, as long as her beloved Claire and Jamie do it. With one notable difference: Tamsyn, Thrain, Ivar and Olaf have been both far more entertaining and more purposeful in their endeavors then Gabaldon's cast.
There is a clear objective to this sprawling behemoth.
Even though readers cannot see the outcome as clearly as the author, it is very evident that with every chapter and new plot development, Robinson is doggedly laying red threads out for us to follow. Again and again, her plotting becomes visible. This is not a bad thing, obviously. Sometimes, it can be grating when a novel or series is too obviously written to plan, particularily in literary fiction. But in the Viking Omegaverse series, the plotting is counterbalanced by unbridled passion in the subject matter, and the appearance of a red thread instead inspires faith in the author and her vision.
That was a long ramble on why I think this series really is worthwhile for all romance readers. But the short version is simple: I loved every second so far and I'm waiting on the edge of my seat for the upcoming sequels, as soon as they are ready.
June 7, 2025
How do you even review an 800+ page Viking omegaverse fever dream? You just scream into the void and hope others join you.
This book is slow burn, high stakes, and deeply political—so if you’re not already obsessed with this series, go back to book one and earn your place here. But if you are obsessed? Buckle up, because it’s pack bonding time, baby. Tamsin’s relationship with Thrain, Ivar, and Olaf? Chef’s kiss. Ivar’s sarcasm alone deserves its own novella. And yes, things get steamier here—blessings to everyone involved. Also, Tamsin’s growth hit me right in the feelings. Watching her dropkick her people-pleasing tendencies and fully step into her power? Inject that straight into my veins.
Can’t wait for book four. I will read literally anything Lyx writes, even her grocery list. Especially if it includes more Thrain.
(I add this in every review I do of this series, but my husband’s name is Thor and reading about how Vikings use his name as slang really makes my day)
This book is slow burn, high stakes, and deeply political—so if you’re not already obsessed with this series, go back to book one and earn your place here. But if you are obsessed? Buckle up, because it’s pack bonding time, baby. Tamsin’s relationship with Thrain, Ivar, and Olaf? Chef’s kiss. Ivar’s sarcasm alone deserves its own novella. And yes, things get steamier here—blessings to everyone involved. Also, Tamsin’s growth hit me right in the feelings. Watching her dropkick her people-pleasing tendencies and fully step into her power? Inject that straight into my veins.
Can’t wait for book four. I will read literally anything Lyx writes, even her grocery list. Especially if it includes more Thrain.
(I add this in every review I do of this series, but my husband’s name is Thor and reading about how Vikings use his name as slang really makes my day)
March 30, 2025
Everyone (who likes historical Viking fantasy, omegaverse, spice, war tactics/a bit of political intrigue, and why choose) needs to wake up and read this series.
I’d even go so far as to say it’s the series that’s felt the most like Losers since reading LaRoux’s perfect duology a few years ago. Obviously this is VERY different. But aspects of the craft—like how both authors’ are strong writers, the way their characters are fully fleshed-out, the exploration of all relationships, not just the FMC’s—are similar enough to warrant the comparison.
Notes on the audio
5/5. Accents are perfect. Pulls you into the world without being challenging to understand. I could listen to these two in my ears all day.
I’d even go so far as to say it’s the series that’s felt the most like Losers since reading LaRoux’s perfect duology a few years ago. Obviously this is VERY different. But aspects of the craft—like how both authors’ are strong writers, the way their characters are fully fleshed-out, the exploration of all relationships, not just the FMC’s—are similar enough to warrant the comparison.
Notes on the audio
5/5. Accents are perfect. Pulls you into the world without being challenging to understand. I could listen to these two in my ears all day.
October 9, 2023
5 Stars, I wouldn't change a thing. Amazing characters and extremely detailed and well developed plot. I liked that we got more of Ivar in this book and the magic of this world was more explored. The ending made me so emotional. 10/10 recommend this series. Lyx is one of my top favorite authors of all time. I don't think I've read an 800 page book faster than I read this one.
September 13, 2023
The Summer Siege is coming!! The third part of a series that has me in a steel grip has almost arrived,and i have the ARC!!!!
This series is só good,everything i love is here….set in medieval Britain,this story has all the feels.
From the moment i read Stolen By Wolves in 2021,i was sold….you can read my review here:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Then came Taming The Wolves,and that made me hungry for more:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
And now i have The Summer Siege,which was even better….
Tamsin and her Dublin pack have arrived at her home,her former home that is.
That alone is difficult to deal with,even when she knows her men plan to do the right thing by the Vanirdotur living there.
But her kin is no longer her kin,not really….she’s changed since Thrain’s claiming bite.
Still,she longs to show the other women what it means to be free…to be who you’re meant to be,a real Vanirdottir.
And not be suppressed by the Christian faith….by the fear of those that don’t understand.
Staying in the village,spending all that time with her men,means they have time to grow closer.
Thrain may have cut of sharing his feelings through their bond of what they’d done to get there,but that’s his way of protecting her.
Once he stops protecting her feelings and opens up to her,he’ll understand she’s much stronger than he thinks,and that she’ll do everything for him and his brothers.
Ivar may act like everything is a joke,and he may think he’s not good enough for her,but at the same time he’s showing her she’s stronger than she thinks…..while at the same time she shows him she’s embracing everything he and his brothers are.
Olaf may still be mourning his late wife,but Tamsin has already wormed her way into his heart,even if he doesn’t realize it. And that goes both ways….even if she gives him the space he seems to need. Because all she wants is to be there for him and his brothers,give them what they need.
The alliance the Dublin pack have with the Britons is fragile,even after they prove where they stand.
But things have a habit of going wrong,and they have to come up with a plan to make king Gofraid and his Jarls see that leaving is the best option….
Will that work,or will they have to use an even more dangerous plan?
A plan that might turn out deadly?
This may be a long story,but trust me,those pages fly by!
Once you start reading,you are drawn in,and you don’t come up for air until you’ve read that final page.
Knowing where they are now,i can finally take that breath of relief.
But at the same time,i need more…..because we’re not there yet.
This quartet is not where they should be,even if they’re on the right track.
And there are other elements that need attention.
So,please Lyx….could you help me??
This series is só good,everything i love is here….set in medieval Britain,this story has all the feels.
From the moment i read Stolen By Wolves in 2021,i was sold….you can read my review here:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Then came Taming The Wolves,and that made me hungry for more:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
And now i have The Summer Siege,which was even better….
Tamsin and her Dublin pack have arrived at her home,her former home that is.
That alone is difficult to deal with,even when she knows her men plan to do the right thing by the Vanirdotur living there.
But her kin is no longer her kin,not really….she’s changed since Thrain’s claiming bite.
Still,she longs to show the other women what it means to be free…to be who you’re meant to be,a real Vanirdottir.
And not be suppressed by the Christian faith….by the fear of those that don’t understand.
Staying in the village,spending all that time with her men,means they have time to grow closer.
Thrain may have cut of sharing his feelings through their bond of what they’d done to get there,but that’s his way of protecting her.
Once he stops protecting her feelings and opens up to her,he’ll understand she’s much stronger than he thinks,and that she’ll do everything for him and his brothers.
Ivar may act like everything is a joke,and he may think he’s not good enough for her,but at the same time he’s showing her she’s stronger than she thinks…..while at the same time she shows him she’s embracing everything he and his brothers are.
Olaf may still be mourning his late wife,but Tamsin has already wormed her way into his heart,even if he doesn’t realize it. And that goes both ways….even if she gives him the space he seems to need. Because all she wants is to be there for him and his brothers,give them what they need.
The alliance the Dublin pack have with the Britons is fragile,even after they prove where they stand.
But things have a habit of going wrong,and they have to come up with a plan to make king Gofraid and his Jarls see that leaving is the best option….
Will that work,or will they have to use an even more dangerous plan?
A plan that might turn out deadly?
This may be a long story,but trust me,those pages fly by!
Once you start reading,you are drawn in,and you don’t come up for air until you’ve read that final page.
Knowing where they are now,i can finally take that breath of relief.
But at the same time,i need more…..because we’re not there yet.
This quartet is not where they should be,even if they’re on the right track.
And there are other elements that need attention.
So,please Lyx….could you help me??
September 14, 2023
This is epic fantasy romance at its height. Perfectly integrated, the complex plot is only enhanced by the complex relationships happening alongside.
Lyx Robinson blends the historical elements of the clash between Britons and Vikings with the fantasy elements of Omegaverse, and she does it so well, I can hardly envision one without the other now. As the third in a planned six-book series, this could have suffered “middle book syndrome,” but avoids it entirely. Everything that happens is necessary to further the story and bring the characters to the next stage of their saga. The mythology is skillfully woven, merging into the plot layer by layer with very little need for info dumping. I love a dense conflict, rife with politics and human foibles, and this is giving that in spades. Meanwhile, it’s also giving multiple incredible love stories.
Thrain and Tamsin’s dynamic is as strong and lovely as ever - the man is the epitome of devotion. We also get to see more of Olaf, which was a joy after the slow buildup of the first books. But this is Ivar’s book above all, and I am here for it! I was expecting the development of his relationship with Tamsin, and it delivers on all counts. The wonderful surprise was his evolving connection with Thrain! The two of them exploring what their relationship has meant to them over years, and what it could mean going forward, was giving me life and breaking my heart. Combined with the revelations in Ivar’s backstory, this is a heart-squeezer for sure. I loved it as much (or more) as everything that has come before, so now the wait is on for the next installment!
Lyx Robinson blends the historical elements of the clash between Britons and Vikings with the fantasy elements of Omegaverse, and she does it so well, I can hardly envision one without the other now. As the third in a planned six-book series, this could have suffered “middle book syndrome,” but avoids it entirely. Everything that happens is necessary to further the story and bring the characters to the next stage of their saga. The mythology is skillfully woven, merging into the plot layer by layer with very little need for info dumping. I love a dense conflict, rife with politics and human foibles, and this is giving that in spades. Meanwhile, it’s also giving multiple incredible love stories.
Thrain and Tamsin’s dynamic is as strong and lovely as ever - the man is the epitome of devotion. We also get to see more of Olaf, which was a joy after the slow buildup of the first books. But this is Ivar’s book above all, and I am here for it! I was expecting the development of his relationship with Tamsin, and it delivers on all counts. The wonderful surprise was his evolving connection with Thrain! The two of them exploring what their relationship has meant to them over years, and what it could mean going forward, was giving me life and breaking my heart. Combined with the revelations in Ivar’s backstory, this is a heart-squeezer for sure. I loved it as much (or more) as everything that has come before, so now the wait is on for the next installment!
September 14, 2023
Since discovering this series, obsessed doesn’t feel like enough to describe how i feel and the way ive grown to love these characters so much. The third installment of this series is no different from its previous counterparts and is just as binge worthy as the rest of the series.
I just finished and am still processing my feelings on all this so I’ll have to come back but this series is just *chefs kiss* and i cannot wait for the next installment!
I just finished and am still processing my feelings on all this so I’ll have to come back but this series is just *chefs kiss* and i cannot wait for the next installment!
March 16, 2024
2.5 🌟 after loving the first two installments of this series this veered wildly off course for me! I’ve needed a few months to collect my thoughts on it , as I think this author is very talented, but this just wasn’t it for me.
I was most excited for this book and dying to get my little paws on it, love this world and find it to be such a good balance of history with lore and fantasy mixed in!
A few things that made it less successful for me:
The characters felt very flat compared to prior versions and the development of their characters felt slowed down to a crawl.
Love a chonky book but this was very long and the plot felt repetitive at times with areas where the pacing could be smoothed out. Found myself setting it down and needing to encourage myself to pick it back up.
I don’t love when authors beat up the main character, they are taking it from all sides and it feels like they just cannot catch a break.
There were issues for me with consent regarding the relationship setup and felt like this went from a romantic slow burn to tik tok bait smut (nothing from w that, but which is it?) with no regard to actually connecting and prior relationships.
I didn’t feel immersed in it. Sometimes I felt like I was watching a puppet show and could see the strings.
If you love angst, history, magic and lots of mm spice this could be a good option for you.
Spoilers ⬇️
.
.
.
.
.
.
My biggest disappointment in this was Tamsin, she was really starting to grow in confidence, power and find her place and this book brought her to a worse place than she was in when she was with her religious cult family. It was depressing to read. Her mates were no help. Having her be imprisoned twice, and they barely spend time with her other than Olaf, who felt guilty the whole time because of his late wife. This is the man who would go to full moon celebrations and sleep with other women while he was married. Does Tasmin deserve to have him kiss her with guilt?
I was very eager in this book to see how her relationships would progress with Ivar and Olaf because they acted very stoic around her and separate despite being the two biggest advocates of finding the vanirdottir. While it was helpful to hear Ivar’s backstory, he did very little to connect with Tamsin. It was mentioned offhand while she was struggling and imprisoned that one day he brought her berries. Another time her was mean and snubbed her publically because he was angry she greeted her mate and husband Thrain before him. There was no follow through or apology for that.
In this book and I believe prior Tamsin asks Thrain if he’s had a prior relationship with Ivar to try to get some clarity on what is going on there. She’s ignored and disregarded. We get the backstory and Ivar starts dominating him while he’s being intimate with her with no discussion of what is happening.
Thrain goes from being solicitous and caring to really forgetting about her in this book and acting like Ivar is sole relationship. Tamsin has not much reference for this setup the sheltered way she was raised, and instead of discussing it so everyone is on the same page they go outside and have oral in front of everyone without her. The part of her nuzzling them after and trying to ingratiating herself into the situation just felt sad after all of the insecurity she had been experiencing and horrible things she’d been through. They stayed out for the entire full moon celebrations together while their pregnant mate was locked up indoors. Deadbeat behavior. 🚩 The note about waking up with dirt and jizz on their skin was really something rustic.
She ends up mating with Ivar in a prison. Super romantic 💘 when they go to get on the boats Thrain gives her to Olaf (again!) to purr her to sleep to have sex with Ivar. On top of everyone crediting her cousin with her accomplishments for her own mates to treat her like a child and lacking autonomy, not even answering her simple questions and having adult conversations with her was really ridiculous. Having her hair totally shorn was just the icing on the cake in how much can we victimize this girl?
I’m really unsure the direction the plot is going in with them all sailing back to Viking home island. What do I do from here, pretend the first two books are it or keep trucking? We shall see! ⚓️⚔️🪻
Received an ARC copy.
I was most excited for this book and dying to get my little paws on it, love this world and find it to be such a good balance of history with lore and fantasy mixed in!
A few things that made it less successful for me:
The characters felt very flat compared to prior versions and the development of their characters felt slowed down to a crawl.
Love a chonky book but this was very long and the plot felt repetitive at times with areas where the pacing could be smoothed out. Found myself setting it down and needing to encourage myself to pick it back up.
I don’t love when authors beat up the main character, they are taking it from all sides and it feels like they just cannot catch a break.
There were issues for me with consent regarding the relationship setup and felt like this went from a romantic slow burn to tik tok bait smut (nothing from w that, but which is it?) with no regard to actually connecting and prior relationships.
I didn’t feel immersed in it. Sometimes I felt like I was watching a puppet show and could see the strings.
If you love angst, history, magic and lots of mm spice this could be a good option for you.
Spoilers ⬇️
.
.
.
.
.
.
My biggest disappointment in this was Tamsin, she was really starting to grow in confidence, power and find her place and this book brought her to a worse place than she was in when she was with her religious cult family. It was depressing to read. Her mates were no help. Having her be imprisoned twice, and they barely spend time with her other than Olaf, who felt guilty the whole time because of his late wife. This is the man who would go to full moon celebrations and sleep with other women while he was married. Does Tasmin deserve to have him kiss her with guilt?
I was very eager in this book to see how her relationships would progress with Ivar and Olaf because they acted very stoic around her and separate despite being the two biggest advocates of finding the vanirdottir. While it was helpful to hear Ivar’s backstory, he did very little to connect with Tamsin. It was mentioned offhand while she was struggling and imprisoned that one day he brought her berries. Another time her was mean and snubbed her publically because he was angry she greeted her mate and husband Thrain before him. There was no follow through or apology for that.
In this book and I believe prior Tamsin asks Thrain if he’s had a prior relationship with Ivar to try to get some clarity on what is going on there. She’s ignored and disregarded. We get the backstory and Ivar starts dominating him while he’s being intimate with her with no discussion of what is happening.
Thrain goes from being solicitous and caring to really forgetting about her in this book and acting like Ivar is sole relationship. Tamsin has not much reference for this setup the sheltered way she was raised, and instead of discussing it so everyone is on the same page they go outside and have oral in front of everyone without her. The part of her nuzzling them after and trying to ingratiating herself into the situation just felt sad after all of the insecurity she had been experiencing and horrible things she’d been through. They stayed out for the entire full moon celebrations together while their pregnant mate was locked up indoors. Deadbeat behavior. 🚩 The note about waking up with dirt and jizz on their skin was really something rustic.
She ends up mating with Ivar in a prison. Super romantic 💘 when they go to get on the boats Thrain gives her to Olaf (again!) to purr her to sleep to have sex with Ivar. On top of everyone crediting her cousin with her accomplishments for her own mates to treat her like a child and lacking autonomy, not even answering her simple questions and having adult conversations with her was really ridiculous. Having her hair totally shorn was just the icing on the cake in how much can we victimize this girl?
I’m really unsure the direction the plot is going in with them all sailing back to Viking home island. What do I do from here, pretend the first two books are it or keep trucking? We shall see! ⚓️⚔️🪻
Received an ARC copy.
June 10, 2025
The Summer Siege is an epic tale of love, redemption, and self-discovery. In this captivating Omegaverse fantasy-romance, the author weaves a tapestry of emotions that will leave you utterly enthralled.
At the heart of this gripping narrative are the unforgettable characters, Tamsin, Thrain, and Ivar. Tamsin's strength and determination, combined with her vulnerability, make her a heroine to root for. Thrain and Ivar, with their contrasting personalities and unyielding loyalty, are the perfect complements to her character. Their love story unfolds amidst the chaos of war, adding a layer of intensity that keeps you turning the pages.
The Summer Siege is not just a love story; it's a tale of transformation. Through defeat and adversity, the characters evolve, finding their true purposes and embracing their authentic selves. It's a poignant reminder that even in the darkest of times, the human spirit can prevail.
The world-building in this novel is nothing short of breathtaking. The author's meticulous attention to historical detail and the infusion of fantasy elements create a rich and immersive world that feels both familiar and otherworldly. You'll find yourself transported to a time when Vikings and Britons clashed, with magic and destiny guiding their fates.
In The Summer Siege, the author's storytelling prowess shines through. The pacing is impeccable, and the plot is filled with unexpected twists and turns that will keep you guessing until the very end. Whether you're a fan of historical fiction, romance, or fantasy, this book offers a delightful fusion of genres that will satisfy your literary cravings.
The Summer Siege is a book that will linger in your thoughts long after you've turned the final page. I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone seeking an enchanting and emotionally resonant read.
At the heart of this gripping narrative are the unforgettable characters, Tamsin, Thrain, and Ivar. Tamsin's strength and determination, combined with her vulnerability, make her a heroine to root for. Thrain and Ivar, with their contrasting personalities and unyielding loyalty, are the perfect complements to her character. Their love story unfolds amidst the chaos of war, adding a layer of intensity that keeps you turning the pages.
The Summer Siege is not just a love story; it's a tale of transformation. Through defeat and adversity, the characters evolve, finding their true purposes and embracing their authentic selves. It's a poignant reminder that even in the darkest of times, the human spirit can prevail.
The world-building in this novel is nothing short of breathtaking. The author's meticulous attention to historical detail and the infusion of fantasy elements create a rich and immersive world that feels both familiar and otherworldly. You'll find yourself transported to a time when Vikings and Britons clashed, with magic and destiny guiding their fates.
In The Summer Siege, the author's storytelling prowess shines through. The pacing is impeccable, and the plot is filled with unexpected twists and turns that will keep you guessing until the very end. Whether you're a fan of historical fiction, romance, or fantasy, this book offers a delightful fusion of genres that will satisfy your literary cravings.
The Summer Siege is a book that will linger in your thoughts long after you've turned the final page. I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone seeking an enchanting and emotionally resonant read.
September 16, 2023
It is a rare gem of a book that can so thoroughly pull you into its pages that you leave reality entirely, yet Lyx is able to do it with every one of her books!
She is a master storyteller!
The Summer Siege is the third in her Viking Omegaverse series and it grips you from page one! There is a beautiful mix of tropes here that any romance reader couldn't help but adore. I laughed, I learnt new things, I swore, I cried (several times) and was hot under the collar plenty!
I won't share any spoilers here but the action holds you tense, the politics provides intrigue, the characters and relationships are beautifully crafted and the steam is just absolutely first class!
Each time I finish one of Lyx's books, I am left so fulfilled but also utterly heartbroken that I am not in fact one of her characters and can't live in her books.
She is a master storyteller!
The Summer Siege is the third in her Viking Omegaverse series and it grips you from page one! There is a beautiful mix of tropes here that any romance reader couldn't help but adore. I laughed, I learnt new things, I swore, I cried (several times) and was hot under the collar plenty!
I won't share any spoilers here but the action holds you tense, the politics provides intrigue, the characters and relationships are beautifully crafted and the steam is just absolutely first class!
Each time I finish one of Lyx's books, I am left so fulfilled but also utterly heartbroken that I am not in fact one of her characters and can't live in her books.
September 11, 2023
Happy to give an honest review on this ARC I received.
5/5 stars
Genre: A slow burn, Viking OV (eventual) RH
Audience: For those interested in political intrigue, the found family trope, forced proximity, the most delicious of slow-burns, and enemies to lovers type books.
Book 3 of 6
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️/5. On-page, explicit scenes are present.
TLDR: A must read! This book had me cackling with character’s antics, crying and in my feels, and feeling all the angst as the romance continues to develop.
The Summer Siege was phenomenal! I have no better words to describe it. By far it has been one of the best pieces of fantasy/OV/romance that I have read in a long time. The political drama between the Jarls and Gofrain, and between the Dubliners and the rest of Gofrian’s army provided a solid framework for this story. I particularly loved how the Dubliners have come to show respect and dedication to Tamsin. Also, them stacking cheese on Olaf’s forehead while he slept had me cackling!
The romance between Tamsin and her men is finally kicking up! Ivar is fully on board and Olaf is about 75% of his way there. The scenes with Olaf and Tamsin were touching and showed the depth of Olaf’s character. I feel like Lyx was spot on with the emotional turmoil that might come with loving another person after your partner dies, and also the conflict the new partner might have if they feel like they are “replacing” the other person. When it comes to Uradech, he was not heavily involved in this story, but I definitely could see him becoming a main character in book 4 based off the ending message between him and Tamsin.
Pros:
-The atmosphere is immaculate.
-The drama of the siege and attempting to sway Gofraid’s mind kept me guessing.
-I fell further in love with the characters the more I learned about their heartache, and the events that shaped them.
Cons:
-Literally zero complaints from me!
Triggers warnings ahead contain spoilers!
Triggers: depictions of war, religious trauma, torture, attempted r*pe (not any of the main characters), grief, and abuse by family members towards Tamsin.
5/5 stars
Genre: A slow burn, Viking OV (eventual) RH
Audience: For those interested in political intrigue, the found family trope, forced proximity, the most delicious of slow-burns, and enemies to lovers type books.
Book 3 of 6
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️/5. On-page, explicit scenes are present.
TLDR: A must read! This book had me cackling with character’s antics, crying and in my feels, and feeling all the angst as the romance continues to develop.
The Summer Siege was phenomenal! I have no better words to describe it. By far it has been one of the best pieces of fantasy/OV/romance that I have read in a long time. The political drama between the Jarls and Gofrain, and between the Dubliners and the rest of Gofrian’s army provided a solid framework for this story. I particularly loved how the Dubliners have come to show respect and dedication to Tamsin. Also, them stacking cheese on Olaf’s forehead while he slept had me cackling!
The romance between Tamsin and her men is finally kicking up! Ivar is fully on board and Olaf is about 75% of his way there. The scenes with Olaf and Tamsin were touching and showed the depth of Olaf’s character. I feel like Lyx was spot on with the emotional turmoil that might come with loving another person after your partner dies, and also the conflict the new partner might have if they feel like they are “replacing” the other person. When it comes to Uradech, he was not heavily involved in this story, but I definitely could see him becoming a main character in book 4 based off the ending message between him and Tamsin.
Pros:
-The atmosphere is immaculate.
-The drama of the siege and attempting to sway Gofraid’s mind kept me guessing.
-I fell further in love with the characters the more I learned about their heartache, and the events that shaped them.
Cons:
-Literally zero complaints from me!
Triggers warnings ahead contain spoilers!
Triggers: depictions of war, religious trauma, torture, attempted r*pe (not any of the main characters), grief, and abuse by family members towards Tamsin.
September 17, 2023
Tamsins story continues right where Taming the Wolves left off, and what an amazing story it is. Tamsin continues to evolve her relationship with Thrain and Ivar while hoping to with Olaf as well. I absolutely did not want to put this book down while reading it, and if you love Tamsins story I doubt you will either. I am without a doubt looking forward to book four in this incredible Viking Omegaverse story.
June 4, 2024
Perfection. Would not change a single thing. Every single word of each of the 800+ pages was needed and adored. I slowed down in the last 200 pages because I just didn't want it to end yet.
Everyone talks about how amazing good banter is in the main relationship. The banter in this book between the Dubliners.... The best I've read. This is my new standard.
How soon is too soon to do a reread?
Everyone talks about how amazing good banter is in the main relationship. The banter in this book between the Dubliners.... The best I've read. This is my new standard.
How soon is too soon to do a reread?
September 22, 2024
Immediate reaction:
The best one so far. Absolutely blown away. 100% worth the wait. Will spend every day of the next year wondering what book 4 has in store. Absolutely ready for my boi Uradech to come back on page, IYKYK.
More coherent thoughts:
--Ivar is such a wonderful, deep character and I am so glad we got to see that come to light here. (Not to mention all the growth we are witnessing with the rest of the characters?? Fantastic across the board)
--the writing is phenomenal. The build up of political tension, of magic, of action scenes is all done with such skill that you feel every punch and twist exactly as the author intended. Not to mention the syntax--good Lord, some of the paragraphs and the way feelings were described literally took my breath away and made me read them twice.
--the romance just keeps getting better y'all. As someone that is in her RH romance era, I want you all to know that this is probably in my top three RH stories ever.
--there is so much history about the vikings and their mythology and lives woven into the pages that it all feels like reality with a touch of magic. If you played AC Valhalla and really need a fix to fill the empty place that came when you finished the game, I highly recommend these.
--Random, but there is something so comforting about the way Lyx Robinson discusses the spirituality of the Vikings in contrast to the stark Christian values trapping our fMC. And the way that branches into discussions about death, and living on after loss (they are in the middle of a war, after all), was so poignant and reassuring-IDK it felt like a little mini therapy session for me, personally, and I appreciate that deeply.
--867 pages that flew by and left me wishing I could just keep reading more and more.
The best one so far. Absolutely blown away. 100% worth the wait. Will spend every day of the next year wondering what book 4 has in store. Absolutely ready for my boi Uradech to come back on page, IYKYK.
More coherent thoughts:
--Ivar is such a wonderful, deep character and I am so glad we got to see that come to light here. (Not to mention all the growth we are witnessing with the rest of the characters?? Fantastic across the board)
--the writing is phenomenal. The build up of political tension, of magic, of action scenes is all done with such skill that you feel every punch and twist exactly as the author intended. Not to mention the syntax--good Lord, some of the paragraphs and the way feelings were described literally took my breath away and made me read them twice.
--the romance just keeps getting better y'all. As someone that is in her RH romance era, I want you all to know that this is probably in my top three RH stories ever.
--there is so much history about the vikings and their mythology and lives woven into the pages that it all feels like reality with a touch of magic. If you played AC Valhalla and really need a fix to fill the empty place that came when you finished the game, I highly recommend these.
--Random, but there is something so comforting about the way Lyx Robinson discusses the spirituality of the Vikings in contrast to the stark Christian values trapping our fMC. And the way that branches into discussions about death, and living on after loss (they are in the middle of a war, after all), was so poignant and reassuring-IDK it felt like a little mini therapy session for me, personally, and I appreciate that deeply.
--867 pages that flew by and left me wishing I could just keep reading more and more.
September 20, 2023
I was BLESSED with an ARC of this book. I have so many thoughts. This is a perfect book. I was worried, as I always am with reverse harems, that I wouldn’t find the romance with one love interest to be as strong as the other. I should have known better than to doubt you, Lyx. This series is the perfect example of how to SHOW people falling in love and not just tell.
Ivar’s story is so beautifully told. And once again I could FEEL the romance blooming the same way I did with Tamsin and Thrain. We even got a little tease of Olaf and ya girl was kicking her feet giggling at the smallest embraces from him. UGH. Lyx Robinson you are the queen of the slow burn romances. I will trust no other but you.
I felt like every character grew in such immeasurable ways. Tamsin’s character was never weak, exactly, but she definitely lacked self confidence. I cannot wait to see how the events of this book change her in the next. Without spoilers, Ivar and her go through some SHIT and I was gasping to myself screaming “NO!!!!!!!” But everything is okay and I recovered by the end thanks to Lyx’s ability to somehow make a terrifying experience into a sexy one. 😛
This series is the perfect blend of fantasy, history, romance, and adventure. I will revisit this a billion times and never be done with it. 💕💕💕💕💕
Ivar’s story is so beautifully told. And once again I could FEEL the romance blooming the same way I did with Tamsin and Thrain. We even got a little tease of Olaf and ya girl was kicking her feet giggling at the smallest embraces from him. UGH. Lyx Robinson you are the queen of the slow burn romances. I will trust no other but you.
I felt like every character grew in such immeasurable ways. Tamsin’s character was never weak, exactly, but she definitely lacked self confidence. I cannot wait to see how the events of this book change her in the next. Without spoilers, Ivar and her go through some SHIT and I was gasping to myself screaming “NO!!!!!!!” But everything is okay and I recovered by the end thanks to Lyx’s ability to somehow make a terrifying experience into a sexy one. 😛
This series is the perfect blend of fantasy, history, romance, and adventure. I will revisit this a billion times and never be done with it. 💕💕💕💕💕
September 18, 2023
I received a free version of this book and WOW am I grateful for it!! Triggers listed at the bottom.
Features: Why choose, MMFM, omegaverse, over-protective and growly men, fierce FMC, touch her and you die, touch HIM and you die, epic battle scenes, found family, comfort, angst, magic, historical setting
Definitely a slow burn romance. I loved just about every page. I was involved in all the characters. The minor Viking characters have my heart. You get to see amazing character growth from multiple main characters and root for them along the way. Yes, sometimes they are VERY frustrating, but that’s what makes them realistic. I wanted to clock one around the head for most of the book! I was always eager to return to the book at the end of work and on weekends. It is a CHUNKY book and sometimes feels like it’s taking its time, but it’s worth savoring. I will absolutely be re-reading the entire series and eagerly waiting for the fourth book.
Triggers: Graphic violence, graphic sex (mf and mm), torture, body mutilation, religious trauma, character death, war
Features: Why choose, MMFM, omegaverse, over-protective and growly men, fierce FMC, touch her and you die, touch HIM and you die, epic battle scenes, found family, comfort, angst, magic, historical setting
Definitely a slow burn romance. I loved just about every page. I was involved in all the characters. The minor Viking characters have my heart. You get to see amazing character growth from multiple main characters and root for them along the way. Yes, sometimes they are VERY frustrating, but that’s what makes them realistic. I wanted to clock one around the head for most of the book! I was always eager to return to the book at the end of work and on weekends. It is a CHUNKY book and sometimes feels like it’s taking its time, but it’s worth savoring. I will absolutely be re-reading the entire series and eagerly waiting for the fourth book.
Triggers: Graphic violence, graphic sex (mf and mm), torture, body mutilation, religious trauma, character death, war
September 24, 2023
Worth the wait and the length, best book yet!
This was phenomenal, I feel like I was blessed with the fact that Lyx let me read an advanced copy. I had this on pre-order from the moment she announced it (both times).
Ivar, Thrain, and Olaf are perfect imperfect men, and Tamsin is doing her best to survive where she is both treasured by the Dubliners and reviled by the rest of the Vikings. I had all the emotions while reading this book, and I can’t state enough how much I adored this book and the characters. I want to wrap each one up and give them all hugs.
I screamed, laughed, gnashed my teeth, cried sobs of horror, joy, and cataclysmic sadness. I just want to turn back to the first page and read all over again.
5 out of 5 stars, and 4 out of 5 🌶️ for the spice level.
This was phenomenal, I feel like I was blessed with the fact that Lyx let me read an advanced copy. I had this on pre-order from the moment she announced it (both times).
Ivar, Thrain, and Olaf are perfect imperfect men, and Tamsin is doing her best to survive where she is both treasured by the Dubliners and reviled by the rest of the Vikings. I had all the emotions while reading this book, and I can’t state enough how much I adored this book and the characters. I want to wrap each one up and give them all hugs.
I screamed, laughed, gnashed my teeth, cried sobs of horror, joy, and cataclysmic sadness. I just want to turn back to the first page and read all over again.
5 out of 5 stars, and 4 out of 5 🌶️ for the spice level.
October 3, 2025
this was definitely a dark romance but one I absolutely could not put down. the characters were so real to me with all the flaws. the violence was vivid, the smut was plentiful. I loved this one focuses more on Ivar... this series is definitely one of my favorites now even with the dark themes... I need book four, please 🥺
September 22, 2023
An honest review in exchange for a digital ARC.
This was a phenomenal third installment. Settle in because it’s an 800+ page chonky whirlwind with a solid mix of being both plot- and character-driven.
🌿 Viking-era historical fantasy
🌿 Omegaverse (with heats, ruts, knots, nesting... )
🌿 Slow-burn reverse harem
(aka: tiny princess finds herself among a warband of enormous Vikings)
🌿 Found family
🌿 Sword & sorcery
🌿 "Girl gets revenge" (is this a genre? it's my jam in any case)
🌿 Enemies to co-conspirators to lovers
🌿 Forced proximity
🌿 Age gap
🌿 MMFM+
This was a phenomenal third installment. Settle in because it’s an 800+ page chonky whirlwind with a solid mix of being both plot- and character-driven.
🌿 Viking-era historical fantasy
🌿 Omegaverse (with heats, ruts, knots, nesting... )
🌿 Slow-burn reverse harem
(aka: tiny princess finds herself among a warband of enormous Vikings)
🌿 Found family
🌿 Sword & sorcery
🌿 "Girl gets revenge" (is this a genre? it's my jam in any case)
🌿 Enemies to co-conspirators to lovers
🌿 Forced proximity
🌿 Age gap
🌿 MMFM+
April 3, 2025
You are not intruding. You’re welcome in my nest, Olaf.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
What a story, what a ride.
This book is about Siege and horrors of it. Tamsin with her pack arrived to the walls of her home and she in desperate need to stop bloodbath.
Unfortunately most of the vikings are too excited with prospects of gold, jewels and ‚daughters of Freya’, so Tamsin and her men need to plot. And overall it’s everything you might need to know, but! This is a romance with why choose, so we are continuing building relationships with our man.
Thrain is our main man with whom she has a bond and this bond is amazing even if during battles she feels every kill, every drop if blood, every injury. But this bond allows them to communicate and feel more.
Ivar is our dark poet who has past with Thrain. And this dark man desperately wants to join pair in their love and closeness. And his emotional conflict is how to join or should he even join? But plot wise Ivar got a great development, we had injuries, torture and laughs together. I wanted to scream when he was put in chains. I cried!
Also we have Olaf, our sweet sad Daddy. I wanted to hit him. It’s time to understand feelings and open heart to new opportunities and people. But noooooo…he is grumpy, ready to sacrifice himself to be with dead wife. Olaf, I’m watching you.
And we have our mysterious man, who is writing letters, gifting ribbons and promising to teach us more. Waiting for him.
So this book is an amazing mic of plot, emotional moments, steamy scenes and dark promises. Soooo good.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
What a story, what a ride.
This book is about Siege and horrors of it. Tamsin with her pack arrived to the walls of her home and she in desperate need to stop bloodbath.
Unfortunately most of the vikings are too excited with prospects of gold, jewels and ‚daughters of Freya’, so Tamsin and her men need to plot. And overall it’s everything you might need to know, but! This is a romance with why choose, so we are continuing building relationships with our man.
Thrain is our main man with whom she has a bond and this bond is amazing even if during battles she feels every kill, every drop if blood, every injury. But this bond allows them to communicate and feel more.
Ivar is our dark poet who has past with Thrain. And this dark man desperately wants to join pair in their love and closeness. And his emotional conflict is how to join or should he even join? But plot wise Ivar got a great development, we had injuries, torture and laughs together. I wanted to scream when he was put in chains. I cried!
Also we have Olaf, our sweet sad Daddy. I wanted to hit him. It’s time to understand feelings and open heart to new opportunities and people. But noooooo…he is grumpy, ready to sacrifice himself to be with dead wife. Olaf, I’m watching you.
And we have our mysterious man, who is writing letters, gifting ribbons and promising to teach us more. Waiting for him.
So this book is an amazing mic of plot, emotional moments, steamy scenes and dark promises. Soooo good.
September 21, 2023
I was so excited to receive this arc and get to read it prior to release. I fell in love with the story when I read the first one a few weeks ago. I will say this one took me longer to get into, but I think it was mostly due to me getting sick and not being in the mood to read anything. I can’t be for certain though that is the reason. Although the first half of the book seemed like the scenes were longer (also when I wasn’t feeling well), the second half flew by. Lyx does such an amazing job at making the reader be transported into the world with the characters. This book also goes into much more details with the brothers, and Ivar *swoon*. I can’t wait for the next installments of the series! This also is a big wordy book, if you’re a mood reader (like me) and not in a mood to read a beefy and descriptive book, wait until you are ready! Because man is it worth it! Truly phenomenal! And the spice in the book, wow, top notch and not just focused on one or two chapters but instead throughout the book.
September 27, 2023
*basically spoiler free, but read at your own risk*
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC for this amazing book. To say I squealed when it came to my inbox is an understatement.
This book was worth the wait, you can tell how much care Lyx took with this one and I’m so glad they delayed it! What. A. Pay. Off!!!!
Slow burn for days!
I appreciated how we got to dive deeper into each of our men and know so much more back story. Also they all went on such a physical and emotional journey through this book which really helped them come alive for me that much more.
The siege parts were very…siegy? Haha. But I appreciated how the battles were handled and how we got to tap into the bond for some of it.
Ivar. IVAR! Sir, we knew you’d be fun but damn. Was here for every “good girl” moment 🤣.
So all in all, loved it, worth every day of waiting! Dying for Lyx’s next already and more than happy to wait as long as needed for it. One of my favorite series ❤️
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC for this amazing book. To say I squealed when it came to my inbox is an understatement.
This book was worth the wait, you can tell how much care Lyx took with this one and I’m so glad they delayed it! What. A. Pay. Off!!!!
Slow burn for days!
I appreciated how we got to dive deeper into each of our men and know so much more back story. Also they all went on such a physical and emotional journey through this book which really helped them come alive for me that much more.
The siege parts were very…siegy? Haha. But I appreciated how the battles were handled and how we got to tap into the bond for some of it.
Ivar. IVAR! Sir, we knew you’d be fun but damn. Was here for every “good girl” moment 🤣.
So all in all, loved it, worth every day of waiting! Dying for Lyx’s next already and more than happy to wait as long as needed for it. One of my favorite series ❤️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 3, 2023
I can honestly say that this series has exceeded my expectations! This book was absolutely amazing and I am so sad that the fourth book isn't out yet. Like I need it ASAP. This book was a lot longer than the other books, but no complaints here because there was never a dull moment in it. There is so much action and I loved seeing just how much these characters have grown throughout the series. I also loved that we get Ivar's POV in this book because he is the best. Love him.
While the first book was a slow burn for Tamsin and Thrain, and book two was a slow burn for Tamsin and Ivar, book three makes the slow burn worth it for the connections we see between these three. I also love that we get to see Olaf and Tamsin start to have a closer relationship.
Overall, this is such a great series and if you are looking for a unique RH romance then I highly recommend this!
While the first book was a slow burn for Tamsin and Thrain, and book two was a slow burn for Tamsin and Ivar, book three makes the slow burn worth it for the connections we see between these three. I also love that we get to see Olaf and Tamsin start to have a closer relationship.
Overall, this is such a great series and if you are looking for a unique RH romance then I highly recommend this!
January 14, 2024
Och, tie paskutiniai 300 puslapių! Retkarčiais reikėdavo pasitraukti nuo knygos ir įkvėpti, bei suvaldyti norą dirstelėti į priekį, kaip pasibaigs scena. Atrodo, nieko tokio baisaus nevyko, bet emociškai buvo labai sunku - tiek bejėgiško pykčio dėl neteisybės, kad norėjosi rėkti ir kažką sudaužyti. Bet atlaikiau ir šeimynykščių naktinėdama su knyga nepažadinau. Apskritai, šita dalis įsivažiavo lėtai - bet ar daug veiksmo gali būti kelis mėnesius trukusioje tvirtovės apgultyje, planuojant sąmokslą? Užtat smuto čia jau buvo daugiau, BEVEIK tiek, kiek tikėjausi pradėdama skaityti šią seriją. Vis tik dauguma RH rašančių autorių galėtų iš jos pasimokyti, kaip vystyti veikėjus ir jų tarpusavio santykius - TO-BU-LA. Na ką, dabar lieka sulaukti istorijos dalies, perkelsiančios į Dubliną ir, jei labai prailgs, suskaityti paskutinę neskaitytą novelę. 4.5/5
February 8, 2024
The plot was plotting more in this book than the first two books combined. So much happened but I still feel absolutely no resolution? I understand there are supposed to be three more books but I want to reiterate there’s a difference between a slow burn and lack of communication trope.
Will I read the next one? Yes, because I need to see the resolution even if I have to skim for it.
Will I read the next one? Yes, because I need to see the resolution even if I have to skim for it.
October 24, 2023
Talented writer with a way of writing unique and everyday happenings. Example:
"The morning sunlight gleams on Olaf’s chainmail and his cropped white-blond hair. He’s lying against a crate, thick arms crossed over his chest, mouth open as he snores.
Around him, men are crouching and cackling to themselves as they balance things on him – he has a pile of round cheeses like a little tower on his forehead, and some stone kerns on his knees and elbows.
I catch my burst of laughter with my hand. Ivar snorts at the sight, similarly trying not to wake him – but when Thrain comes out, his bark of surprised laughter does it."
But this is a LONG book and by the time I was done, it was too much. It would have been a 5 if I hadn't felt dread in the effort to finish it!
Spoilers abound- I can't spend the energy to conceal much :) It really is a well written book/series, I just am weary.
-
-
-
-
This is majorly M/M, I felt like it really was a love story between Thrain and Ivar rather than Ivar and Tamsin. Yes- Olaf and Tamsin have their moments but this did not play out as I expected. Is that good or bad? Jury is still out.
It sets it up for a story between Ivar and Thrain:
"Then he meets my gaze and slams that warning glare upon me again. That I had better not put myself in danger. It’s his way of showing affection, I suppose. You’d better take care of yourself, or I’ll kick your arse. When I hold his gaze to challenge him, he curls a hand around his sword hilt.
“If we die in some ridiculous manner, you find me in Valhöll,” Ivar tells me. “So I can express my feelings about it. With an axe.”
I scoff. “If you follow me into a ridiculous death, you only have yourself to blame.”
Tamsin gets a wake-up call about her people:
"Why in God’s name are they so intent on judging my virtue – when I’m trying to tell them that I’ve made allies, that I’m going save their lives? They are chained and held in a Viking siege camp, and still they choose to obsess like this about my sinfulness?
God, but I’d forgotten what a bunch of self-righteous bastards they all are."
Ivar and Tamsin:
"I scoop her hair up in a tight fist, making her squint with pain, though she squarely meets the challenge of holding my gaze. “You want me to fuck you?” I growl. “Say it.”
She breathes out the phrase, freeing it from her cage of modesty: “I… I want you to fuck me.”
Thor’s glory, to hear those words in her mouth. “I am not gentle,” I warn.
Her eyes glint in the dark. “Nor am I fragile.”
Ivar gives Tamsin the pain she needs, much to Thrains dismay:
“Please,” Tamsin says, pulling her shift down again. “Don’t be angry with him. It was me, I asked him to do it.”
“He shouldn’t have heeded you,” I grunt, unable to articulate it without the gravel of fury.
“I needed it,” she insists. “I think I would’ve found a way to do it, regardless. It’s the only way I know how… how to…”
I stare at her freckled face. How to cope. The only way she knows how to cope is to hurt herself."
Ivar struggles with finding a place in this Pack:
"The sigh that twists from Ivar’s chest seems born of the deepest frustration. “Tamsin. Please don’t torment me.” He leans closer again, his hand feeling for Tamsin’s shape in the crumpled wool. More quietly, he says, “I think this night belongs to the two of you.”
“You always have a place in my nest, Ivar,” she replies groggily, her voice still breathy and intimate. That makes him go rather quiet."
I love these tender moments:
"She lets out a needy whine and leans in to kiss me. Between Thrain and I, she doesn’t take any time at all to shatter. She tries her best to contain her sounds, and afterwards she twists between us, sweaty and panting as she lies on her back to recover.
“You’re both terrible,” she protests, though she’s pink and shining now with contentment."
and moments with Olaf:
“I don’t know how long it would take me to meet you where you’re standing,” he murmurs. “And I don’t know whether you’d still want me by then. I’m old enough to be your father.”
That makes my heart thud.
“I can’t tell how old any of you are with your great big beards, anyway,” I tell him, and he affords me a rare laugh."
and I was not a fan of the deception of Gofraid, how the sons went about it as well as the whole capture idea that Olaf has. Which leads to Ivar surrendering himself and Tamsin taken. BUT- all in the name of a plot I guess :)
“You’re all idiots,” she hisses. “All three of you. You’re trying to be noble but all you’re doing is risking your lives – being so stupid –” Her voice is catching on her words, threatening tears.
“I don’t want to lose you,” she breathes. “Please. I don’t want to lose any of you. Don’t you dare leave me here, don’t go without me – don’t go –" spoiler: they go anyway...
Note: I know this is fantasy but with all the anal encounters, I just couldn't stop thinking of how unclean this all must be!
"The morning sunlight gleams on Olaf’s chainmail and his cropped white-blond hair. He’s lying against a crate, thick arms crossed over his chest, mouth open as he snores.
Around him, men are crouching and cackling to themselves as they balance things on him – he has a pile of round cheeses like a little tower on his forehead, and some stone kerns on his knees and elbows.
I catch my burst of laughter with my hand. Ivar snorts at the sight, similarly trying not to wake him – but when Thrain comes out, his bark of surprised laughter does it."
But this is a LONG book and by the time I was done, it was too much. It would have been a 5 if I hadn't felt dread in the effort to finish it!
Spoilers abound- I can't spend the energy to conceal much :) It really is a well written book/series, I just am weary.
-
-
-
-
This is majorly M/M, I felt like it really was a love story between Thrain and Ivar rather than Ivar and Tamsin. Yes- Olaf and Tamsin have their moments but this did not play out as I expected. Is that good or bad? Jury is still out.
It sets it up for a story between Ivar and Thrain:
"Then he meets my gaze and slams that warning glare upon me again. That I had better not put myself in danger. It’s his way of showing affection, I suppose. You’d better take care of yourself, or I’ll kick your arse. When I hold his gaze to challenge him, he curls a hand around his sword hilt.
“If we die in some ridiculous manner, you find me in Valhöll,” Ivar tells me. “So I can express my feelings about it. With an axe.”
I scoff. “If you follow me into a ridiculous death, you only have yourself to blame.”
Tamsin gets a wake-up call about her people:
"Why in God’s name are they so intent on judging my virtue – when I’m trying to tell them that I’ve made allies, that I’m going save their lives? They are chained and held in a Viking siege camp, and still they choose to obsess like this about my sinfulness?
God, but I’d forgotten what a bunch of self-righteous bastards they all are."
Ivar and Tamsin:
"I scoop her hair up in a tight fist, making her squint with pain, though she squarely meets the challenge of holding my gaze. “You want me to fuck you?” I growl. “Say it.”
She breathes out the phrase, freeing it from her cage of modesty: “I… I want you to fuck me.”
Thor’s glory, to hear those words in her mouth. “I am not gentle,” I warn.
Her eyes glint in the dark. “Nor am I fragile.”
Ivar gives Tamsin the pain she needs, much to Thrains dismay:
“Please,” Tamsin says, pulling her shift down again. “Don’t be angry with him. It was me, I asked him to do it.”
“He shouldn’t have heeded you,” I grunt, unable to articulate it without the gravel of fury.
“I needed it,” she insists. “I think I would’ve found a way to do it, regardless. It’s the only way I know how… how to…”
I stare at her freckled face. How to cope. The only way she knows how to cope is to hurt herself."
Ivar struggles with finding a place in this Pack:
"The sigh that twists from Ivar’s chest seems born of the deepest frustration. “Tamsin. Please don’t torment me.” He leans closer again, his hand feeling for Tamsin’s shape in the crumpled wool. More quietly, he says, “I think this night belongs to the two of you.”
“You always have a place in my nest, Ivar,” she replies groggily, her voice still breathy and intimate. That makes him go rather quiet."
I love these tender moments:
"She lets out a needy whine and leans in to kiss me. Between Thrain and I, she doesn’t take any time at all to shatter. She tries her best to contain her sounds, and afterwards she twists between us, sweaty and panting as she lies on her back to recover.
“You’re both terrible,” she protests, though she’s pink and shining now with contentment."
and moments with Olaf:
“I don’t know how long it would take me to meet you where you’re standing,” he murmurs. “And I don’t know whether you’d still want me by then. I’m old enough to be your father.”
That makes my heart thud.
“I can’t tell how old any of you are with your great big beards, anyway,” I tell him, and he affords me a rare laugh."
and I was not a fan of the deception of Gofraid, how the sons went about it as well as the whole capture idea that Olaf has. Which leads to Ivar surrendering himself and Tamsin taken. BUT- all in the name of a plot I guess :)
“You’re all idiots,” she hisses. “All three of you. You’re trying to be noble but all you’re doing is risking your lives – being so stupid –” Her voice is catching on her words, threatening tears.
“I don’t want to lose you,” she breathes. “Please. I don’t want to lose any of you. Don’t you dare leave me here, don’t go without me – don’t go –" spoiler: they go anyway...
Note: I know this is fantasy but with all the anal encounters, I just couldn't stop thinking of how unclean this all must be!
October 2, 2023
LYX! I need time to recover 💀
September 27, 2023
Disclaimer : this is my first attempt at a review, so it is bound to be an explosion of incoherent thoughts (much like the state of my scrambled brain at the moment), and also because I've been successfully rendered speechless and brainless after reading this masterpiece of a book.
Y'all, I'm feral for this book. There is really no other way to put it.
From now on, I'll just make it my life mission to recommend this series to any breathing soul I come across. Seems only fair after it changed my brain chemistry.
I've spent my weekend and half of last night reading this book, bearing in mind that I had to wake up early for work the day after. I've had a measly amount of two hours of sleep (worth it), and the first thought that jumps into my mind after I reached the end of this mammoth of a book and the morning right after is I WANT MORE. And I've never written a review on Goodreads, so this book has just popped my leaving a review on Goodreads cherry (also worth it). There is a first time for everything and I see no more convenient reason for me to let it go now. So, that ought to be proof enough on how this book was.
Over the past two days, I've locked myself up in my room, taken refuge in my bed, sustained myself on my tears and all kinds of gasps while I cried and roared my way through this book like a madwoman. What can I say? It was just the right amount of everything. The angst, the drama, the spice. Every-freaking-thing.
I remember reading Taming The Wolves and thinking : hmm *grabs chin in deep thought* I need more of Ivar. It was inevitable since my guy fits all of my favourite attributes in an MMC : dark, mysterious, sarcastic, and at times perhaps more unhinged than others. And the author sure delivered because I got more than what I wished for and I loved every second of it. But now after this book, I'm constantly fighting the urge of typing how to get me a giant, blond, viking prince on my search bar, because holy heavens; Olaf now lives rent-free in my heart and he is dead-set on never leaving. So now, I'm counting down the seconds to see more of him in the next installment. And perhaps *fingers crossed*, we'll also get more of a certain enigmatic Pictish warlord.
The spicy scenes had beautiful emotional undertones, so it was never just about the comings of bodies but also souls. Which is a feat in why choose romances, let alone an omegaverse. It made every second of the book precious and the smut meaningful.
Bottom line, just read it. Read it and become a better person. Read it and embrace the change it bestows upon you.
I'll probably end up throttling a colleague if someone makes the mistake of invoking my cranky ass after pulling an all nighter to read this book, though my friends, it was all for a greater cause because ....you guessed it : THIS BOOK WAS TOTALLY WORTH IT.
Y'all, I'm feral for this book. There is really no other way to put it.
From now on, I'll just make it my life mission to recommend this series to any breathing soul I come across. Seems only fair after it changed my brain chemistry.
I've spent my weekend and half of last night reading this book, bearing in mind that I had to wake up early for work the day after. I've had a measly amount of two hours of sleep (worth it), and the first thought that jumps into my mind after I reached the end of this mammoth of a book and the morning right after is I WANT MORE. And I've never written a review on Goodreads, so this book has just popped my leaving a review on Goodreads cherry (also worth it). There is a first time for everything and I see no more convenient reason for me to let it go now. So, that ought to be proof enough on how this book was.
Over the past two days, I've locked myself up in my room, taken refuge in my bed, sustained myself on my tears and all kinds of gasps while I cried and roared my way through this book like a madwoman. What can I say? It was just the right amount of everything. The angst, the drama, the spice. Every-freaking-thing.
I remember reading Taming The Wolves and thinking : hmm *grabs chin in deep thought* I need more of Ivar. It was inevitable since my guy fits all of my favourite attributes in an MMC : dark, mysterious, sarcastic, and at times perhaps more unhinged than others. And the author sure delivered because I got more than what I wished for and I loved every second of it. But now after this book, I'm constantly fighting the urge of typing how to get me a giant, blond, viking prince on my search bar, because holy heavens; Olaf now lives rent-free in my heart and he is dead-set on never leaving. So now, I'm counting down the seconds to see more of him in the next installment. And perhaps *fingers crossed*, we'll also get more of a certain enigmatic Pictish warlord.
The spicy scenes had beautiful emotional undertones, so it was never just about the comings of bodies but also souls. Which is a feat in why choose romances, let alone an omegaverse. It made every second of the book precious and the smut meaningful.
Bottom line, just read it. Read it and become a better person. Read it and embrace the change it bestows upon you.
I'll probably end up throttling a colleague if someone makes the mistake of invoking my cranky ass after pulling an all nighter to read this book, though my friends, it was all for a greater cause because ....you guessed it : THIS BOOK WAS TOTALLY WORTH IT.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 139 reviews