Return of the Viking Warrior

by Michelle Styles

THE VIKING CLAIMS HIS WIFE
Kara Olofdottar thanked the gods when she married her childhood hero Ash Hringson. But this fearless raider has been gone so long his proud arrogance is the only memory she retains of him. Now she must remarry to protect her lands for her son. But then, on her wedding day, the conquering warrior returns - to gasps of horror and surprise! After all, Ash was supposed to be dead...though to Kara's starved gaze he seems very much flesh and blood...and less than impressed to find his beautiful wife intent on marrying someone else!

Genres: Historical Romance, Romance, Harlequin, Historical Fiction, Fiction

280 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 2014

About the author

Born and raised near San Francisco Califorinia, Michelle Styles currently lives a few miles south of Hadrian's Wall with her husband, three children and menagerie of pets. An avid reader, she became hooked on historical romance when she discovered Georgette Heyer, Anya Seton and Victoria Holt in her school's library. Michelle enjoys writing stories in a wide range of time periods including Roman, Viking, Regency and early Victorian. Her website can be found at www.michellestyles.co.uk

Reviews

[Rachel (BAVR) · Rating 2 out of 5]

So Ash and Kara marry young, and when Ash wants to go away on adventures as a warrior, Kara's like, "Yes, please go and return to me a hero. I'm so proud of you."

When Ash returns 7 years later from the dead (basically), Kara's about to marry another dude and is like, "How dare you abandon me, you insincere rogue? I'll be a cold shrew no matter how reasonably you act."

And whatever, I could have dealt with the tiring story line if not for the repetition. These characters think constantly, and most of those thoughts aren't diamonds. I lost count of how many times Kara's "lips ached for his kiss" in that EXACT wording or how many times one of them slammed their fists together. IDK why anyone would slam their fists together? Every time I try to do it, I freak out that I'll hurt myself and give myself a tepid little fist bump. Is this a Viking thing? Eh, it doesn't matter. 2 stars. -___-

[Annie Burrows · Rating 4 out of 5]

First, I have to confess that I'm a fan of Michelle's Vikings (and Romans) so was absolutely thrilled to receive a free copy of her latest, in return for writing a review. I don't think it's just because I'm a fan that I enjoyed this story, though. It really did grip me from the moment I picked it up. I loved the heroine, Kara, and completely understood her struggle to trust the husband who'd been missing for seven years. As always, Michelle created a vibrantly believable setting. And delivered a flawed, scarred, hunk of a hero. I only hope that she has written the story of Valdar, too, another gorgeous hunk who totally deserves his own happy ending.

[Alyssa Urbano · Rating 4 out of 5]

"What happened when your heroes turned out not to be what you thought they were?"

Return of the Viking Hero is about Ash and Kara. Ash was a viking and heir to Jaarlsheim but there was this event in the past where he lost his honor. To make up for it, he decided he'd go a-viking and gather many riches and become the hero he wanted to be.

He married Kara but left several months after to go on his merry quest. But things didn't turn out the way he thought and he ended up being away from home for seven years instead of the several months he thought it would be.

He came just in time to stop his wife's marriage to another man.

Kara was about to marry Valdar, another warrior, who would run Jaarlsheim until her son with Ash came of age. But the marriage never happened for Ash was alive and not drowned in the shipwreck they thought.

Ash's return is what set everything in motion. It also turned Kara's life upside down. He returned a hero but a scarred one for there were several things that happened when he was away.

Kara, on the other hand, changed from being the adoring wife who worshiped the ground he walked on and into a hardened lady. She was now a mother and also custodian of an entire estate.

My review:

First of all, let me say that I'm a sucker for this type of romance novels. I have this thing for Vikings and Highlanders in historical romance. For me they're like the ultimate alpha-male. Control freaks, warriors and all that jazz. It's just my thing.

Hey, don't judge. LOL.

Okay back to the topic...

I saw this book on Goodreads a month back and I was so disappointed when I saw I couldn't buy it yet. The blurb looked so promising and I really wanted to get my hands on it!

I've read several of Michelle's viking books and never has anything caught my attention like Kara and Ash's story (again I have this thing for this type of book)

So I marked the release date down on my calendar and bought it on Kindle as soon as it was released.

And I wasn't disappointed .

It reached my expectations and more. I love a book where it tugs at my heartstrings. I love it when I feel sad or hurt because of a fantastic story. There were several scenes here that really made my heart clench. But it wasn't a sad story (let me clear that up)

It was wonderful and it was about two people trying to make a marriage work. About a hero returning to his former life and finding out it wasn't the way it was before. 

There were several times when I wanted to hit both Kara and Ash because of their stubborn streak. Ash wanted another chance in their marriage but didn't like to tell Kara all his secrets. Kara, on the other hand, wanted to move as far away from Ash as possible. She didn't want to become vulnerable again because he may leave her and not show up for another seven years or more. I understand her reasons though.

Also, I think Ash is a great hero. He is perfect because he is flawed. He is even better because he wants to turn his life around because of his wife and his son. Kara is also a great heroine. Headstrong, willful and not those weak heroines.

I'm giving it four stars because I think there's something missing at the end. I would have loved to see more of Ash fulfilling his promise of changing and the life that would've led to. I would've loved to see more passion burning between those two and the happily ever after they deserved after everything that's happened.

But this is just my personal preference. 

All in all, this was a beautiful and enjoyable read. When I bought it, I started reading and wasn't able to put it down for hours! I only took a break for dinner and then resumed reading it again until I was done.

I recommend it for people who love historical romance, a scarred hero and a marriage gone haywire.

Kudos to Michelle Styles for another beautiful novel!



P.S. Please, please, please give Valdar a story of his own. He deserves it! :)

[Beth]

This had so much potential. I feel like this needed more editing passes. Also the author needed to track each relationship milestone better

[Rosemary K · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Ash Hringson returns from his journey, he expects a joyous homecoming. That's not to be. His wife, Kara, is being married to another. After all he's been gone for seven years. His appearance is a shock to her and to the rest of the village, but Ash carries the day and claims both his wife and his title. Little does he know more surprises await him. He has a six year old son, Rurik. Can he woo his angry wife and bond with his boy? This story has it all. The book is filled with danger and intrigue, a passionate romance and unforgettable characters. Ash and Kara are both strong and independent people who are working to rekindle the love they once shared. I was drawn to them and wanted them to find happiness and a HEA. The secondary characters are colorful and add to the drama as does the setting. Michelle Styles writes a well-plotted and action packed story that had me hooked from the first page. This book will go on my keeper shelf.

[Pâmela Vasconcelos · Rating 4 out of 5]

#Terminado. Leitura Fácil e Gostosa. Gostei muito da Cultura Nórdica que permeou o Romance.

[Patricia E · Rating 1 out of 5]

The disappointing return of the Viking warrior.

While I am a big fan of Michelle STYLES writings, I am sorry to say this book was a big disappointment. I kept losing interest. I forced myself to continue reading hoping there would be more substance and less self-doubt and complaining. I don't recommend the book if you are a big Viking Romance fan. I was very disappointed. I have to give a credit to Michelle for her wonderful writing.

[Natália · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.0-3.5

[3moopydelfy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ici, nul coup de foudre, la séduction se joue sur le retour du mari après 7 ans d’absence. Ash le héros a disparu pendant une longue période, laissant croire à toute sa famille, son clan, sa femme Kara qu’il était mort. Le voilà de retour riche, blessé, brisé par les événements que le destin a mis sur route. Il ne pensait pas surprendre son épouse sur le point de se remarier. Ni qu’elle lui refuse le droit de revenir comme si de rien n’était à ses côtés. Les surprises se multiplient au fil des pages.
Ash découvre qu’il est père, que sa belle et surprenante femme réserve son lot de courage, de forces. Kara fait preuve d’une personnalité qui marque. Elle démontre un potentiel incroyable. Le gros atout du roman repose sur cette héroïne brillante, qui a du se battre contre les autres. Le combat se situe non pas sur le terrain mais dans le foyer. Comment réapprendre à s’aimer? Comment céder à l’attirance après des années? Si vous cherchez un viking sanguinaire passez votre chemin. Ici, Ash se bat pour le coeur de sa femme.
Le retour du Viking s’avère être une romance historique mignonne. Peu à peu les héros s’apprivoisent, réapprennent à s’aimer. Les années de séparation offrent un nouveau départ, une manière d’approfondir les sentiments d’aller au-delà du physique. La tension sexuelle est palpable. Ash et Kara se désirent. Ils se tournent autour. Tout en évoluant, en découvrant ce que leur existence est devenue. Kara est une mère fascinante. Ash a une façon de voir son rôle assez décalé, assez brute tout en ayant pris conscience des erreurs de son propre paternel. A dévorer pour se détendre. Michelle Style a un style qui se lit rapidement, fluide, avec des personnages attachants.

[Trudy Miner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Believing she's a widow of seven years, Kara Olofdottar finally consents to marry Valdar in order to protect her son's inheritance. Only on her wedding day, just as they were to take their vows, Ash Hringson returns in time to stop the wedding! Naturally everyone is stunned and in disbelief as Ash was supposed to have drowned seven years ago. Once everyone recognizes Ash for who he says he is, they return to Jaarlshiem, Kara tells Ash of the son he doesn't know he has and his desire to return home only increases along with the danger he knows his uncle presents. Now the young couple is faced with starting over again and Ash must get acquainted with Rurik and being a father to him. There is the ever-present danger from his uncle which will ultimately send them back to the capital of Sands and a test of their new-found love.

As always, this story was well-written with a lot of detail about Viking life. Anyone who's followed The Vikings on the History Channel or has read other Viking novels will easily be able to put themselves into the time of Kara and Ash. A warrior thought to be dead but returning from the dead is probably not as far-fetched as we might think either. I loved this story!

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Healing Redemption

Kara was married very young to the boy she used to spy on while hiding in the bushes. After seven years she is no longer naive. She is a mature woman who has had to succeed without a husband. Her husband left on a voyage the year after they were married. Now she is a widow who is going to be married today.

Ash has now returned to the land where he grew up, to the father who thought he would not amount to much and to the wife he left behind. He is no longer the young careless man he once was. He is a warrior now. He survived the unthinkable and now has returned. He returns to a wedding in progress. Can he mend the hard shell his wife has formed around her heart?

This was a nice and tender story. I like my Viking Warrior books hotter though. This would have been perfect if this element would have been more present, there was not enough of this to my taste.

[Pat]

Did not receive this book