Holding On For a Hero: A Viking Historical Romance

by Lily Harlem

She’s a fearsome shield-maiden.
He’s a virgin Highlander.
And neither of them is ready for what comes next.

Astrid Rhalson sails hard, fights harder, and loves on her own terms, if she bothers loving at all. Feared across the Northlands as a legendary shield-maiden, she’s loud, lethal, and loyal only to her Viking kin. Men either run from her or worship her. And she prefers it that way.

So when a storm strands her on the foreign, Christian shores of Lothlend, the last thing she expects is a Highlander with honor in his eyes and heat in his veins.

Hamish MacCallum has lived a life of discipline, devoted to his village, his God, and his purity. But the moment he sees Astrid, flame-haired, battle-scarred, and unlike any woman he’s ever imagined, his resolve crumbles. She’s wild. Dangerous. Irresistible.

And when she catches him spying on her... things get messy. And very, very hot.

Now trapped in close quarters, one will push boundaries and the other will learn exactly how much pleasure sin can bring. Because when a Viking meets a virgin Highlander, the rules of war, and love, are made to be broken.

Tropes You’ll

✔ Virgin Hero
✔ Alpha Viking vs. Fierce Heroine
✔ Enemies to Lovers
✔ Forced Proximity
✔ Steamy Medieval Romance
✔ Highland Warrior Meets Shield-Maiden
✔ Lust at First Sight
✔ Erotic Historical with Humor & Heat

For fans of bold heroines, brave-hearted men, and red-hot chemistry, this Viking romance doesn’t just row... it rocks.

This series is part of Dragonblade's Flame line, so this is a scorching-hot read with open-door steam.

Read in Kindle Unlimited!

VIKINGS ROCK!
Book 1 – Bats Out of Hell
Book 2 – Holding on for a Hero
Book 3 – Hungry Like a Wolf

Genres: Historical Romance

192 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 5, 2025

About the author

Meet your next sexy as f*ck book boyfriend!

You'll love my Alpha male heroes and the women who (try to) tame them, so dive into my vast selection of steamy romances and be prepared to stay up late into the night being seduced by kinky dukes, hot hockey players, masterful Vikings and badass bikers. (To name a few!)

And to get you started, and my way of saying 'welcome to my world', grab a FREE ebook of your choice from my website www.lilyharlem.com

Reviews

[Marissa · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thanks NetGalley for giving me a digital copy to review! This book was definitely outside my usual reading lane, but I gave it a shot and honestly, parts of it surprised me in a good way. The setup? A fierce Viking woman meets a sweet, sheltered Highlander virgin. It had big Jon Snow and Ygritte energy right from the start. There’s spying, there’s banter, there’s that delicious “we’re opposites but somehow we’re magnetically attracted to each other” tension. I was so here for that. The verbal sparring? Super fun. The spice? Yes please! Their chemistry was strong and kept things moving in a good way.

Where it started to lose me was with the religious stuff. It’s a big part of the story, and while I get why it was included, it started to feel like it was popping up a little too often. Every time I was getting into the romance, the story would veer into moral conflict mode, and it pulled me out of the moment.

That said, although this book wasn’t for me it absolutely has an audience. If you love your historical romance with strong heroines, forbidden tension, and a splash of spiritual conflict, this could be your next favorite.

Especially for readers who loved Jon Snow and Ygritte and wished they had more time…..and a much happier ending…..this one will scratch that itch.

[Anya · Rating 1 out of 5]

Holding On For a Hero: A Viking Historical Romance by Lily Harlem wasn’t the right book for me. I didn’t enjoy Astrid as the main character, and I personally don’t like too much religion in the stories I read (unless I’m picking up a nonfiction book about the subject).

Another major issue for me was the treatment of consent. If someone is drugged and touched or has sex with, that is non-consensual—it doesn’t matter if it’s a man or a woman doing it. That element in the story made it impossible for me to enjoy the romance.

Overall, this just wasn’t my kind of story. That said, I’m still happy to try out other authors from Dragonblade Publishing, but this one I’ll pass on.

Thank you Netgalley and Dragonblade Publishing for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Seher · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book does contain sexual assault.

I cannot find any evidence that vikings pierced their penises; and even less evidence that they got their moms to do that for them. But I digress.

Faith is a very central part of this story by Lily Harlem. It’s the second book in her series Viking’s Rock. At under 200 pages and on Kindle Unlimited it’s sure to be a hit with some people.

I was a bit worried that this would be hella Christian, (not a fan of extra Muslim or any religion either), but it did Astrid’s strong convictions justice.

“”And I am a believer. You have forsaken Odin and Thor and Freya. You do not even believe Egil is going to Valhalla.”
He glanced at Kenna and then Noah, who stood on the beach with Fion and Olaf. “How can you say that?” he asked quietly through clenched teeth.
“Because I saw you renounce your heathen sins in this very bay.” She held the torch over the body.””

You may not agree with Astrid entirely and I understand the crisis that Haakon may go through at this point, but it is clear to see that he hasn’t thought about it too much when the practice of any belief means that you do need to have some courage in your convictions; he converted for the sake of a throne and he must bear all that comes with that.

But then we get to all that went wrong here and there was plenty.

On one hand Haamish is a warrior; the fact that the author shows him pinning Astrid down so quickly does bug me; she has fought more than him (this is implied) but somehow she’s no match for his strength; like yes Lily Harlen, let’s weaken this Viking warrior. It would have been much more interesting if we had her pinning him down at this stage.

The language isn’t consistent and doesn’t go with the setting; it really does break the flow and I wish more historical romance writers were aware of this. Weird can be swapped with strange; your readers should know the meaning of strange; if they do not, it’s time to get a new job.

The author uses village a lot to describe the p[ace which doesn’t make sense. It’s apparently important enough to have its own king (not a chief mind you, a king), and have the original king come to get taxes in person. The author needs to sort this out.


“ “Because I see a warm heart in you, Astrid.””

I hate this because she’s horrible to him for no reason and he takes it for almost all the book. A lot of stories would be over if people were like we see your red flags and your energy and we raise you go away.

I don’t know why I’m writing this much for this review; Astrid drugs and sexually assaults Haamish. I do not know if there is a trigger warning or not in the KU version, but let’s call it what it is. If a man did this to me it would be assault. But it’s treated super lightly in the book; like a fun thing because he’s a man and has needs. She drugged him and touched him. And I get that everyone’s into bully and non-con romance, but this is not that genre and it shouldn’t be treated lightly


“ “Your son is no longer a virgin, if that is what you are asking…He is a man who lies with a woman with passion and fights battles with bravery.”
Astrid says the above to his mother.


Thank you NetGalley for the chance to read and review this.

[Marion Löw · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this enemies to lovers story with its storyline, suspense, danger, spice and violence entertaining on the whole. I liked the tension, the verbal sparring and the sizzling chemistry between the protagonists, but I didn't warm to the female MC Astrid. In general, I like headstrong heroines who stay true to themselves, and while I could understand her frustration with her new home and her sense of betrayal at having to adopt a new religion, I found her crudeness and lack of respect and tolerance for those with different opinions off-putting. Hamish is a cinnamon roll hero who also wants to stay true to his principles, but is open-minded and accepting of others for who they are. But I really felt like half the book was all about discussions of faith and how Astrid is trying to corrupt Hamish (apart from drugging him and then taking advantage of him sexually).

The tropes are

- Highland warrior - Viking Shield-Maiden
- Enemies to lovers
- Close/Forced proximity
- Opposites attract
- FMC grumpy - MMC sunshine
- Virgin hero - experienced heroine
- Religious disparity

The story follows on from the events of the previous book, so I would recommend reading the series in order.

After the dispute between her brothers Haakon and Ravn, Princess and shield-maiden Astrid Rhalson left her homeland of Drangar together with Haakon and traveled with him to Lothlend, where Haakon became the new king of Tillicoulty, married Kenna, and converted to Christianity for his wife.
Astrid feels hurt and betrayed and longs for her homeland. She neither likes the people of the new kingdom nor is she willing to give up her belief in the Norse gods and adapt to the local customs.
Therefore, she decides to return to Drangar and her father on her own.
From the very first moment, Hamish MacCallum felt drawn to the rebellious Astrid, even though she mocked and insulted him. When Astrid leaves Tilicoulty in the dead of night, he secretly follows her to protect her.
At first Astrid is angry, but soon she falls in love with the good-natured Scotsman who accepts her just as she is and enjoys introducing the devout male virgin to the world of carnal pleasures...

I received a free ARC of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and left voluntarily.

[Malini · Rating 4 out of 5]

Believe in me by MeemsAngel82

This was a very well written book that explores a time in history I simply don't read enough of and it's a shame because it is so exciting and raw. This was a time when people were conquering land and war was fought with some kings at the helm. This story is a full one and a sensual one. Expect a cast of colorful characters and some lusty moments between our stubborn h and her sensible and kind H. Different personalities they may have but they compliment one another.

She is a wild one and no one can tame her. He didn't try but rather celebrated her strengths and quietly stole her heart.

I wish she didn't have experience and also that she believed in marriage. I am not a person who understands people that don't believe in it, but to each their own. In my books, my ideal is for them to tie that knot. She was so headstrong and a little too !much. Her brothers cared and some do not even have that, she shouldn't be so callous with her words. Our H...he was an absolute delight! What a darling mani He is honest and true and such a good person. The story ended a little too abruptly for me but they are very clearly on their next adventure. This series sounds exciting and I'm sorry I didn't catch it from the beginning! I received this copy for free from Netgalley and volunteered to write this review.

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Holding On For a Hero is the second in Lily' Harlem's Viking's Rock series. I really wanted to like this book, but I struggled with it. But let's start with the good stuff! The hero is a hunky sweetheart named Hamish MacCallum. He's attentive and kind, not a rake in the slightest because he's "saving himself for marriage." When he falls in love, he's completely dedicated to the heroine. The steamy love scenes between the two are off the charts, and the love that grows is quite endearing.

Where I struggled the most was the heroine Astrid Rhalson. I like heroines who are independent, fierce, & strong. I don't enjoy heroines who are hateful and mean. I tend to dislike any character (male or female) that acts like that. It came through that Astrid has some personal issues to work on, but the hatefulness was too much. It's hard for me to enjoy a book when I dislike a main character. The modern phrasing throughout the book was also immersion-breaking for me.

That being said, Holding On For a Hero is overall a fun and very spicy romance. If you're in the mood for a 4 alarm fire Viking romance you should give this book a try.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Jade aka MrsTosh · Rating 3 out of 5]

Holding On For a Hero is the second in Lily' Harlem's Viking's Rock series. I must admit, I picked up the first book because I'm a massive Meatloaf fan. It was just ok. But I am also a Bonnie Tyler fan, so I couldn't say no to this one, maybe I should have....

I really struggled with this book. I am all for a strong, willful woman, but the main character, Astrid, is just horrible and mean. She was in the first book, but you would have thought she would have mellowed once she fell in love and settled into life in the Highlands; there is just nothing to like about her, which makes the book hard to read. I also took into consideration that she is a Viking and has very different beliefs from me or other people in the book, but frankly, she is just obnoxious.

This book is not as focused on Christianity, which was a bonus, and gets even steamier than the first was was a pleasant surprise. Her love interest, Hamish is the redeeming feature.

Thank you to NetGalley and Dragonblade Publishing, Inc for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Barbee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spoiler Free Review
Book: Holding On For A Hero
Author: Lily Harlem
Series: Vikings Rock, Book Two
Length: 197 Pages
Publisher: Dragonblade
Overall Rating: 4 Stars

The Shield Maiden meets the religious virgin Highlander was a delightful novella that I really enjoyed. I was happy to see some profanity too because I feel this is more of reality. I was worried this was going to be some unrealistic Christian fairytale but it definitely was not that at all.

I definitely enjoyed this book from start to finish. Looking forward to the next book in the series

I loved that Astrid even with her and wildness he did try to change. To make her something she is not. Hamish was amazing, he was very open and honest and I think those are rare qualities in this period of time. I loved the true history in this period of time too. I highly recommend this book.

Thank you to Dragonblade Publishing and Netgalley for an advanced readers copy in exchange for an honest review. All words, ideas and thoughts are my own.

[Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have very mixed feelings about this story, so I moved more to the positive side rather than the negative one. Here's my negative, Astrid, I didn't like her at all! I like strong women but mean is mean and while I get that she had to be really hard to survive I found it sad that it caused her to be mean and cruel.

Hamish on the other hand was swoon worthy. He is a Highlander, first plus. He's holding himself for just the right partner, second plus, he's disciplined, strong++++++. That is until he meets Astrid. Now I can't see what he sees in her but it must be something really good and powerful because while they circle each other often, he is captivated.
Book two has lots of steam, fast paced, exciting and immersive all in its favor. The overall plot is well done. Finally, for an author to write a story where the heroin is so awful is a huge risk and takes guts, creativity and panash to get a reader to have such intense feelings. Well done!

[Anonymous 5 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a wild, scorching ride from the first page to the last. Astrid is a fierce, no-nonsense heroine—deadly with an axe, unapologetically bold, and absolutely not looking for love. Hamish, on the other hand, is a delicious contradiction: a Highland warrior with unwavering faith, self-control, and, yes, his virginity still intact. The chemistry between these two is instant, electric, and completely addictive.

Their forced proximity turns up the heat fast, but what keeps you turning pages is the balance of tender growth, laugh-out-loud moments, and searing, open-door steam. Astrid and Hamish challenge each other’s worldviews, desires, and fears, and the result is a love story that feels as dangerous as it is swoon-worthy.

If you're into enemies-to-lovers and fiery historical romance, this one's for you. It's steamy, it's smart, and it doesn't hold back.

I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley and Dragonblade Publishing and am voluntarily leaving my review.

[Monie_11 · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was my first Lily Harem book, and honestly, I have mixed feelings. The love-hate thing between Astrid and Hamish was fun to read, but Astrid… wow, she’s a lot. I love how independent and fierce she is, but drugging and manhandling Hamish? Really? That was a bit much.

I was ready to give it two stars, but Hamish totally saved it. He’s such a caring guy—super patient with Astrid and never took offense even when she was being awful to him. He’s the real hero here.

Since it’s a historical Viking romance, I kind of wish the language felt more true to the setting—some of the curse words and modern terms threw me off. In the end, it’s a solid three-star read: entertaining, fiery, but a little rough around the edges.

Huge thank you to Lily Harem, NetGalley, and Dragonblade Publishing for the e-ARC.

#NetGalley #LilyHarem #HoldingOnForAHero #DragonbladePublishing #eARCreview

[Cherie S · Rating 3 out of 5]

Viking Shield Maiden Meets Her Match:
Astrid a fierce shieldmaiden arrives in a new land and she is not one bit happy about it.
Hamish the sweet caring Highlander who tries very hard to gain her trust.
Both characters are individually interesting and have a cat and mouse love hate relationship.
The language is crude and little and over done for my taste.
The relationship between the two has that growing attraction that keeps the story moving.
Two very passionate people drawn together for an intriguing story.
In my opinion I enjoyed the first book much better.
The cover is very enticing and caught my eye to read this story
I voluntarily received an advanced copy to give an honest review of this story which this is.
Adult Advisory:

[Cassandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

To preface, I am not a Viking time period girlie. But I enjoy this author. She seems to like very alpha characters which the Viking time lends to based on what we tell ourself it looked like (I don’t actually know). I didn’t love like this one less than the first because there was a dubcon scene that just was not necessary, this man gave up his village he would give up anything for her. Keeping with the alpha, he beds a lot to her will gives her everything she demands as she is so hot headed and stubborn (just like her brother).

I just really disliked the dubcon part, I know he was fine cause he said so cause he would have done anything if she let him! And HE SAYS THIS… like woman that man likes you and doesn’t mind your disrespect just do it with his okay

[Katelyn Hayter-Gammon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in the WIKINGS ROCK series, while I haven't read the first, I appreciated the recap in the beginning. This book was full of action, spice, and obviously Vikings. I always love me a strong independent woman, and my oh my was she. The twist of him being a virgin was so refreshing. The spice was spicy and very well written. Ready for the next!
Thank you, NetGalley, Dragonblade Publishing, and Lily Harem for the ARC!

[Fallon Fithian · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was a fast and easy read, much like the main characters and their interactions. It was good, but fell short with plot moving too quickly and characters feeling one thing then acting in contradiction the next.

3 stars because at least I was smiling while reading it

[Sophie (slovenianbookworm) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book, it is much better than the first one. It focuses way more on the spice and less on the Christian stuff. So it is very spicy. The hero was a virgin, so this was a nice surprise, and once he got together with Astrid, they couldn't keep their hands off each other.
Haakon from the first book also makes an appearance (he is Astrid's brother) and as with Book 1 I also didn't like his crude remark towards his sister ( I think it was something about if she's a good fuc*k or if Hamish fuc*ed her yet) - very inappropriate thing to say as her brother.
4 stars.

ARC was provided via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.