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Western Isles Vikings #1

Sold to the Viking Warrior

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In her captor's bed!

Women are not part of Sigurd Sigmundson's existence, and Eilidith should purely be a means to an end to gain access to a well-guarded Viking stronghold. He would have to be made of iron, though, not to be stirred by the warmly sensual woman beneath her ice-cold shield.

Liddy has been made to feel ugly and insignificant because of her facial birthmark. Surely her captor couldn't physically desire her? But, oh, how the stifled, passionate Liddy yearns to experience unrestrained love in his arms…

288 pages, Mass Market Paperback

Published January 17, 2017

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About the author

Michelle Styles

127 books198 followers
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

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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
Profile Image for Dawn Livingston.
935 reviews43 followers
January 8, 2018
Let's start with the cover. I saw it and didn't like it because I didn't think the male and female were attractive enough. It wasn't a typical cover of a woman with long, wavy, perfect hair and lots of cleavage with a muscular man with long, flowing locks holding her or at least with one arm around her.

The cover of the book didn't fit my narrow view of what a romance novel should look like. I dismissed the book but the cover image stuck with me. And the more I thought about it the more I realized that I liked it though the book is a Harlequin Historical, the epitome of the clichéd romance. I like that the cover characters are more... real, not so glossy, slick, perfect. I went back and got the book.

The image of the woman is one of long red hair with a young, smooth, healthy face including an unremarkable nose and eyes and a wide mouth. She is dressed in leather, fur and metal. No indication of her figure let alone cleavage. The man is dressed similarly though wearing more metal. Not a glistening pec in sight. His hair is not quite shoulder length, straight, unremarkable though blond. He's standing behind her with sword in hand. He doesn't appear to be touching her at all. They're standing on the deck of a boat looking into the distance.

I'm pleased to say that the distinctive cover well reflects the content. The heroine is interesting, believable, sympathetic. She is a woman of action, full of determination and hope. She is not one that needs to be rescued but that fact is not overdone to the point of gagging on it. You know, pointing out how strong and independent, etc. she is. It's shown not told which is the sign of a good novel.

I liked the hero though I would say the book is less about him than her. I think his character was a little less well developed but still light years ahead of the typical Harlequin hero, or any other romance hero for that matter.

I really like this book. I can't remember the last time I've read a Harlequin romance because they're so clichéd with a lame plot. Maybe 20 years? Maybe more? And so it's been a lot longer even that I've read a Harlequin I've liked.

There are so many romance novels with "Viking" in the title that they may even number more than a hundred. I haven't read but a few and this is far the best. I wouldn't be surprised if of a hundred or so this would be in your top 5.

Oh, the only negative I can think of is that there were some words, or phrases, something in the wording that read too modern. Also, the heroine's name is Eilidith which is cool, it's different. I don't like her nickname Liddy. Sounds too modern. It seems as if the author was anticipating her readers not liking it so gave her a nickname kind of apologetically. The name Eilidith could have been one she was made fun of for and as the character gains confidence she could have accepted and become proud of her name.

The book has just been released but I would put it on your "To-Read" list if you like romances. I'd certainly read it again and may get my own copy.

8/21/17 - I read this months ago and have been reading romance novels off and on since. Boy do they make me appreciate this book. Even the cover is such a breath of fresh air. No couple with flowing locks, a bare chest for the man and a mostly bare back for the woman, awkward hands, a look of passion on the woman's face (or maybe it's just gas) and a look of calm (or maybe it's boredom) on the man's face. I think as a cure for the romance novels that I've tried to get through I will go back and read this. It'll be refreshing and a relief.

1/8/18 - read this book again and didn't like it as well, though I still appreciate the cover. Eilidith is not treated well by her father and brother and the way it was explained and handled did not work for me this time around, or maybe I just let it bother me more. It seems to be treated more in a light hearted way then the horrible thing it is. It just doesn't work for me and it soured the book a bit. I didn't read it all, I ended up getting halfway through then skipping ahead.
Profile Image for Suzanne Sotzing.
152 reviews4 followers
March 2, 2017
This was a great read! It kept my interest throughout and didn't focus too much on historical fact as much as relationships within the different clans of the time period. The characters were believable and there was even a touch of mystery involved!
Profile Image for vivien weston.
9 reviews
February 8, 2017
This is the first Michelle Styles book that I have read as I normally
only read the Regency romances. In this latest one of Michelle's
Viking novels the characters gripped me from page 1 to the end...particularly the dog!

Great characterisation, plot and historical accuracy. I was most impressed and would look out for another.
Profile Image for Mariateresa.
867 reviews17 followers
August 6, 2024
I vichinghi son quella cosa che uno fa uscire dalla porta e poi se li ritrova che rientrano dalla finestra! Io pensavo che, lasciata la Norvegia e diretti nella patria dell’Ikea, me li sarei lasciata alle spalle. Macché!
Il destino ha voluto che in una delle casine dei libri della mia città trovassi questo romanzo intitolato: Schiava del vichingo, che dopo le precedenti avventure nordiche, con un titolo così, un po’ di timore ce l’avevo.

Le premesse per una storia di sottomissione hot al martello di Thor c’erano tutte. E già temevo di incappare in un erotico di bassa lega, invece mi sono dovuta ricredere! Certo, non siamo a chissà quali livelli di lessico o di spessore – di trama, eh, che altri spessori ci sono, eccome se ci sono che tutto il pesce che mangiano sti vichinghi li fa crescere tanto bbboni e muscolosi- ma passa un bel messaggio positivo di recupero del proprio potere e della propria femminilità.

La storia è quella di Eidilith che crede di portare sfortuna, dato che il marito l’ha incolpata della morte dei figli- maledicendola pubblicamente- e poco dopo è morto.
Lei ha creduto così tanto a quelle parole che, da allora, fa vita ritirata nella casa di famiglia con i genitori, il fratello e l’adorato cane Coll.
Ma quando il padre e il fratello vengono imprigionati dallo jaarl di Islay, lei si mette in cammino per andare a chiedere udienza e cercare di salvarli. Non sa per quale motivo siano stati imprigionati, ma è l’unica che può far qualcosa per aiutarli.
Parte insieme Coll e durante il tragitto si accorge di essere seguita da un uomo incappucciato: un “nemico”, un vichingo, che la avvicina e si offre di farle compagnia fino all’arrivo a Islay, dato che entrambi stanno andando dallo jaarl Thorbin.
L’uomo- subito adorato dal cane Coll- si chiama Sigurd Sigmundson e rimane colpito da Eilidith: i suoi capelli rosso fuoco, la sua parlantina e una particolare voglia sotto il labbro inferiore, la rendono molto unica e bellissima ai suoi occhi.
Oltretutto può diventare una complice nel piano che ha in mente: è arrivata al momento giusto, come un dono degli dei. Pare che nulla possa andare storto.
Quando però si presenteranno allo jaarl Thorbin le cose andranno in modo un po’ diverso da come Eidilith e Sigurd avevano immaginato: riescono nell’intento, anche se Sigurd è un po’ troppo avventato nel farsi giustizia, mentre Eidilith invece di venir ringraziata dai famigliari per l’audacia e il coraggio, viene offerta a Sigurd dal padre. O a lui oppure al mercato degli schiavi perché (sic.) lei è una donna maledetta, che nessun uomo vorrà, dato che porta sfortuna e in più è stata vista in compagnia di un nemico.
Sigurd – cuore di panna, mammuttone cucciolone- piuttosto che darla al primo che passa, si accorda col padre di lei: ne farà la sua schiava, ma sarà libera appena il padre potrà o vorrà riscattarla.
Edilith non crede alle sue orecchie e vorrebbe andarsene, ma si piega al volere del padre – l’alternativa alla schiavitù è un monastero in Irlanda- e si prepara alla sua nuova condizione.
L’idea di cosa potrebbe farle, o vorrebbe da lei, le provoca un misto di ansia ed eccitazione: Brandon, il suo defunto marito, la trattava malissimo, e le aveva fatto credere di valer poco o nulla anche tra le lenzuola. Lei stessa crede che il piacere sia qualcosa di mitologico, che non sa dare o non sa provare.
Sigurd però è un uomo dalle mille risorse, dalle gradi doti, e molto generoso e vuole che Eidilith si tolga dalla testa una volta per tutte le bugie che lei crede vere.
Non vede quanto è bella? Quanto è femminile e divertente? Quanto coraggiosa? Lui le insegnerà a vedersi con occhi nuovi.
E lei? Lei gli entrerà nel sangue: lui che aveva giurato di non innamorarsi più, di aver gettato il cuore sulla pira dove sua madre è morta, si ritroverà a lottare per il benessere e la felicità della sua schiava, anche quando questo significherà rinunciare a lei o ai suoi progetti.
Secondo voi come finirà?

………………. Lo dico come lo direbbero gli ABBA – per restare in tema-
Yes, I've been brokenhearted
Blue since the day we parted
Why, why did I ever let you go?
Mamma mia, now I really know
My, my, I could never let you go
I've been angry and sad about things that you do
I can't count all the times that I've told you we're through
And when you go, when you slam the door
I think you know that you won't be away too long
You know that I'm not that strong
and I can hear a bell ring
(One more look) and I forget everything, whoa
Mamma mia, here I go again
My, my, how can I resist you?
Mamma mia, does it show again
My, my, just how much I've missed you?


Nel mezzo qualche colpo di scena e una ex moglie che ritorna sperando di prendersi vichingo e territorio.
Ma non dico di più, nel caso vogliate leggerlo!
Pensavo peggio: la copertina è orrenda – vogliamo parlare di lui che sembra “Azzurro” e della sua spada che sembra finta tanto quanto i capelli di lei? -, la trama un po’ scontata e il finale dolcissimo…. È il carattere dei protagonisti che fa la differenza.
Lui è bello non solo fisicamente, ma tutto! un uomo d’onore, pieno di premure e attenzioni, che apprezza il corpo e la mente di lei e inizia ad amarla.
E lei riesce- grazie a lui- a liberarsi di una montagna di condizionamenti.

Mi son piaciute le dinamiche tra loro (la maggior parte dei personaggi è manicata di inetti!! Uno su tutti Malcom: il fratello testa calda, che pensa di far bene e invece fa danni come apre bocca!) e l’ambientazione in Scozia nel 873.
Ho scoperto da dove prende il nome Dublino: dal vichingo Dubh Linn “fiume nero”!
Quindi il mio voto è 3 stelle!
Profile Image for Harlequin Books.
18.4k reviews2,805 followers
Read
February 17, 2017
"Everyone loves Styles’ Vikings! She’s penned another sensual tale, this time about a wary widow and a strong-minded Viking. Readers will be drawn in by the authentic setting, the plot twists and the enjoyable characters" (4 stars @ RT Book Reviews).
Profile Image for GelatoChan.
38 reviews3 followers
May 19, 2024
Sooo, to preface this - not my type of book, but funnily enough the romance didn't bother me as much as other things lmao also spoilers also also I've never written a review before, don't come at me (please)

- Sigmund's 180 when he bought liddy vs how he treated her before. I was just thinking "wait what?? What's with the sudden change in demeanor?" Luckily it settles in the later chapters but I was just so caught off by how he was talking with/about her during that moment

- Liddy constantly being like " once she's here he will get rid of me/he will marry her/ I have nothing to offer in a marriage, etc etc" once beyla comes into the plot. Womannnn please, no, just ask him

- the misunderstandings!!! Grrr no just talk please (they don't state their feelings for one another until like, the last two pages. Wow)
Literally the abc of relationships: always be communicating. I do hate me some romance built on misunderstandings

-Chapter 14, rough translation as I read the book in german: " She put a hand on her belly and hoped she was already expecting a child from him that would remind her of him." ???? Idk maybe just me but I was shook for a second HQBWHWJ

Also fuck Liddy's father and brother 💀 Malcolm redeems himself but maaaan did they piss me off, she saved your sorry asses ugh okay over and out.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Le letture di Anya.
462 reviews24 followers
November 8, 2021
RECENSIONE DI CRYSTAL

Schiava del vichingo è un delizioso romanzo storico, ambientato nella Scozia del ‘873.

Eilidith, la nostra protagonista, è una donna determinata e intelligente, ma con un passato che l’ha segnata nel profondo.

E non parlo solo della perdita dei suoi figli, ma anche del modo in cui la trattava il suo defunto marito, il quale la incolpava di qualsiasi cosa e la umiliava verbalmente in ogni modo possibile.

Eilidith, alle volte, ritiene che le sue disgrazie siano colpa della voglia che le macchia il viso, un segno che a quei tempi erano visto come una maledizione.

Quando Eilidith viene a sapere che il padre e il fratello sono tenuti prigionieri dallo jaarl, decide di partire per cercare di salvarli, in compagnia del suo fedelissimo cane.

Sulla strada incontra per caso un guerriero vichingo, Sigurd, anch’egli intenzionato a entrare nella fortezza dello jaarl.

CONTINUA SUL BLOG

https://leletturedianya.altervista.or...
Profile Image for Greer.
445 reviews9 followers
July 19, 2019
This review is just one big spoiler, explains the whole plot in 56 words.
Profile Image for Bea Tea.
1,209 reviews
April 29, 2025
Seriously good, although at times it felt a little bit... dark? Not as in dark romance, but just this atmosphere of oppressive gloom seeped in from time to time. Must have been all the murdered women.
Profile Image for DarkAthena59.
856 reviews26 followers
July 26, 2018
Une histoire qui sort plutôt de l'ordinaire de part le vécu de ses personnages. On se laisse prendre au récit simple de ce couple si différent mais qui se sauve mutuellement. Bon moment de lecture
Profile Image for Allana.
91 reviews
March 6, 2022
This is my first book by Michelle Styles and I love it. I love Viking stories they are among my favorite stories to read. This one especially good.
Profile Image for Annie Burrows.
Author 184 books311 followers
February 25, 2017
I may be biassed, because Michelle sent me a free copy in exchange for review - but honestly, I was gripped from the very first page, and didn't want to stop reading until I got to the end.
Profile Image for Roberta.
176 reviews3 followers
February 4, 2018
Un romanzo semplice, un po' scontato ma abbastanza piacevole per essere letto senza annoiarsi.
Storicamente non è molto accurato, utilizza nozioni ri base sul popolo vichingo ma senza approfondire quel tanto di renderlo storicamente giusto.
Le scene d'amore sono molto semplici e ripetitive, ma devo dire che come libro mi ha preso, nonostante io non ami il genere harmony.
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