Lena & Ivar

Viking Glory #5

by Celeste Barclay

What happens when love and war don’t mix?

Ivar Sorenson is not only his father’s heir to their jarldom, he’s his parents’ last remaining son.  There isn’t much choice for the future jarl when his father demands an alliance with their feuding neighbor.  That alliance can only come in the form of a marriage...to a woman Ivar doesn’t want and doesn’t like. Not when he already has the one great love of his life already by his side. Can Ivar convince his father that a marriage is needed to end the feud? Can he prove that the woman he loves is the woman his tribe needs to lead alongside him? Can these friends to lovers get their second chance?

What happens when the heart wants what the heart wants?

Lena Torbinsdóttir has known Ivar Sorenson her entire life, growing up and training alongside him. As children, they were inseparable playmates and best friends.  As adults, Lena and Ivar are soulmates. But ongoing conflict between their tribe and their neighbor may force Lena to give up the only man she has ever loved in the name of duty and politics. Can Lena walk away when Ivar faces marriage to another woman? Can Lena survive when her competition wants Ivar’s attention all for herself?

With help from their friends, Rangvald and Lorna, can Ivar and Lena find a way to create peace while protecting their future together?

Lena & Ivar is the prequel novel to the Viking Glory series.  Meet the generation that laid the foundation for the unstoppable characters from this suspenseful and steamy series.

Viking Glory is a steamy historical series that will transport you back to the world of the ancient Norse with brave heroes and even stronger heroines. The series follows the lives and loves of five friends. Brother and sister, Leif and Freya, along with their cousin, Bjorn, and their friends Strian and Tyra sail the seas and conquer hearts. This is a four book series where each book can be read as a standalone but is best read as part of the series. 

Genres: Historical Romance, Romance, Viking Romance, Historical Fiction, Fiction

202 pages, Paperback

First published November 30, 2019

About the author

Celeste Barclay, a nom de plume, lives near the Southern California coast with her husband and sons. Growing up in the Midwest, Celeste enjoyed spending as much time in and on the water as she could. Now she lives near the beach. She's an avid swimmer, a hopeful future surfer, and a former rower. Before becoming a full-time author, Celeste was a Social Studies and English teacher. She holds degrees in International Affairs (BA), Secondary Social Science (MAT), and Political Management (MPS). She channels that knowledge into creating rich historical romances that bring the steam.

Reviews

[Jaime]

I loved this entire series - IMO this is some of Celeste Barclay’s best work. I was able to become lost in the storylines and connected with the characters and their various plights.

5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | 4 Flames 🔥🔥🔥🔥

[Janet]

Ivar Sorenson is not only his father’s heir to their jarldom, he’s his parents’ last remaining son. There isn’t much choice for the future jarl when his father demands an alliance with their feuding neighbour. That alliance can only come in the form of a marriage...to a woman Ivar doesn’t want and doesn’t like. Not when he already has the one great love of his life already by his side. Lena Torbinsdóttir has known Ivar Sorenson her entire life, growing up and training alongside him. As children, they were inseparable playmates and best friends.
I’ve read all of the Viking Glory books & I’m so glad that Ivar & Lena’s story & to some extent Rang & Lorna's story has been written, not only is it a page turning enthralling read but it is a true prequel or book 0 as it explains how & why the conflict between Einar, Inga, Ivar & Rang started & I would recommend reading this book first. A very well paced story that I read in two sittings. The characters are well developed, I loved both Ivar & Lena who were soul mates, whilst theirs was a very passionate relationship they were also true partners & really felt for them when Ivar was forced to marry Inga & several times I wanted to shake Soren.
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

[Lori D]

A powerful story of love beyond reason, of a bond seemingly unbreakable that will be pushed to the limits. Prepare for your heart to be engaged from the first page as such strong emotions emminate off the page to pull you into the story.
Lena and Ivar had grown up together and both were warriors. They fought together and found love.
But Ivar was the remaining son of the Jarl and he was expected to marry for the sake of an alliance to strengthen their forces. Unfortunately the woman is Inga, who Ivar does not like and Inga will not allow Lena in his life. Not that he would want her to become his concubine.
This story grabbed me from the beginning. I fell in love with these two and all of the secondary characters who worked to help them stay together.. Truly this is one of the best of this series and that is saying a lot because I have absolutely loved them all!!

[Carole Burant]

Please excuse me while I fan myself....wow, this story is HOT and I absolutely loved it!! Such a treat to read Ivar and Lena's story. I have read all the other books in the Viking Glory series and this one, being a prequel, really brings it all together.

Lena and Ivar are soul mates and have been since they were children. The author writes their story so eloquently and their love for each other comes through the pages. All they want is to be together but Ivar's father, the Jarl, has plans for his only remaining son and it doesn't include Lena! I felt so heartbroken for Lena and so frustrated for Ivar who has no choice but to do as his father wishes. I love how he fights for Lena, though, and their heated passion for each other knows no bounds.

It's books like this one that makes me love Viking stories so much!! I received an ARC of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Space Cowgirl]

Viking🐺👊💪🔪 Love 💘Match

Ancient Viking ADULT Romance💕 and Adventure🔪💀

Ivar🐺🍆⛲💪👊🔪 is the Jarl's only remaining son, so he will be Jarl someday. His one true 💘Love is Lena💃💋🔪, a shield maiden who fights alongside him.

However, dad has other ideas and forces Ivar🐺🍆⛲💪👊🔪 into a marriage to another Jarl's daughter, Inga👺, in a political move.
Both Lena💃💋🔪 and Ivar🐺🍆⛲🔪💪👊 are heartbroken💔and she runs away. Ivar🐺🍆⛲👊💪🔪 refuses to consumate his marriage to Inga👺, instead leaving and going after Lena💃💋🔪.
Some warriors are killed💀 in the escape and Lena💃💋🔪 is charged with Murder by Inga👺.

ARC Received from Booksprout🌱
I also got the ebook with KU.

For some reason, the author has Vikings🐺👊💪🔪 speaking in a Scottish brogue in parts of the book!? OOPS! One of the women was stolen from Scotland in a previous book. It is still an intriguing and interesting story, though . 🌎World building descriptions are lacking and could have been better and more frequent.

[Crazy Dance Mom]

This book was absolutely incredible! The different characters (not just Lena and Ivar, but the supporting characters too) were all so intricately woven I sometimes did not know who to root for. Ivar is in love with Lena but destined to marry another. And the other woman is a total B! Inga (the woman he was supposed to marry) knows that she is second fiddle to his love Lena, and she is not having it. She gets up to all kinds of evil attempts to ruin and even kill our heroine. But Ivar vows he will find a way back to Lena no matter what his father says.

The reason I love this book (not just liked) is simply the character development. So many important characters play a role not only in helping Ivar and Lena get together, but Ivar and Lena help them get together. I felt like I was reading multiple books at the same time but the stories are so interwoven, it absolutely works. This one had me sobbing like a baby as if Lena's pains were my own. You can't help it. They just become a part of your tribe in the matter of a few hours.

This book is not like your typical romance in that there is no meet cute where they fall in love at first sight. This story picks up in the middle of a relationship. By the time we meet Lena and Ivar, they have already been in an exclusive relationship for four years. Not the typical romance book. But within the first chapter, you can really feel how much these two love each other and how devoted they are despite knowing it can't last.

I don't want to give things away, and I've already deleted so much of this post so I don't include any spoilers, but you have to read this book!!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lenna Wright]

**Spoiler Warning ⚠️ **
I’ve already read Bjorn and Tyra back in August and when I saw this one I took time to debate this one, since I was hesitant if this was a quick story where it’ll leave gaps and make you think about what happened. Then the next thing I wanted to pull away from this is about the other woman Inga, the woman that Ivar marries. I was thinking he would push Lena away heartbroken and be with Inga in the husbandly duties but with Ivar’s determination to be with the only woman he’s ever been with and proclaiming his love and marriage, I was like okay I can keep reading with nothing of him screwing around behind Lena’s back. But he his marriage night he can’t get out of the marriage bed since he has witnesses to make sure he’s consummating the marriage, now I’m thinking it’s about to be skipped since I don’t want to read that but again I pushed onwards. Now to even touch the OW he has to picture Lena but that can only go so far and just touching the OW makes him puke and he runs. Thank you Freya I didn’t have to read him cheating! But that’s the least of the problems this Inga will cause Lena and Ivar. Lena’s life will be in constant threat and people will come out of hiding to kill, mangle or possess Lena for their own dirty deeds. Will they overcome all these trials to get their HEA with their friends and family or will Ivar be forever to say goodbye to Lena either with her life or her leaving of their homestead......

I look forward to reading more of this series

[Sophia]

Great intro to author's work!

I got this for free during the Stuff my E-Reader promo on June 23! Even so, I would have gladly paid for this one because it was so good. Apparently this is Book 5, but it's a prequel. Not entirely sure since I'm on my Kindle typing this just moments after finishing this book.

First off this book is very steamy, in a sense that there are multiple scenes, around 10 more or less but they range to descriptive, to tease then fade to black. Nothing too explicit but definitely steamer than the average historical.

The H and h were just wonderful. I loved Ivar and Lena, and how open they are with their feelings. Maybe I'm just tired of dukes who would rather fight someone than shed a tear or express their feelings, and ladies who hold too much pride than put themselves out there (It's been a rough couple of historical for me). In the book, Ivar was never hesitant to let Lena and everyone else around them see about how he felt about her, and she was the same The two of them have been through a lot together and their doubts never wavered enough to tear down their relationship.

There was one side character that I wish we had more closure on, and I felt that the he wasn't given his due by the others. (Can't do spoiler tags on my Kindle so I'm being vague). I was also a little surprised by his first proper introduction and his interactions and motivations towards Inga, so I wish that plot point had better closure.

I now plan on buying the rest of the books in the series because I'm definitely hooked. What a great introduction to Celeste Barclay's work!

[Emma]

**Warning** There are explicit bedroom scenes. The author approached it in a natural way and I felt the scenes were not trashy at all.
Once you start reading this you will not put it down. This is a major dramatic action book. The H/h had to fight overwhelming odds to overcome the obstacles to marry and fight they did even when their own lives were in peril. The author did an incredible job making the characters come to life. So realistic and I definitely could relate. The villainess in the piece had me angry and almost hating her. Our heroine, Lena, is strong, a warrior and a natural leader. She did not begrudge hard work or constant training. I truly admired her. After what the villainess put her through, she deserved her happily ever after. Our hero, Ivar, son of the Jarl was already a formidable man. Lena was his first and only love. He had never been with any other woman. He fiercely loved her and knew she was his other half. The same held true for Lena. He was her only love and although politics and people tried to violently tear them apart, they still clung to each other. An amazing story. A must read. You will not be disappointed. I highly recommend this book.

[Brenda Ryckman]

Fantastic Start Not The End by BBR Although we are only now getting to read this amazing story of Lena & Ivar, and you think you know what is going to happen, because you have been reading along with this series, you still get surprise twists popping up in every chapter. If you have not started to read Leif or Freya's' stories then stop before you start, and begin with this one. Prequel stories are great to fill in the background of a series already underway, but this story deserves to be read FIRST, not as an afterthought to tie up loose ends. I can see the door has been left partially open for another "back story" and I sure hope Celeste Barclay steps through that door and continues to add to this FANTASTIC series. Once I got started reading this book I kept going until my eyes gave way to sleep, only to wake an hour or so later and continue reading where I left off until the morning sun crept across the sky. I was ever so thankful I started this book on a Friday night and I did not have to work Saturday.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.

[Candy Briggs]

They have been soul mates since they were children and expected to wed. Lena was a shieldmaiden and expected to fight with the men. She was strong and tough for her size but she so loved Ivar.
Ivar was a Jarl's son and the only one left of four boys. He would be the next Jarl. They had started to share each other's bed for the last four years. It seemed they could not keep their hands off each other.
Ivar's father, Soren had arranged a marriage for him with another Homestead. But Ivar refused but Inga and her family arrived just a few days later for a trial marriage. She was horrible, selfish, unkind and went to bed with any man she came near.
I enjoyed the story, but she hurt a lot of people, Especially Lena and Loren. The characters were wonderful and showed so much love for each other and the people of their house. The writing was smooth, well written and kept your attention. You kept waiting for the other shoe to drop.
I received this ARC from the author and voluntarily reviewed it.

[Books2lovenow]

Celeste Barclay never disap wepoints with her romances. There's always a lot of love, strife, and hot sex. Really hot sex. If you want a clean romance she's not your author, but you want passion so hot your afraid a fire is going to break out she's your lady. Besides you talent with passionate scenes her characters are incredibly well written. Her heroines are strong ladies that make their own way even during time periods that frowned on that behavior. Lena is a shield maiden and she is fierce, but she knows how to be soft too. She wants the best for her and Ivar's people. She's afraid she's not the best wife for a jral's wife. Viking society was complex and this is a real fear. I loved the story. I loved the HEA and I love that there is a series about all the children. A 5 out 5 read and a must read for the rest of the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Julia]

This is the fifth in the viking glory series.

These books are based on village life, the complex relationships, jealousy, love, and the general lives of viking families of the time.
There is a complex structure to village life in which the Jarl is the village leader, his son is expected to be the next Jarl.
This leads to difficulties, in choosing mates.

lena and Ivar bring the five books together, full circle.
There are no cliff hangers, this is the last book in a very good series.
There are some bedroom scenes in this book.

Celeste, has again written a wonderful book to complete this 5 book set.
Whilst they are all stand alone books. I personally would prefer reading them in order,

Please read the authors blurb for more information.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. thank -you Booksprout & Celeste.

[Shannon Patterson]

Love finds a way.

This is a prequel to Celeste Barclay’s Viking Glory series. It it the backstory of Ivar & Lena and perfectly sets up the situation we find characters later having to deal with. I enjoyed this book and understand why they needed their own story rather than us just learning their backstory as part of another book. Ivar is forced to marry someone he not only doesn't love but also someone he doesn't even really like. He's been in love with Lena forever and is determined to end up with her.

There is so much detail and description that the characters come to life as does their setting. I can understand all the animosity and realize how much unnecessary drama is caused by jealousy.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[4katydid Donahue]

I have been waiting for Ivar and Lena's book which we learned a little about in the earlier books in the series. This is actually a prequel story which tells of the troubles Ivar faced in getting his father to accept Lena as his future wife and help mate for Ivar. She is a shield maiden and warrior herself but Ivar's father wants his son to make a match outside his village to strengthen their alliances.

The story is as interesting as it sounded with Ivar forced into a trial marriage and attacks against Lena to remove her as competition. I was worried about Ivar handling the problems but was very satisfied with his dedication and love for Lena.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Anonymous 5]

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

This book 5 in the viking glory series.

Ivar wants to desperately be with Lena but his father has other plans. As the Jarl's only remaining son, Ivar could not marry his true love Lena, but was forced into an arranged marriage by his father to another Jarl's daughter for political purposes.

The love these two soulmates share is beautiful. They had to overcome many trials and tribulations before reaching their HEA. The author did a wonderful job with defining the characters and engaging you in the story and keeping you hooked.. This is an action packed love story - not a dull moment to be found! Excellent story!

[SBee Reviews]

★ Testing the bonds of love & duty ★

—>>> This historical Viking romance showcases the time-old tradition of marriage to strengthen and benefit the jarldom, and we catch Ivar and Lena’s emotional turmoil at the time of the impending union to a neighboring tribe…only Lena was not to be his wife. We get a solid sense of the politics as well as the way of life. The reality of Ivar and Lena’s relationship is put to the test, and we have the participation of a healthy cast of secondary characters who have a strong voice in the final outcome. We do have a POV from the Jarl, Ivar’s father, who sheds light onto his actions from the past leading him to the weighted decisions he now makes for his son.

[Mia Burke]

Celeste Barclay brings the Viking Glory series full circle with Lena and Ivar. With her amazing talent for incredible character development she brings her characters to life beautifully, allowing you to feel and experience their passions and emotions. There are so many fantastic characters interwoven into this story, in the entire series making it easy for you to become invested not only in the story but in the character themselves. Celeste weaves a passionate story of first love, only love, amidst political alliances and Viking life. She eloquently writes a passion so hot and so pure she almost sets the pages on fire. This is a must read if you love Vikings and romance. With Celeste Barclay you cannot go wrong. Thank you so much Celeste for such an exciting, beautiful love story!

[Carolyn]

A Fight For True Love

I enjoyed this book new Viking Glory book. It features Lena and Ivar. Lena is a shieldmaidens and fights beside her man, Ivar, who is the son of the jarl. Things are fine until Ivar’s father decides to marry his son off to the daughter of a neighboring jarl to enact a peace pact. Then the problems begin. You have an immature, demanding, lazy spoiled bride to be, an unwilling groom, a crushed lover, a proposed trial marriage, brothers who can’t stand their sister, a traitor, a stubborn jarl and tears and action. There are quite a few typos and this is the cause of a one star deduction.

[Debs]

"Lena & Ivar" is book 5 in the series, and is truly a 'Viking Glory' read. The realism of life during the Viking's age of Jarls, shieldmaidens, and marriages for alliances, brought to life what life was like during those hard fought years. The violence is not soft, the sex scenes hot and sexy, and the HEA is well worth the wait. It is a standalone read and a page turner of the genre. **I would like to thank Booksprout for gifting me "Lena & Ivar". A special thank you to Celeste Barclay for her patience and help when my Kindle crashed and had to be sent to Amazon.** My review is voluntary and my own. 5 Stars for Book 5

[Melissa]

I am not usually a fan of origin stories after I have read the other books but as usual Celeste finds the perfect way to make the book interesting and captivating. So much more happened to Lena and Ivar than was eluded to in the previous books that it was very much like reading a new story! I felt like I was there with them and caught myself a few times wanting to reach out to Lena and Ivar to warn them of certain despicable people they were associating with!

I always knew Ivar had some serious passion hiding behind his powerful Jarl persona. He is a sexy, verile man with incredible integrity. How can you not fall in love with him?

[Annette Drewett]

Wonderful Viking Tale. This great storyline is filled with intrigue, danger, betrayal, vengeance and romance. It is good to learn more about Lena & Ivar in this prequel to the Viking Glory series as it answers some of the questions we might have about the background to Leif’s story and later books. We also meet the families of Strian, Bjorn and Tyra, and find out how close they all were. I loved this story and highly recommend it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[DENICE]

LOVE IS THE MOST POWERFUL FORCE IN THE WORLD

I received this book for free and am giving my honest and voluntary review.

This is the fifth book in the Viking Glory series but is the start of how things began with the parents of the characters in the first two books, Ivar and Lena. Their story is one that had me wishing I was there to help. Well-written and full of suspense. You can understand the things that are going on and feel Lena’s despair and Ivar’s determination. A book one should read.

[Jeanne Okerlund]

Amazing story & series

This, like each of the other books, was an incredible story! I love reading series that have most of the same characters in them. The fantastic writing transported me into the village where they live. From the first page to the last things were moving at a brisk pace. Page after page I could not put this book down! Each of the characters are all so memorable with deep personalities. It's great to get the story of these characters and to have the history of them all. Now I feel like I want to re-read the series again!

[Mindi]

It was great to finally read Ivar and Lena's story! It explains how Freya and Leif turned out be so strong, brave, caring and loyal to family and friends! It was nice to see how all the stories are bond together through family and marriage. Would love to read more about Rang and Lornas story. Grab this book you won't be disappointed! I couldn't put it done read it straight through to the end and didn't want it to end.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Cyndi]

DUDE!!!
IT'S CELESTE BARCLAY!!!! NEED I SAY MORE????
This author is so creative ! And honestly it shows in each and every book she puts out to us ! We, the readers, just know to flio the cover and the most amazing , gripping , epic adventure awaits within the covers!
DO NOT MISS THIS BOOK!! YOU'LL LOVE IT!!

Thank you Celeste Barclay for another exciting read! Thoroughly enjoyed this one too!

**I recieved this book as an ARC copy and this is my review honestly and freely given**celeste-barclay

[Veronica]

Lena and Ivar is Book 5 in Celeste Barclay’s Viking Glory Series, however, it is actually the Prequal to the previous 4 books in the series. No short Prequal either but a full length book. The story of Lena and Ivar’s love takes us through highs and lows and every emotion in between. It features lots of hot sexy scenes, therefore if you like your romance clean, this is not the book for you. It is a great read with never a dull moment, which I thoroughly enjoyed. A Celeste Barclay book is always a great read.

[Shifty Bugger]

Loved the book it was great, the story was well written and the characters are interesting. I could not put the book down from start to finish you just could not get enough left you wanting more. With the twists and turns when his father wanted Ivar to marry one female, when he was in love with another. It was hot and steamy with emotions that makes you want more.
Thank you for allowing me to review your book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Teresa Reitnauer]

A well-written story of Ivar and Lena's love. The struggles they faced to be together. Ivar is the heir of a jarl and should marry to create an alliance with another family, but his love is for a common woman. Lena, a strong shieldmaiden for the clan, grew up with Ivar, fell in love, even though she knew it would not be destined to come to fruition. A beautiful love story with wonderful characters.

[Debbie Caswell]

They are true loves but he is been forced to marry as the only son to cement the Jarldoms safety Ivar may love Lena and wants her to be his wife but is father has promised him to Inga and she is determined to have him even if she has top destroy or Kill Lena to get him. Can Ivar and Lena find a way to be together you will have o read to see. be prepared for an action packed love story with quite a few explicit scenes but no cheating This book was extremely well written