Capturing the Viking warrior in her cellar... Lady Annis must stop Viking, Rurik Sigurdson, from discovering the truth about his family's death. Her only solution is to imprison him. But as the ruggedly handsome Viking starts to charm his way out of his cell and into her heart, can she be sure he's not still intent on vengeance - or perhaps an unexpected alliance could be the solution...?
Harper St. George was raised in rural Alabama and along the tranquil coast of northwest Florida. It was a setting filled with stories of the old days that instilled in her a love of history, romance, and adventure. By high school, she had discovered the historical romance novel which combined all of those elements into one perfect package. She has been hooked ever since.
She lives in the Atlanta area with her husband and two children. When not writing, she can be found devouring her husband's amazing cooking and reading. She would love to hear from you. Please visit her website at harperstgeorge.com
Unpopular opinion, I’m sure. I only read to page 100 but I’m gonna go ahead and say if you like lots of dialogue as I do then this is not the book for you. Maybe all the action happens after the point I gave up because nothing had really happened to that point.
Falling for Her Viking Captive Sons of Sigurd Series #2 Harper St George https://www.facebook.com/harperstgeorge/ Release date 05/01/2020 Publisher Harlequin Historical / Mills&Boon Historical
Blurb :
Capturing the Viking warrior
In her cellar…
Lady Annis must stop Viking Rurik Sigurdsson from discovering the truth about his family’s death. Her only solution is to imprison him. But as the ruggedly handsome Viking starts to charm his way out of his cell and into her heart, can she be sure he’s not still intent on vengeance—or perhaps an unexpected alliance is the solution?
My review :
Will her secret come between and threaten what they might built together ...
I have not read the first book in this multi authors series, but the prologue even if it was seen from Rurik’s point of view, I am quite curious about the three other brothers.
This story is one that twisted my guts, as I waited when the second shoes would drop and the bomb that will explode with it. I am not fond of revenge plots as they always wreak havoc in their path. Lady Annis had to make do with the mistakes of her past, while driven by revenge, she saw the errors of her way. Why she knows the Norseman coming to her place, a threat. And as before, she will do anything to protect her people, even kidnap a man if he might bring danger to her home. Rurik is following a lead to find who was behind his father’s assassination and his people. But unconsciously, he is also looking for a way to belong, as even if his father acknowledged him and his twin as his boys, he always felt the weight of him being born from a concubine. Why his need for revenge is edging to his quest to find where lie his true home.
Their relationship is one of chemistry at first but with wariness as both do not trust the other. And as time passes and they get to know one another, what hold between them with each new day endangers their burgeoning relationship and new truce. Still as her secret slowly eats her from the inside, and feelings arise, how her silence will be seen when she had many times tried to open her heart and soul to him.
Mrs Harper St George has way in building the tension until it reaches its peak, all the while her characters get more and more fleshy with their flaws and strength on wide display. A 5 stars read.
I was granted an advance copy by the author and here is my true and unbiased review.
Very good book. The sons of Sigurd continue their quest for revenge over their father's death and the murders of their friends and families. The book opens on the day of the attack. Rurik and his brother Brandt, arrive back at the village for Alarr's wedding only to find heartbreaking scenes of death and destruction. Furious at what has occurred, Rurik vows revenge on those responsible.
Two years later, Rurik has traced one of the culprits, Wilfrid, to Glannoventa. While he is in a local tavern, a young woman approaches him and lures him outside where he is captured. He wakes up later, chained in a cell. After a short time, Lady Annis arrives to question him about his reasons for being there. She heard of his inquiries in the town and suspects she knows the reason but needs to hear it from him.
Lady Annis is Wilfrid's daughter-in-law. Her husband was killed in a battle with Rurik's father, Sigurd. Both she and Wilfrid had reasons to want Sigurd dead. While Wilfrid paid for assassins to kill Sigurd, Annis took a much more active role in her revenge. Since that time, she has suffered from guilt over what she saw and did, and would keep that information from Wilfrid.
I loved the scenes between Annis and Rurik in the cellar. Rurik is furious at being captured (a little embarrassed, too) and is determined to confront Wilfrid. Annis is equally determined to keep him away, for reasons of her own. I loved their confrontations. Both of them are stubborn and have their pride, so neither is willing to back down. There are also obvious sparks between them. It doesn't take long for Rurik to decide to use those sparks to his advantage. I had to laugh as Rurik used a bit of trickery to lure Annis into his cell. Their struggle was short, but intense, with Annis giving Rurik more trouble than he expected. Though he did overpower her, his confidence was short-lived. The heat that flared between them proved to be his downfall, allowing her to escape him. But fate left a little on his side, and he soon managed to escape his cell and go in search of Wilfrid.
What he finds puts an end to his plans for Wilfrid, leaving him searching for a new target for his revenge. He is still a captive, but one with more freedom. He and Annis clash frequently, and Rurik discovers that he enjoys the challenges she presents. Rurik stirs Annis's feelings the way no one has before. When word arrives that the local Dane ruler, Jarl Eirik, is on the way to facilitate a marriage between Annis and one of his men, Wilfrid proposes that Rurik marry Annis. This will protect her, as well as give Rurik something he has longed for - a place to belong.
I loved seeing the struggle that both Rurik and Annis had to accept that this was the best option. But once they accepted their fates, it warmed my heart to see how they were all-in. Their troubles are not over, however. First, Annis has not told Rurik of her part in what happened to his father, and the guilt eats at her. She knows she needs to confess to him, but she also fears his reaction. Second, they must deal with Jarl Eirik and his anger over their marriage. There were some tension-filled moments, but Rurik held his own very well. I liked how Annis worried about him. I also liked that Eirik explained the reasons for his actions. During the weeks that Eirik was there, Annis and Rurik grew closer, but she knew that time was running out to tell Rurik the truth.
I ached for Annis because the truth came out before she could tell him herself. Rurik's feelings of betrayal were devastating, and his fury at Annis is so great that he won't listen to her explanation. Her despair is heartbreaking because she can see that she has destroyed any feelings he might have had for her. What she doesn't realize is that his anger is so intense because of how he feels about her. My heart hurt for her as she made the only decision she could see to solve the problems caused by their falling out. I wasn't sure how they would get their future back on track if she succeeded. I loved Rurik's reaction as he realized how much he had to lose.
Also present in the book were two visitors. The first was Rurik's younger brother, Sandulf, who had also been present on the day of the murders. He spent the last two years searching for the assassins, from England to Constantinople and back. His search brought him to Glannoventa and precipitated the problems between Rurik and Annis. I liked how Annis tried to make amends and provided Sandulf with some vital information. I'm looking forward to his book and seeing what is in store for him. The other visitor was Rurik's twin brother, Danr. He arrived for a visit after hearing of Rurik's marriage. An item discovered in Wilfrid's belongings raised more questions about Sigurd's death and sent Danr off on his own pursuit of answers. It stirred up suspicions that I had in the first book, and I can't wait to see if I am right.
This was soooooo good!!!! I thoroughly enjoyed reading this story from beginning to end, Harper St. George has a way of writing that just sucks you in from start to end.
Rurik is out for revenge for the murder of his father and villagers when he suddenly finds himself a prisoner and at the mercy of Annis, the daughter in law of the man he's looking for. When he finds out the reason why she took him prisoner, the hatred and vengeance he feels soon starts to abate. He ends up agreeing to marry Annis to help protect her and her village but she has a secret that will definitely cause anguish when it's revealed.
Very well written with a wonderful cast of characters and even the steamy scenes are well written....fans self! lol I received an ARC of this book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
I love the plot and liked Rurik a lot, especially how sarcastic he was hut I did not like Annis. I kept pronouncing her name as anus because I couldn't think of another way to pronounce it. I think the author was trying to make her seem tough and cared about her people but I just felt like she was covering up her own bad deeds and she came off as callous.
At some point, I did start warming up to Annis and wanted her and Rurik to get together.
The ongoing revenge plot is interesting. You think you know everyone involved just to find out you are wrong. Sigurd had a lot of enemies.
3.25. I love Harper St. George, though I’ve never read one of her short books. I’ve enjoyed her Gilded Age books more but this one was good. Harlequins are shorter, making for a quick read, and I prefer more depth. Also, this was my first AI audiobook and it wasn’t as bad as I was thinking it would be. That said, a real, human narrator (a good one, that is!) will never be truly up to par with a gosh dang robot. 😛
Falling For Her Viking was good. It has action, secrets, lies, betrayal and suspense. I found it quite endearing. I loved the main characters and how wary they were of each other even as they fell deeper under each other's spell. I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the series as well as more by this author.
I’m participating in Norsevember on Instagram where the month is filled with Viking raids, strong heroines, alpha heroes and the like and this was my first read of the challenge. This is the second book in the Sons of Sigurd series about four brothers and their quest for vengeance on those who participated on a raid during the wedding of one of the son’s and his bride. It was a slaughter and those killed included Sigurd, the head of the family as well as the bride and the pregnant wife of another of the brothers. They have vowed not to stop looking until the guilty are found.
Our hero in this book is Rurick, one of the bastard twins of Sigurd and his mistress. He has a lead that Wilfred, the father-in-law of out heroine Annis and Rurick journeys to Wilfred’s holding to confront him. But Annis, a warrior in her own right, is aware of Rurick’s plan and captures and imprisons him. It seems Wilfred has had a number of strokes over the years, incapaciting him to the point he was unable to go to the wedding but Annis went incognito and was witness to the whole thing. Her husband was injured to the point he couldn’t recover and she soon after lost the child she was carrying so she is full of anger. But she’s also a compassionate young woman and doesn’t want to see Rurick hurt. She understands his need for revenge but she also wants to protect her father-in-law. The story is how she should handle things especially in light of her growing feelings for Rurick.
I enjoyed this book. It was above the run of the mill romance, but I didn’t love it. I thought Rurick and Annis were both well developed characters. The world building could have used a bit more development; that would have earned it higher grades. But overall I enjoyed it. I like the concept. Each brother’s story is written by a different author, some of whom already have published Viking romance. Each book works well as a standalone and I appreciate that. So if you’re looking to read a Viking romance, I recommend this book.
Oh, my giddy aunt!!!! I love it, talk about wow factor, this beauty has it all… Hot, sexy, rugged Vikings – check! Enemies to lovers trope – check! Secrets and deception – check! Fiery and intelligent heroine – check! Revenge subplot – check! This. Book. Is. Too. Damn. Good. For. Words!! That is it, that’s all, I can say. I honestly don’t have the words to fully describe how much I love this book….do, you think I could get away with a load of gifs as a review? I have said it before, and I am going to unashamedly say it again, Harper St George is the queen of the Viking romance, she is in a whole league of her own her stories are the most intoxicatingly compelling, emotionally raw, enticingly rugged and supremely romantic. There are dangers, excitement and brutal passion – and that is just the heroes – you are ensnared and thrown across the large shoulder of a rampaging Viking, taken off kicking and screaming, only to never want to return home again because you have become accustomed to being ravaged…Deep #DoubleSigh!! Oh, Gawd, I’m babbling again – someone stop me please, but I can’t help it. This is what Harper’s books do to me, from the very page you are whisked away to a land of feisty dagger-wielding heroines and gruff, ruthless sexy-as-hell heroes. Harper St. George, I bow down to your excellence, I am forever grateful for all your glorious heroes – I mean stories and this is easily the best yet….even though, I do keep saying that with every new book.
I suppose I had best make an attempt at a review, other than bombarding you all with cringe-worthy waffle – honestly, I embarrass myself sometimes. Falling for Her Viking Captive is the second book in the whole new; Sons of Sigurd series, this is completely different to any other series in the fact that each book is written by a different author and each book is a stand-alone the only connection is that each of the books follows a different brother. I love this concept of bringing together a bunch of amazing authors and have them write a series, it not only brings beautiful stories to the world, but it allows readers to discover new authors. I do love it when Mills and Boon/Harlequin put together these multi-author series, I do hope there will be more to come in the future. I’ve not read the first book ‘Stolen by the Viking’ something I plan to rectify as soon as possible, not that it’s necessary as I read this pretty much as a stand-alone, Harper St George has this brilliant knack of importing whatever information about the previous storylines you need into her story so that you get the full picture. After the brutal assignation of his father and some of their kin; Rurik is all out for revenge, he wants answers and then some vengeful violence, but more than that he wants answers – who killed his father and attacked their village? He soon finds himself kidnapped by the person who may have all the answers, Lady Annis has secrets, as well as trying to hide them she also wants peace and for her people to be safe, so when the sexy and mysterious warrior turns up asking questions she knows he is going to be trouble. So, she does what anyone would do she drug’s him, take him hostage – which at one time does mean being tied to her bed – but Annis may be over her head as this man won’t simply lie back and allow his incarceration. Anyone who follows the blog will know of my huge love of the enemies to lovers trope, I can never get enough of those passionate and deadly exchanges between a warring couple, I love Rurik and Annis, they are a wonderfully compelling couple. They bounce off each other, they both fight for command, they throw barbed words at each other. There is a serious and emotional side to their relationship; both have pasts and both distrust the other and yet they both have a seething passion, there is an inexplicable sizzle and raw pent-up lust which hangs in the air around them. Rurik…ah, Rurik!!! I am in love, he is a multi-layered, huge beast of a man. Warrior, a powerful man of steel who is out for revenge. Yet below that hardened and ruthless exterior, there is a gentle and compassionate man and at times he has got a brilliant dry wit….when he asks Annis if she has a habit of kidnapping men from inns and tying them to her bed, had me spluttering into my tea with laughter. But this is far more than just two scarred people from opposite sides falling in love, there are some real heart-wrenching moments. This is what Harper St. George does best, she builds the tension right to the climate finale, secrets and lies are revealed and both Annis and Rurik must try and manoeuvre their way through the torrential storm of emotions that swirls around and find a way to see past what is revealed to finally have the happiness they both deserve. As you may have guessed, I absolutely adored this book!! The story is enthralling, it steals you away and leaves you in a dream-like state of longing. With intrigue, fiery passion, tension, brilliantly created character’s, dazzling chemistry and rich atmospheric detail, this book is just perfect Harper St. George has outdone herself with this beautiful jewel.
Talk about a enjoyable story this was. Rurik Sigurdsson lost alot. But thru the story he finds himself slowly. With Annie of Glannoventa she finds herself slowly drawn to Rurik. His courage and understanding is there. I like the way Harper has Annis carrying a secret about Rurik's past. She does a excellent job of weaving this story. It brings things from the original story into this story well. I like how she makes them go thru the challenges they do. It makes the story very interesting. I like the challenges and the love that is slow to grow. The way we are drawn into the past and get to see how they lived at that time. I'm looking forward to Sandulf's story which is next. J
FALLING FOR HER VIKING CAPTIVE BY HARPER ST. GEORGE
Book: Falling For Her Viking Captive By Harper St. George
Series: Sons of Sigurd, Book # 2
Reviewed by: Barb Massabrook (of)
1)Celtic Barb’s Tartan Book Review Blog 2)Celtic World of Historical Book Reviews 3)Tartan Book Reviews 4)Purple Tulip Book Reviews
Heat Rating: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 Sizzling Hot!
Overall Rating: Five Stars and Five Kilts
"Love is a many splendored thing" by Han Suyin (The Reporter) “Vengeance is definitely not a splendid thing!”
Glannoventa, Northumbria AD 876
The Viking saga continues...
It had been two years since the horrible Meara massacre in the kingdom of Maerr, Norway. On the day his second son, Alarr, was to be married, where the insignificant, deceitful and treacherous King Sigurd of Meara had been murdered. He had invited too many of his enemies, so many he had previously betrayed and wronged. This unsatisfied King had been warned not to do so. Yet due to his ego, vanity and desire for more power, he ignored all the warnings and rumors of paying back Sigurd’s past sins and’ betrayals with retaliation
However this massacre and blood lust caused so much death and destruction, killing his son’s betrothed, her parents, his pregnant daughter-in-law with so many other innocents. Totally stripping all his sons of power and titles as they all had to escape or they would be dead too. As they had no weapons to defend their home and loved ones. Suspiciously the Queen, Alarr’s mother had requested earlier they bring no weapons to the wedding-as it would be an insult to the Gods. In addition, these enemies had nearly crippled his second son and groom, plus not all his warriors were even at the wedding! Sigurd’s heir and other warriors were called away on another emergency. The youngest brother Sandulf, was more boy than a man. Yet he was the one responsible for protecting the women and elders. Now some of the sons were missing and the others were on a quest for revenge and vengeance. Among his enemies, second son Alarr found love, forgiveness and a wife but there was also new information. It seems that Èireann King Feann nearly crippled him!
Now it turned out King Feann only wanted to kill Sigurd but never got the opportunity. Plus his best friend and half brother Rurick has gone to Glannoventa, Northumbria seeking King Wilfrid the murderer of his father and slaughter of so many innocent lives. At least that is what everyone claims. In the future Glannoventa, Northumbria is Northern England and Scotland. Rurick is the son of his father's former mistress, a Saxon, princess Saorla. Sigurd had two twin sons with her, which are Rurick and his twin brother Danr. He had lied to her making her think he was marrying her but never revealing he already had a wife with sons. So when she wanted to leave after his mistreatment, he gave her permission without her sons! Bastard sons that he has always ignored besides accepting them as his sons and making them warriors! His wife had always ignored them, as a reminder of his unfaithful days Rurick assumes. Luckily his legitimate sons accepted the illegitimate sons and were great friends and all warriors.
Though Sigurd had other unknown enemies, one was his former mistress, and Rurick’s mother’s brother Feann. This man who had power and is now a Saxon King and wantsw revenge to the man who treated his sister with royal blood a little better than a slave! This is how l hears he has royal blood and who the true butcher of the massacre is! It is Wilfrid, the true murderer, a man with warriors or possibly hired mercenaries in Northumbria.
Now two years later Lady Annis, of Glannoventa, who had been at the massacre to assassinate Sigurd, as she wanted him to pay for killing her husband Winfrid’s son and her lost baby! Wilfrid was like a father to Annis, he had been caring for her since she was a child. Her marriage to Winfrid’s son Grim, had been arranged though she did care for the older man. She had been grieving Grim and the loss of their baby, and not thinking straight. This was when she saw the death devastation and bloodlust killing of innocents it made her sick! She is filled with remorse and guilt that she had been too late to stop this madness! She now hears in her Glannoventa how this Norseman is asking a lot of questions about the people she loves and cares about. Yet feels guilty the Norsemen was trying to defend Annis in a local tavern after she had drugged Rurick and he ends up is in their dungeon! Though Rurick is without resources he uses seduction to free himself. He shockingly realizes he isn’t angry at Annis, understanding her defense of a man who is a father to her, loyalty to the village and to the people she cares for. Even jealous, as his own father didn’t care for him like Winfrid, her father-in-law loves her. Lady Annis, really loves Glannoventa and the people, having done everything to help and protect them.
Soon her options and time is running out! As the Dane who is the leader will force a political aliance, an arranged martial ahusband on Annis! Her first marriage to Brynn was a an arranged marriage. She knows the Danes husband choices are unknown and not good, as he is a man older than Winfrid. The only real choice she has is to marry the man she once imprisons! She had not known what to do, understanding his vengeance but is shocked when is advised she marry the Northmen! Plus she has a tremendous secret and betrayal to Rurick that she could never reveal nor confess to. Yet her heart was opening to a man she should hate. What will Lady Annis do? Will Rurick ever find out the truth of her treachery and deceit? Will he be able to forgive and move on? Will he end her life as he would with any foe who might have caused innocents death? A story readers don’t want to miss!
This is the second book in the Sons of Sigurd series that is absolutely magnificent! It will sweep readers right off their feet from start to finish! A story that will stay with you long after you finish. It is a major heart string puller that is very emotional. I found myself very involved in the characters and crying so have some Kleenex nearby. This story is filled with all the elements historical romance readers love. It is a riveting quick paced romantic adventure that is filled with revenge, treachery, defiance, death, destruction, grief, abduction, holding prisoner, drugged, seduced, hatred, joy, trust and love.
As these multi dimensional characters are absolutely unforgettable yet absolutely brilliant! The setting was beautiful beyond words with an exhilarating dialogue. The plotting twists was both heart stopping and awe inspiring, a total genius! This is my first book by Harper St. George but definitely not my last! She is a magnificent storyteller, as her writing is so powerful and emotional, you can’t help but love her stories! As her story and characters brought me right in and never let me go. Plus I read this masterpiece in one sitting which is a rare occurrence indeed. I also love how it inter connected to the first book in this series, Stolen by the Viking by Michelle Willingham. I have a feeling I will thinking that about the next book in this series by Michelle Styles too.
You can read any of these books in this series as stand alone books. I highly recommend you read all five in series-the inter-connection to each of these books is truly captivating. Readers will be delighted and dazzled off their feet! I find this type of writing among authors truly magical!
I cannot recommend Falling For Her Viking Captive by Harper St, George enough!
Sons of Sigurd Series
1)Stolen by the Viking by Michelle Willingham
2)Falling for her Viking Captive by Harper St. George Will be released April 21, 2020 in print and May 1, 2020 for digital ebook
3)Conveniently Wed to the Viking by Michelle Styles Will be released in print in June 16, 2020 and July 1, 2020 for digital ebook
4)Redeeming Her Viking Warrior by Jenni Fletcher
5)Tempted by Her Viking Enemy by Terri Brisbin
Disclaimer: I received an advance readers copy through the author and Harlequin Publishers. I voluntarily agreed to do a fair review and blog. All thoughts, ideas and words are my own.
Lady Annis knows she must stop Rurik Sigurdsson from discovering the truth surrounding his family’s tragedy. She decides the best way to do that is to imprison him. Once she has captured him, she is surprised to find him charming but cannot bring herself to release him until she is sure vengeance is not his goal. Then she offers him an alliance that should help both.
You really have to admire Lady Annis. She sets a goal and accomplishes it. She is a smart, capable, and determined lady. There is nothing better than having a heroine who is truly a heroine. Rurik is indeed seeking vengeance, but he wants to uncover the truth first. This hero has honor.
Harper St. George is a gifted story teller. She creates incredible heroes and heroines and makes her plots believable and captivating. You are also given a look into both sides of the story and realize that nothing is ever as it seems on the surface. Once you start reading Falling for her Viking Captive you will not be able to put it down. Prepare to be entranced.
Falling for Her Viking Captive is part of a multi-book series called Sons of Sigurd. The other two are Stolen by the Viking by Michelle Willingham (1) and Conveniently Wed to the Viking by Michelle Styles (3). I really enjoyed reading this one and so shall look into the others. There are other books planned.
The Kingdom of Maerr, Norway AD 874 It was a massacre. While Ruik and his oldest brother Brandt looked down upon Maerr in the valley, smoke and ash filled the air. The murderers had fled, leaving his brother Alarr's wedding celebration a bloodbath. "We will find who did this, all of them." Revenge. The prologue pulled my heart into the story quickly and I could feel the pain Ruik was feeling. Life was brutal during these times, with the strongest surviving. Finding out who the man was that killed his father and many more he tracks him down and gets ready to move in. But an unexpected lady gets in his way, oh yes, Lady Annis of Glannoenta had a plan to capture him, and that is just what she did.! Lady Annis is just trying to protect her people and keeps him in the dungeon. She has her own secrets and is very wary of Ruik. But they start talking and getting to know each other. Harper St. George's writing is magical. Her descriptions paint the scenes with emotions and hidden longings of the heart slowly come alive. I fell in love with this strong warrior that was scarred inside and the beautiful Annis who had her own fears. Five +++
Falling for Her Viking Captive is part of the Sons of Sigurd series and follows Rurik’s journey on his search for the truth about his family’s death.
Rurik finds himself imprisoned by Lady Annis, who is determined to stop him from searching for the truth she wants forgotten. Rurik and Annis are attracted to each other but finding themselves on opposite sides, they are unsure about how much they can trust the other. The sexual tension between them leads to some explosive kisses and deeper feelings neither of them expected to feel for the enemy. Both characters are brilliantly crafted and the emotional tension between the two made this a very compelling read. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and as always, Harper St George has done a marvellous job of creating a world the reader gets pulled into, with elements of intrigue, action and of course, plenty of romance with glorious Vikings.
I bought all 5 of this series as I really like to read all the book in a series if I know about them. I also like a couple of the authors, Willingham and Brisbin. I was not wow'd by the first book ( I like previous Michelle Willingham books) maybe it was because it was the first in the series? I really like Harper St. George writing style! I need to read more of her books. This book 2 can be read stand alone, but you are going to want to read book 3! I expect all of them have cliff hangers of sorts. The book starts off with the massacre of Sigurd and the other wedding guests, but it is from Rurik's point of view, so a few differences. The things I liked about this book was the writing was more descriptive and seemed more emotional. I could visualize more of the surroundings and just felt more into the story. I liked that Rurik and Annis were older, and had an attraction but it wasn't "insta- love" and fall into bed. I really liked that Rurik admired Annis for her bravery and leadership skills. He also felt like his attraction to her was different than just being attracted! There were some unexpected twists and turns. I liked that the first sexual scene was romantic and mutual desire! Kind of a slow burn romance! The end was unexpected and I felt like the author kept the maturity intact and reactions believable. I did really expect Rurik to notice Annis's scar sooner and for Annis to tell Rurik sooner, but the build up of anticipation was great and I looked forward to reading the outcome! I had issues with the section where Rurik is chained to her bed and they spend the night talking. I pretty much skipped over that to get to more interesting scenes. I think it would have been great if he had escaped his chains and if there had been more conflict before they were all lovey dovey. It was interesting to read about Wilfrid's condition which today would probably be strokes and dementia. I kept thinking that Cedric would have more of a sinister role, but so far no! I really enjoyed this book 2 much more than book 1. Good thing I have book 3, now we I am going to find out what younger brother Sandulf will find out about the mysterious arrowhead trinket and find the rest of the assassins and who was involved with the the wedding family and guests killings. I just hope all these stories don't involve a daughter or daughter figure of the bad guy that the brother falls in love with! Off to read Book # 3!
I really liked the plot line, fierce female character and a male character who balances correctly between strong and soft (and no I don’t only mean this as an innuendo😆).
Well written and entertaining. Nicely balanced characters who are a foil for each other. A well-rounded plot that delivered a few surprises. I enjoyed this and the repartee between this evenly-matched pair.