Customer Reviews

Viking Warrior, Unwilling Wife (Harlequin Historical)

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AD 794, Central Norway

Vikar Hrutson, jaarl of Viken, has declared war against Bose the Dark in retaliation of the recent raid on Rogaland. The only thing that truly complicates his taking over Bose's lands is the simple fact that his ex-wife is Bose's daughter and he still has feelings for her.

Sela has no regrets over leaving Vikar. His interests laid elsewhere and she wasn't about to live in the shadows of another woman. The last thing she expects or needs is to have him reenter her life in such a dramatic fashion.

The moment Sela hears the news about the approaching dragon ships she flies into action. Immediately she goes to her father to inform him of the situation and reiterate the plans for him to take her son and flee the hall for a hut in the woods. Since her father's sword arm remains useless and he's obviously ailing it's up to Sela and the few men available to protect the hall. Unfortunately the men are all young and inexperienced and they quickly fall under the Vikings swords. As the leader, Sela is forced to yield to Vikar and right away their past relationship is brought to the forefront. According to Vikar, everything that had belonged to Bose the Dark now belongs to him - including Sela.

Remarriage is out of the question as far as Sela's concerned but Vikar's suggestion that she take a position of a mistress instead is far more insulting and hurtful than she anticipated. Vikar insists on hearing the words of surrender from Bose the Dark himself, only Bose has escaped and Vikar is positive that Sela knows where he's gone. All he has to do is give her an opportunity to escape the hall and then follow her and she'll lead him straight to her father. What he discovers is completely unexpected and will change life as he knows it but first they'll struggle through unknown territory and learn to trust each other with their lives. How will Vikar respond when he discovers that big secret that Sela's kept from him all this time?

VIKING WARRIOR, UNWILLING WIFE sparked my curiosity about Viking customs about divorces and separations - as Ms. Styles' points out in her author note there really isn't much information regarding such situations. It's easy to understand how Vikar and Sela's situation escalated to the point of divorce and as a reader I realize that relationship problems haven't changed much over all this time. Ms. Styles' storyline depicts much of the lifestyle present during this particular time period including some folklore and Viking laws. Incidentally, the laws regarding children brought tears to my eyes - but I'm sure you'll understand why when you read this book. VIKING WARRIOR, UNWILLING WIFE is a book I'd highly recommend for fans of historical tales - especially if you enjoy reading about Vikings.

Chrissy Dionne (courtesy of Romance Junkies)

Vikar Hrutson, jaarl and leader of the invasion, has tangled with Bose the Dark many times. He knows the truth behind the Lidisfarne raid. Vikar has sworn vengeance and this time he will mete out the punishment and get his reward. Nothing will stop him. Bose the Dark may be trickier than Loki himself, but this time Vikar will be a wiser man. This time he will outwit the master games man himself. Sela sees the ominous dragon ships coming to invade. Although her father might be jaarl of the Northern Viken, he now lies weak and sick in bed. Sela herself will have to stand in his place. When the ships come ashore, Sela comes face to face with her worst nightmare --- her ex-husband! Under Viken law, custody of a child goes automatically to the father. Can she keep her son hidden? Determined as she is to keep her secret from Vikar, she cannot deny the way her body responds to this handsome, proud warrior. Thrust together and at cross purposes with him in his hunt to find Bose the Dark and claim the Hall as his own, will these two rediscover the passion that once kindled their hearts?

Michelle Styles' VIKING WARRIOR, UNWILLING WIFE is a stunning sequel to TAKEN BY THE VIKING. Although this second book can be read as a stand-alone, readers of the first book will discover more intriguing details behind the mysterious raid at Lindisfarne. In the first book, Michelle Styles' takes the reader into the heart of the Viken village. Here, she takes the reader into the heart of the family and the conflicts within and outside the family. Michelle Styles raises the emotional level several notches through her characters, all who have inner passions that bring their loyalties and motives into conflict. Vikar is a man as ambitious as he is stunning to behold. When he wants something, he knows how to get it. Sela is a woman loyal to her family, a woman whose pride will not allow her to be a doormat to any man. She stood up to Vikar once and she will again. She is older and wiser now than when she left Vikar. This time she will not be fooled by his charm because she has something more valuable than her own pride at stake ---her son. The enigmatic Bose the Dark and the elusive figure of Asa adds a richness and a delightful twist to this Viking romance. The vivid characters in VIKING WARRIOR, UNWILLING WIFE draw the reader right into the heart of this story.

Michelle Styles' VIKING WARRIOR, UNWILLING WIFE is a powerful, passionate romance full of intrigue as the hunt for Bose the Dark takes them into uncharted, wild terrain that puts her characters to the test. As their passions flame, a certain softer side also shines through in intimate moments that allow the reader to see the depth of her characters. Vikar's tough exterior gives way to a deeper look into a man's inner moments and desires. Michelle Styles' gives a beautiful, moving portrait of the Norse sagas and the role they play in the memory and hearts of Norse families. VIKING WARRIOR, UNWILLING WIFE has a perfect combination of highly-charged tension and tender intimate moments amidst the political maneuverings of outside forces. Michelle Styles gives readers a beautiful portrait of a second chance romance, a more mature love in which a man and a woman learn to trust each other and themselves more intimately than ever before. A striking romance!

I found that the story had potential but the writting was horrible. I'm usually not critical about honest literary efforts, but this was almost painful to read. The characters weren't well developed and were shallow and conflicting. There wasn't much substance to the story and it seemed to be missing parts of the story. Seems like the author tried too hard to incorporate certain real aspects.

I enjoyed this story very much. I recommend it as you will be unable to put it down and keep reading. Great viking story.vikin