The shield-maiden must marry… discover that her first love is amongst the competitors, the man who abandoned her without looking back. She must not let him win.
A Viking warrior haunted by a dark past…
Jorvan Eriksson has returned from seeking his fortune to claim his childhood sweetheart, but the girl he left behind has become a battle-hardened shield-maiden with no intention of forgiving him. Jorvan has changed too—he now fights a darkness that lurks in his own mind. Somehow, he must conquer his demons to out-manoeuvre the other suitors and win the Viking games for Rúna’s hand. Though victory alone will never be enough. He won’t settle for anything less than reclaiming the future Jarl’s heart.
PLEASE NOTE: This Viking historical romance novella is part of the Viking Hearts Series, however it can be read as a standalone.
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I loved Ree Thornton’s first book in the Viking Hearts series! Let’s face it, who doesn’t love a good Viking romance? I get a real sense of the culture and the time period when reading this book. And lots of great romance. Thoroughly recommend and will be reading more from this author.
An amazing story of a shield maiden Runa who was abandoned by the man/Jorvan she loved five years ago. Much has changed for both of them and some things not for the better. Runa sworn to never love another after Jorvan. Jorvan had suffered greatly as a prisoner of a mad seer/ seiðkonur who killed his best friend and all his shipmates and ràpèɖ him over and over again. The darkness that consumed him was great. The emotional struggles and physical pull between he and Runa still existed. Runa fought and fought. Her father the Jarl had decreed all suitors for Runa’s hand would be won by her questions being answered and each suitor had to overcome trials in a challenge of games. This is a heartbreaking story of second chances. A must read. You will not be disappointed.
I really enjoyed this story. Between the romance and the action, there was a great story line combined with great Viking history. The characters were interesting and intriguing and I loved them. The romance was sweet but steamy and added to this. The story line was really well-written and had action, drama, and intrigue. It was an exciting read even though it was short. I really enjoyed this book and can’t wait for more by this author!
This was a great book! Storyline was original and well written. I enjoyed the characters and got invested in them. My only regret was it was a short story and would have liked to have more!
If you get a chance to read this then please do, you won’t regret it . A great Viking romance with plenty of drama and action. I definitely will be checking out other Viking stories by Author.
I received this ARC for free in exchange for a honest review from Booksprout.
Runa was the Jarl’s daughter and next to earn the title. Her love had left her broken hearted when she was young. Jorvan was forced to leave his love Runa because the Jarl thought he wasn’t good enough. Now Runa was to be wed by a competition. Jorvan, along with others vied for her hand as well as Runa did herself. This tragic but romantic love affair had betrayal, danger, lies, distrust, magic and love/hate mixed in. Fun read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A wonderful introduction to a new to me author. I love a Viking romance when it’s well written and this one is fantastic. It’s the first book in a series and the author has done a great job with her world and character building. It’s a fast-moving enjoyable read. Onto book 2!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received an ARC from the author thru Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving my review. This is an interesting tale between Runa and Jorvan. It is the first book that I have read by Ree. I enjoyed the storyline and the characters. They have a rough history and a future that is a struggle to get to. It is a short story that is packed full
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Such detail has been given to the world Author Ree Thorton has created. There is power behind this story. It is a love story of sorts but also is about saving your family and keeping your identity. A wonderful start to a series that I’m happy I stumbled upon. And to prove Vikings are a universal curiosity…this author is from Australia.
Went by very quickly and the ending was here and done, which caused me to scream out “That’s it?”
They fell in love as young adults but being caught by her father and forced to leave only to have one heck of a battle of his life, Jorvan will have a tough life. The only light he will have is his love for Runa. When he finally returns to claim her, she’s basically ready to choose her husband. Did he return in time to claim his love or is he too late and has to watch as she chooses another??
I received this ARC via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving an honest review. As I’ve said before, I always give honest reviews whether people appreciate them or not.
Rúna Isaksson is a Shieldmaiden and her father’s only heir. Her father wants her married (and reproducing) since he’s getting old and has arranged for men from other clans to come and compete for her hand. To say she is displeased is an understatement. You see, three or four years before she was completely in love with Jorvan Eriksson and thought that love was returned. But Jorvan basically picks up and sails away to pillage for his fortune and she was so broken that she trained and worked tirelessly to become the Shieldmaiden she is now, and she is determined to choose her own husband. She’s also completely enraged that the Eriksson family sent one of their sons to compete for her! That Eriksson son is actually Jorvan. He’s been considered dead for at least a year or more but he’s come back… a changed man. He’s determined to fight for the woman he loves even if she hates him because he left her.
I have to say that Rúna and Jorvan have quite the rocky relationship when he returns. She has no idea why he left and is almost overcome with fury whenever she thinks about or sees him. Don’t get me started about when he wins a competition or two. Both of them, especially Jorvan, have some serious issues they need to work through, some more intense than others. We get to meet Valen, Jorvan’s oldest brother, as well as Ásta, Rúna’s good friend in this. Valen’s story is the second book in the series, Forbidden Viking (which I’ll be reading next) and Ásta’s story is the third in the series, Winter Viking. This is a quick read, but with the two of them still so impassioned with each other, it really is a powerful love story!
I enjoyed this book. Very interesting and well written. Poor Wolf, the things he went through. I was so worried about the cave, that was close…..
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A well-written book with an intriguing storyline that I loved reading. I enjoyed the plot and the characters. Love the ambiance of the book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.