Baldr the Beautiful is dead.Hel, the half-skeletal Queen of the Realm of the Dead, intends to keep him that way.Desperate to get back to his privileged role as Óðinn’s favorite son, Baldr strikes an audacious bargain with Hel, offering the only thing he’s got: knowledge from the living world. She gives him three days. If Baldr can teach Hel something she doesn’t already know, she will return him … already know, she will return him to Asgard. If not, Baldr will remain in the Realm of the Dead forever. But, as those three days pass and the end of their agreement draws near, Baldr realizes there’s only one thing he knows that Hel does not.
Returning to his former life depends on Baldr the Beautiful seducing the most formidable woman in the Nine Realms.
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Short but satisfying, this unique story based on Norse mythology had complex characters and wonderful world building.
This is an epic tale of love beyond death, rich with Norse mythology. There is a wonderful growth of character as Baldr, the rather vain, cocky, and careless, realizes just what love is and that beauty is more than just what is on the surface. While Hel who had a prickly façade and superiority complex that effectively kept everyone else out, actually learns to let someone else in. In part it is a Beauty & the Beast tale with the sexes reversed. I loved how intelligent of a character Hel is, who can best the boys in precision in most sports, and has far more practical knowledge than anyone else, and yet doesn’t feel the need to show it off except when called upon. I also loved that she valued her throne and her country and didn’t feel the need for a man by her side to justify who she was. I loved that Baldr didn’t feel the need for power and just wanted to be with her. It feels like a very modern, feminist stance on things, while still allowing Hel her femininity. One thing I really found fascinating with this tale was the reactions by everyone around them to their relationship (from her courtiers to the Norse deities, some being shock and awkwardness, some being acceptance, and some being denial). I dearly love Samantha MacLeod’s style. I love the life and surprising characterization that she brings to all of the famous Norse gods (especially her stories of Loki and Fenris), and she weaves surprising, romantic, highly sexy (yes, I’m trying to say lots of graphic sex), magical tales. I would recommend this to fans of mythology and fairy tale retellings who like a bit of sex in their stories.
This is a remarkable story based upon Norse mythology. The characters stand out and provide for a provoking story that captivates and engages the mind. If you are a fan of Norse Mythology, you will love this tale.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A few months ago I was introduced to the very interesting, sexy, page turners by Samantha MacLeod and I was suitably surprised at the calibre of her story telling ability.
She pulls you straight into her take on these myths and off you go, living amongst the Norse Gods and enjoying every minute of it.
In this book we meet up with Hel, Queen of the Dead Realm and Baldr, the Beautiful. Lots of action, many surprises, an interfering mother and altogether a really entertaining book.
I am quite happy to recommend this page-turner and hope you enjoy it as much as I have.
I voluntarily read a free ebook which I received from the author and this is my honest and unbiased review.
Hel’s Lover by Samantha MacLeod is such a great read. This is a great story to read and I can not wait to see what this author will write about next. I recommend this story to everyone who likes reading about fantasy and paranormal romance.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I quite enjoyed readying about Hel’s Lover, Baldr. I don’t know much about Norse mythology (aside from what I’ve seen in Marvel movies) and it will really cool to learn more about this story. Overall, a great story, I only took away half a star because sometimes the exclamations and terminology used was a bit too current for a story that overall felt like it should be taking place in the Viking era….
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
As with all of Samantha’s stories, this one really captures the Norse mythology.
I recommend all of her works as you won’t be disappointed.
Thanks to booksprout for the opportunity to voluntarily read and review.
I fell in love Hel and Baldr as they fell in love with each other. Both have been objectified because of their appearance, and both are smart, talented, and underappreciated. It was such a pleasure to get to know these characters and to watch them learning how to get what they truly want. I loved Hel’s mannerisms and how her emotions are reflected by changes in her appearance.
This is a truly sweet romance between two characters who have great chemistry and plenty of passion. This is the sort of book I like to keep on hand to cheer me up when I’m feeling down.
I highly recommend this book for anyone who enjoys short works of erotic romance, particularly if you’re a fan of Norse mythology.