A reputation built upon ruthless savagery.A warrior revelling in bloodshed and conquest.A man bent on revenge.Newly wedded to Eirik, now jarl of all Svolvaen, Elswyth carries the baby they both long for.Their happiness seems assured, until Elswyth falls into the hands of Svolvaen’s fiercest adversary, sworn to avenge his wife’s death.Elswyth must submit as his thrall or forfeit her life.But the … or forfeit her life.
But the true murderer remains in their midst, and his ambition knows no bounds.
‘Viking Beast’ is a novel of love, betrayal, secrets and redemption.
Heat Level : Volcanic
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***I was given an ARC of this book and these are my thoughs freely given**,
What an amazing read!!
This book is a testament of how an author can weave history, romance, adventure and sorrow into a tale that leaves you saying wow!!!
To take characters that you can believe actually may have walked in time ,on this earth, set in a backdrop of a landscape you can “feel, breath and see” that takes true talent .
Brutal some would say, but thinking on the time in which this story is to have taken place , I think it was pretty dang accurate. People are people no matter what era they may have or are living. Survival, family , prosperity, love, danger all these things apply then as now.
EMMANUELLE DE MAUPASSANT gives you all this and more in this book!
Definitely an TBR book /series!
I enjoyed reading this not only for the tale that unfolded but it also have me insight to a time that I like to know more about. Thank you , for sharing your research in this book EMMANUELLE! You’ve gained another fan!Emmanuelle de Maupassant
Emmanuelle de Maupassant has written a fascinating tale of barbaric vikings, their lives, hardships and emotions and even loves. “Viking Beast” is the epic story of one woman’s kidnapping during her wedding and her strength, courage and perseverance throughout the harsh reality and heinous situations she had to endure. Through it all she maintained her ability to care, adapt, forgive and survive. This is a gripping, action pack roller coaster ride filled with so many twists and turns and so many emotions you won’t be able to put it down. Your senses come alive reading this wonderful story. Thank you so much Emmanuel for this wonderfully written, exciting story.
It is hard to imagine the harsh world that is portrayed in this story but I know it was the way of life during Viking times. I kind of held hope for Eirick but was not sure of his fate. I definitely thought this story was going in a different direction and the “that is just what life is like” ending. But it did not. Honestly, if I were Eirick I would have a hard time with what happened to Elsywth but you know love, it transcends everything. Poor Elswyth must be beat with everything that has happened to her. Get that woman a drink!
I received a complimentary copy from the author through Booksprout.
Wow, Emmanuelle, you’ve done it again, only this time, I think you topped everything I’ve ever read of yours. Honestly, this book was right up my reading alley. I not only received an ARC of this book from Booksprout, I also pre-ordered the book (the pre-order came first, then the ARC, so sue me).
First, to get all the good stuff that this book has to offer, the two prequel novellas, Viking Thunder and Viking Wolf should be read before this. I had read them, so I was fully prepared for what was to come…I thought. Heh, so much for thinking I knew what would be in this book. The two prequels will give you the background of Elswyth, the heroine of the story. I frown on anyone giving away parts of the story, so this review is a little difficult for me. Elswyth has Viking blood but is captured during a Viking raid. She becomes the wife of Eirik.
But there are betrayals, murders, rapes, kidnappings, and attacks in Elswyth’s future, and that is where this book soars above other Viking tales. The action is continuous. At no point in this book was I bored with the words and at no point did I say, gee it needs more (fill in the blank – dialogue, narrative, action, etc).
Don’t mistake this book for a pleasant romance – it won’t be pleasant, but the romance will be hard-fought. Because it is of a period in time where the Viking raiders took what they want, there are a lot of words in this book that may offend some of the more faint-of-heart readers out there. It was a rough time in the history of the world, and I think Emmanuelle portrays it exactly how I’ve always pictured it. I love dark with a touch (or even sometimes more than just a touch) of violence. I love raw emotions. I would rather see a heroine’s tears than a false smile. I got every bit of that in this book. This book is erotic, dark, and romantic in its own way. Note – this isn’t your mother’s romance novel. This one has been ripped from the heart and soul of the author and put onto the page.
An unbelievably captivating story, once I started it, I was unable to walk away easily. In fact, I walked away twice this past weekend and ended up right back in my chair a short while later, wanting to finish this wonderful tale. I’m the one who, about a year ago, said that I rarely read historical novels. I started out reading them from the likes of Rogers and Woodiwiss, Lindsay and Devereaux, but stopped for a long time in favor of contemporaries. It was this author, along with a couple of others that I was introduced to over the past year that got me hooked on historical tomes all over again (and they know who they are). I’m in awe of this book. The author kept the words within the period, there were no contemporary references that I saw. And before you think that when you get to the end, you’ll be satisfied – oh no, not with this book. After that ending, you will BEG the author to write more.
This author’s writing is truly mesmerizing. I always devour everything she puts out. Poor Elswyth can’t seem to catch a break. She finds happiness with Eirik only to be kidnapped and become a bitter rival’s thrall. Eldberg thinks he has every reason to hate his rival, Eirik’s clan. The best way he can take revenge is to enslave Eirik’s beloved wife, Elswyth. Eldberg mourns the death of his pregnant wife who he lost to a tragic fire, but Elswyth manages to worm her way into his heart. I do not want to spoil the ending, but there are many twists and there is a HEA. This is a great read and I highly recommend!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is the 3rd installment in the series and should be read in order.
I absolutely love Elswyth. She’s got to be one of the strongest heroines I have read in a long time. Life keeps trying to knock her down and she keeps getting up swinging. This is my favorite quote from this story…
“I have no magic. I wove no spells. But I had other power. That of a woman who refused to be cowed. No matter what happened, I knew myself. I made mistakes and paid for them, but I was a survivor.”
The men who cross her path are equally strong and alpha-licious!! I can understand why they all fall for her. I won’t give any spoilers.
Great twist in the end. Loved this story and it was exactly what I needed for a weekend read. Great job, once again, Emmanuelle de Maupassant!!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
My star system…
4 stars: Book was great, loved the story and characters, will definitely be re-reading it over and over… but didn’t make me cry.
What a FANTASTIC story! Viking Beast is heart pounding adrenaline rush of feelings! Emmanuelle de Maupassant has written a novel about Vikings has an incredibly strong plot that brings this read together perfectly. I had a love/hate rollercoaster ride of feelings at the start of this story until the end. Elswyth life was one heartache after heartache. Eldberg is a strong alpha male Viking who had all taken from him is looking for revenge but on the way his feelings change. With a magnificent cast of characters who are complex and believable with wonderful secondary characters. They draw you in and give you reason to take the journey with them. The scenes are so strikingly detailed it paints an incredible backdrop that makes you feel like you are one with the story. With blaze of passion, treachery, drama, suspense, twist and turns. Not sure if I like the ending but it brought some tears and a feeling of “what would I do”? It’s a story of Love, faith, and to triumph over all. This is the one that will keep you turning the pages until you discover what happens. Remarkable emotions, and unforgettable characters
I listened to the first two books of this series on Audible. Those were great! What an ending! Elspeth is such a survivor! I love a strong heroine. I read this author’s books knowing they will take me out of my comfort zone. She didn’t disappoint me. I got a great story that took me out of that comfort zone. I can’t wait to see what she comes out with next. I volunteered to read an ARC of this book and this is my honest review which I’m voluntarily leaving.
Wow, I didn’t think the story was going to end like it did! I thought for sure Elswyth would have made a different choice since most of the story is about her and Eldberg. Having been kidnapped as revenge for the murder of Eldberg’s wife and unborn baby, Elswyth has no choice but to become his thrall and love slave. He is known as the Viking Beast for his fierce demeanor but it doesn’t take long before he feels tenderness towards her and wants to marry her. She, on the other hand, still intends to try to escape, especially when she learns that her husband may still be alive!
This story includes the brutality of Viking fights, betrayal and heated passions. I was given an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
A new challenge awaits Elswyth and Eirik!
Just as they’re settling into their new life, Elswyth and Eirik are thrust by treachery into a battle against a neighboring jarldom. Jarl Eldberg is both a fearsome foe and a sympathetic victim, as this fascinating story is presented from several POVs. The action is non-stop, the heroics are unparalleled, and the passions run higher than ever as Elswyth and Eirik find their way back to each other.
After reading the earlier two books, I could really appreciate the depth of the emotions with these characters and thoroughly enjoyed the return to this captivating world. Be assured that justice does prevail and peace is restored, making this story every bit as emotionally rewarding as expected.
Excellent action adventure romance. The H and his men were fierce warriors. He was a fair man, kind and compassionate Jarl. I love how this story intertwines with the previous two books. The h is a survivor. She has had a long history of becoming enslaved, tried as a witch, a natural healer and had the good fortune to be loved and to love the H and become his wife. The day of her marriage after the ceremony and during the festivities, their homes were attacked by a man known as the beast jarl. One of his men abducted the h. She saw the beast jarl drive his sword into the H. She knew he was dead. She found out the beast jarl attacked for revenge of his wife’s death. But the h knew the H had nothing to do with it. Once she was at the beast’s home, he took her as his sex thrall. She was grieving. This was not the first time she had been in this position. She had to be subservient. But as the months went on the beast fell in love with the h and asked her to be his wife. Little did the beast know his first wife was murdered by a man in his immediate circle. This man hated the beast and deflected the blame to the H. The h felt she had no choice but to move forward with her life forget the past and marry the beast. She had come to love him in her own way. But fate had other plans. Excellent, excellent, excellent Viking adventure romance. I highly recommend it.
I absolutely loved this story, it was like stepping back into time and it was happening to you. The characters were brought to life so clearly.
I was just blown away by this awesome and fearless author!
This is why I buy her paper prints !!!
5 stars .. bravo I’m hooked and new author for me all book! I love how the author Emmanuelle De Maupassant can make strong characters no matter the situation, two people to love and a man who never gave up !
I can’t WAIT for the book after this one
Thank you
Happy reading to all
This story is jammed pack with action and emotion from start to finish. If you enjoy the Viking genre and like your stories to be on the darker side, then this is the book and series for you. It’s most definitely a page-turner so get comfy before you start reading this book as you are going to be there for a couple of hours as you enjoy this wonderful book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A really great story. Read in a whole day, I couldn’t put it down.
I love the Vikings stories and Em is really great at portraying the story.
Emmanuelle has finished the series with a bang. Seeing the growth of the hero and heroine over the series has been beautiful as well as watching their love grow. To have a strong female character that knows what is her strength and worth is while supporting and helping the hero grow make me love the story more.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Kidnapped
A broken promise of peace results in the near death of the jarl of Skálavik by the men of Svolvaen. Eldberg loses his wife in a fire and he’s badly burned. In revenge he raids Skãlavik and the wife of the jarl Erik is taken. Ellsberg, now known as he the Beast, takes Elswyth for himself. A battle of wills ensues as Eldberg uses her passion to keep her. This book moves pretty fast with a twist at the end that left me undecided if I liked it, but a great read!
I really enjoyed this book! It was a really good historical romance and I felt drawn into the viking culture.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Wow! This book wasn’t anything like I had expected! It was so much more! This is a tale of love, tragedy, and loss. In the end, however, everything rights itself and the world revolves on its axis again! I was really thrown a curve ball with the direction this story took! This is a must-read, as all of her books are!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is the third book in the series and you definitely want to read the previous books. They introduce the characters and set the scene. This is a hot, action packed story of love, lust and vengeance. Felt realistic with multidimensional characters. I think this is probably one of the strongest women I have seen in any era. She keeps getting knocked down and keeps getting back up. The men are hot and hardened by the lives they lead. There is passion and excitement with twists and turns that will keep you turning the pages. (I voluntarily reviewed an ARC).