The Temperate Warrior

Vikings of Honor #4

by Renee Vincent

He was her champion. She was his weakness.
Together, they loved with wild abandon.

Gustaf Ræliksen lives by the blade of his sword. After avenging his father’s murder and reuniting with his family, he wants nothing more than to settle down and have sons of his own. Only one woman will do—a fiery redhead he saved from the spoils of war.

No longer forced to warm the beds of the men who've taken everything from her, Æsa has nothing to offer the noble warrior but her heart.

When someone with a deep score to settle seeks revenge upon her, Gustaf's world is torn asunder. He has but one vow—saving the woman he loves from the ignorant fool who dared to best the temperate warrior.

Genres: Historical Romance, Historical, Romance

ebook

First published December 1, 2012

About the author

RENEE VINCENT is a USA Today bestselling author of romance and women's fiction. From her memorable Viking warriors to her charming Alpha male heroes of modern day, readers will be whisked away to a world filled with gripping adventure, unpredictable plot twists, and undying love. Her books have earned numerous accolades, including a #1 Amazon Bestseller for Viking Romance.

She lives on a secluded hundred-acre horse farm in the rolling hills of Kentucky with her husband, two beautiful daughters, and a cat who thinks he's the master of the house.

Reviews

[Seon Ji (Dawn) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a new series that is a spin off of The Emerald Isle collection. I recommend reading that first before starting this one but I suppose it is not necessary.

This is the story of Gustaf, the eldest brother of Deagan. For years he was on a mission to avenge or revenge his father's death, seeking out the 10 responsible for his murder. We saw a glimpse of Gustaf in the book Mac Liam where he comes upon #9 (Ragnar) in bed with his whore/slave. Gustaf, frees the woman and kills Ragnar in a very gruesome and tortuous way ( it is not too detailed no worries).
Gustaf takes Aesa with him and of course they fall in love. After a few weeks together, word comes from Havelock that he has found #10, his son Gunnar. They then set out back to Ins Mor to take him out. Gustaf leaves Aesa behind and swears to return to her, and she swears to wait for him.

This books picks up where Gustaf is returning to Aesa as promised. The story continues with a new set of antagonists. The son of Ragnar has been seeking Aesea, for she is the only one who knows the whereabouts of the hidden silver given to Ragnar as a reward for killing Gustaf's father.

The rest you will have to read to find out for yourself.

The story was good. Entertaining. Gustaf is a wonderful hero and Asea is a far more developed heoine than Mara was. I really liked her. Their love was strong, passionate and lustful. The heat between them was delicious!

Now, I still have issues with this author and her glazing over logic. Even so, it didn't bother me as much as it should have. I guess because the story was so good I was willing to forgive it.

So here's my beef:

1. I didn't buy Gustaf getting so ridiculously angry with Asea because she brought up the fact she may be barren. His actions were irrational, and thought process was unconvincing, but the author needed conflict so I guess it was the best she could come up with. I am glad that finally the issue of
all the sex with no children was brought to the forefront. Even so, it only explained her and not his past. I guess he was just lucky? Or a virgin, which didn't seem to be the case. I am also glad that his past OW were not shoved in our face. In fact his past was rarely mentioned. I prefer this actually.

2. The antagonist's, (can't spell his name sorry) reason for not "taking" Aesa (bedding her) was lame. The author could have come up with something better.

3. It was never said how Gustaf was able to thwart Grimir's execution.

4. Why was is so important to Gustaf that his son not be born a bastard? I don't buy that he would have given up his Gods so easily just for this purpose.

Another thing I didn't care for was the glossing over of large time gaps. The.. three weeks later... yhing was a bit disappointing. I would have rather the book had been longer IMHO. I also would have like more of an explanation or some sort of POV from Gustaf when his "spirit had left him" and why it came back.

Overall I really liked the story, the characters seemed more developed and I plan to continue with this series

[Kyjuliano · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first was introduced to this author through The Emerald Isle Trilogy and I would recommend reading it before reading this story. The story will stand alone but will be so much more interesting if you read the trilogy first.

I love Renee's Vikings, they are fierce and yet gentle, definitely not your typical Vikings. This was a wonderful story about hope and love and redemption. I laughed and cried and got angry and wanted to reach into the book and strangle a few people, and not just the "bad" guys.

I certainly hope there will be more in The Warrior Sagas series

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

ORIGINAL POST, 12/25/2012 on Fangs, Wands and Fairy Dust
THE TEMPERATE WARRIOR is a Man Ahead of His Time



Book 1 of the Warrior Sagas
Renee Vincent

Genre: Historical, paranormal romance, Viking
Publisher: Turquoise Morning Press
ISBN: 9781622370924 ASIN: B00AH14MCY
Number of pages: 206 Word Count: 72K
Cover Artist: Erin Sendelbach
E-Galley provided by Bewitching Blog Tours as part of their public relations tour. No remuneration was exchanged and all opinions herein are my own unless I note otherwise.

About the Book:

He was her champion. She was his weakness.
Together, they loved with wild abandon.

Gustaf Ræliksen lives by the blade of his sword. After avenging his father’s murder and reuniting with his family, he wants nothing more than to settle down and have sons of his own. Only one woman will do—a fiery redhead he saved from the spoils of war.

No longer forced to warm the beds of the men who've taken everything from her, Æsa has nothing to offer the noble warrior but her heart.

When someone with a deep score to settle seeks revenge upon her, Gustaf's world is torn asunder. He has but one vow—saving the woman he loves from the ignorant fool who dared to best the temperate warrior. BEWITCHING BOOK TOURS.


MY TAKE

Two days ago Renee Vincent laid her hero Gustaf bare here http://fangswandsandfairydust.blogspo.... He gets pretty naked in the book too; emotionally and physically as he evolves into a man deeply in love.

The protagonists characters were different: sexual, sensual and lust driven, but also noble, formal and heroic. The villains were, well, villainous, but also ignorant and utterly classless. I liked the character of Aesa. She knows what she wants, but never having been more than a slave in a male-female relationship she has a hard time trusting any man, including Gustaf. She doesn't really trust her own feelings and the two have some communication stumbling blocks rooted in her fears. It's hard for her to believe that a fine warrior would want a woman like her, a "whore." She doesn't know how to behave with a man outside of slavery. He doesn't want a slave. Somehow, he is able to see past her past. This results in situations where communication issues contribute to the book's major crisis. But, I would have to say that Gustaf appears to be both a man in love and a man ahead of his time (by about 1500 years, at least). He wants to know what Aesa thinks and wants her for more than a brood mare, but their roles are still gender defined.



There's plenty of steam between Aesa and Gustaf in both dialogue and in the bedroom. The writing isn't inventively sensual, but it is nice. It's clear there is respectful and exciting sex.

Early in the story, Gustaf says he was wants Aesa as an equal. But what did equality mean then? I wrote Renee and asked her what she meant here. She responded in a very gracious note:

Now, first off without going into so much detail on research and boring the heck out of you, being equals really meant something different back then than what it does now. In medieval times, woman were not considered "important" enough to make decisions upon manly matters such as warfare, alliances, marriage arrangements, etc. However, in the case of the Norse, women (and I mean free women - not slaves) could hold as much power as men in council, had the right to divorce their husbands, and the head woman (usually the wife of the chieftain) was given the keys to all the storage houses and buildings which was kept on a single iron ring on the chain of her brooch. Essentially she was in charge of the entire household in and out of the home, and when the men were away hunting or in battle, the women took over all responsibilities of the men.

So in truth, Norse females were given a whole lot more "freedoms" and "rights" than most women of their time. Which is one of the reasons why I love the Vikings. They were not afraid to give women power. Or perhaps it was that the women were not afraid to accept said power. (in an email from Renee Vincent)

A lot of research went into the book; fairly meticulous research. As first I thought the speech patterns in the dialogue were sort of stiff but then I realized it was a voice for this story, a formal voice, a voice to introduce us to this society and its people. We can never know how people spoke with each other, but it would seem that the more formally structured in terms of rank a society, the more likely their speech would be formal. As I got on more familiar footing with the characters the voice also became more familiar.I loved the atmosphere, the feeling of time and place Vincent achieves. They wear hides, are cold, bathe in freezing streams and don't always have enough food. Life, even for the well to do was not one of Edwardian luxuries. It feels like a Bruegel painting would have been if he had been Scandinavian. Sometimes I thought that Vincent must be telling some Norse saga, shared for millennia around a camp fire or hearth. It was a tough life, mostly survival, but Vincent imbues it with love and tenderness; what would have made life more than just a depressing, daily fight for survival.

There's a slight paranormal aspect in which a village wise woman protects a valley, reads mind and "knows" things. She's kind of a spooky crone, and even a king will not dare to cross her. Everything we understand scientifically was once magic to our species. At that time survival was tenuous, the elements unexplained. Magic was a palpable presence.

Some of the dialogue is hilarious. I can't reveal it but one line is among the funniest I have ever read. But I have never given birth; maybe if I had it would not be as funny.

I enjoyed reading this book and highly recommend it to you if you like historical romances with epic love stories.

[Dahlia (yadkny) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Immediately after I began reading the story, it felt like I was coming home to a place I had never been before, but everything felt so familiar. Once again, the imagery is outstanding and it was easy to slip right back into a time period that we were introduced to in The Emerald Isle Trilogy. We also met and fell for the hardened Viking warrior known as Gustaf while in the last dregs to delivering vengeance upon his enemies and honor his deceased father. His mission having spanned most of his adult life has made him a fearsome and formidable warrior, but he is not without compassion and gentle motives toward a young woman who he found in the arms of his enemy. He knew her worth even before she did and for that he earned her undying loyalty, passion, and love. Aside from his family, Gustaf hadn’t known what he was missing in life until he met her.

‘By Gustaf’s noble actions and kind words, Æsa had learned what a real man was and that chivalry actually existed in this dark and dreary age.’

To say Æsa has had a rough life would be an understatement. Her life up to this point was far from her choosing. Having had her family taken away at an early age and then forced into slavery, men took advantage and forever scarred her from emotionally connecting with them outside of fear. That being said the mentions of her slave life and the rapes she endured are not graphic in description and only acknowledged for the purpose of pivotal moments in the storyline. Admirably, Æsa’s feisty qualities make her a survivor of her former life and a fighter for a better future. Her selflessness knows no bounds, but the same could be said for her stubbornness, which makes her a perfect match for Gustaf. He’s Æsa’s chance to start over and give herself wholeheartedly to one man, but doubts of how her past will affect her future, plague her.

Both characters early on in their lives had to grow up fast due to horrible circumstances, which ripped away the innocence of youth and ushered them into the uglier parts of humanity. Now they have a chance to redeem some of that lost youthful innocence in exploring the growing emotional bond between them and I loved reading how they handled the ups and downs of a serious relationship. It started out like a humorous fairy tale as Gustaf reunites with Æsa and I was more than content to sit back and read all about how they lived happily ever after. Unfortunately, that was not to be for long. Æsa's past isn't as dead as she thought it was and Gustaf will need to use more than mere might to vanquish it once and for all.

There are so many quotable passages in this story. All with a deep meaning that can speak to anyone regardless of era…

“…there is no greater love than when a man lays down his life for another.”

And yet there is humor mixed in as well…

“Easy woman,” he warned. “That is early morning wood you have in your grasp. ’Tis a bit more responsive than the others.”

It is not necessary to read The Emerald Isle Trilogy in order to read The Temperate Warrior, but the story will mean so much if you do. Although I will profess to missing Dægan (hero from Ræliksen), I thoroughly enjoyed really getting to know his brother Gustaf and meeting his loyal mercenaries. And I am hopeful that we will get to read more about Øyven, one of those loyal mercenaries, as The Warrior Sagas series continues.

Heartwarming, heart pounding, and spellbinding I can not find fault in this author’s work as she weaves each enchanting tale. The stories are beautiful and live in my mind long after having read them and they never fail to sadden me just a bit by their (albeit happy) end.

Review soon-to-be posted @ Night Owl Reviews

[Bridgett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gustaf is the brother of Dægan in book 1 of Renee's Emerald Isle Trilogy. Being that I fell hopelessly in love with Dægan in that series, I had to read this book so that I could also get to know his brother Gustaf. I was glad that I did. They have quite different personalities, yet they are both strong, witty vikings who have a lusty hold on the readers imagination.

Gustaf isn't as tactical in battle scenes as Dægan, but he made up for it in other areas, especially in the bed. He wasn't so poetic with his words, and more rough around the edges than Dægan, but he loved Æsa deeply and this brought realism to his character.

Æsa wasn't always as fierce and fiery as I would have liked her to be, but given her background in the story, I can see how she would become submissive without much thought. I liked that she was alluring and seductive, and didn't have much trouble expressing her sexuality with Gustaf. I think that this dynamic between the two of them made for a wonderful story, and did pull at my heart strings a couple of times. Her character improves a great deal toward the middle of the book, as her insecurities started to fall to the wayside. It was less annoying to have her more secure with herself. At first it seemed like she would submit to a kitten if it meowed at her.

I truly enjoyed Halldora, an older woman in the book who makes her entry in the middle of the story. She was a healer, a seer and a witch. Being that she could read the peoples' thoughts around her, it made for a few laughs.

Gustaf's men were not as memorable as they could have been, but Oyven was quite enjoyable. I think that the author introduces enough characters in these books that if she chose to, would not run out of books to write for many months to come. She could easily create books with these others as heroes and heroines. I was delighted when Dægan's friends: Tait and Nevan came back into the story. I would even encourage the author to write a series based on each of them, as they were quite favorable. :)

The plots were adequate enough, even though predictable. They did keep me interested and moving forward through the pages.

**Spoiler**

I think that it would have been an inspirational ending to have had Æsa give birth on the shoreline where Dægan had taken his last breaths, and Gustaf to have named his son after his brother that he so admired. In fact, as she was in labor on the ship, I totally thought that was going to happen, and it propelled me forward in anticipation. I even got tears in my eyes at the idea of it. Having Tait and Nevan at her side reliving the death of their dear friend; Dægan , yet rejoicing in the moment of his nephew's birth. It would have grabbed my heart and squeezed it with a precious warmth offering the possibility that his name would also be followed by his spirit in a reincarnated state.

Since that didn't happen, I felt a little bit let down by the true ending. It was a happy ending, but not as emotional as I longed for. And again, being that I am a Pagan, having a viking warrior convert to a Christian in the end made me feel uneasy. Even more so that he was basically forced to convert as to get what he needed and wanted.

Renee is a talented writer, and even when prowling other viking books to read, none grab my attention as much as hers. I think I would always pick her writing over another's just because she created Dægan.

[Regan Walker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful Installment in the Viking Saga: Gustaf’s Story

Vincent’s latest addition to her Emerald Isle Viking novels will satisfy those who have been waiting for Gustaf’s story. He’s the Viking warrior who is the older brother of Daegan, the hero in RAELIKSEN, book 1 in the Emerald Isle trilogy.

Set in 923 AD, it tells the story of Gustaf and Aesa, who first met in MAC LIAM, book 2 in the Emerald Isle trilogy. For 23 years, Gustaf has hunted and killed the ten men who killed his father on orders from the King of Norway. From one of the murderers he located on Iceland, he stole a redheaded woman, Aesa, who was a sex slave from the age of 14 when she was first captured. Kept as a thrall, but now freed by Gustaf, she calls him her temperate warrior. Finally Gustaf and his men have completed their mission and can settle down. Gustaf wants only Aesa, but there are evil men about he must still deal with for her to be safe.

Vincent writes well and has obviously done her research to accurately describe the culture of the Norsemen. You’ll enjoy this well written continuation of the story, though I do think you’ll find the second half more exciting than he first with some excellent fight scenes. (The first has quite a few steamy love scenes as Gustaf and Aesa reunite after a separation.) As always, there are side stories, and even a side romance for one of Gustaf’s warriors.

For the beginning of the romance between Gustaf and Aesa you’ll need to read MAC LIAM. And to understand that one, you’ll have to first read RAELIKSEN.

[Desiree M ~*~*~ LiveReadCollect · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars.

I really enjoyed this offering from Renee Vincent. This is the first I've read from RV but it won't be the last.

It wasn't what I expected but that's not a bad thing. I didn't think this story would start out with AEsa (I have no idea how to get that symbol/letter in the heroine's name) and Gustaf knowing each other and already being in a relationship. However I loved that it started that way.

The romance between Gustaf and AEsa was so sweet and hot and couldn't get enough of it. I loved how tender he was with her and how he didn't care about her past except he wished it hadn't happened to her.

I really liked AEsa, she clearly had emotional pain from her past but she wasn't wallowing in it. It was a nice balance. Gustaf was great, he was strong and loving and I just want him for myself.

Asmundr was horrid and I didn't want him to get his hands on AEsa but I knew with him on their trail he would get to them and her eventually for at least a little while. He was an evil and nasty man who I wanted to die in a painful way.

Great story and I look forward to reading more in the series.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

The respect Gustaf has for his men and they for him is quite evident in this story. When it's suggested that they first stop and have Æsa join them in their journey home it's clear how well Gustaf's men know him. The joy of a long over due reunion starts off as one would think a reunion should, but the celebrating is cut short by an unwanted blast from Æsa's past. Once again Gustaf and his warriors are on a mission that is one of life and death. Renee Vincent has done it again, she had lead this reader on a journey that was filled with love, adventure, twists, turns and an ending that was satisfying but I still wouldn't mind more.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again Renee has written a story that pulls you in and takes you for an incredible ride. My love for Gustaf has only grown. I read this book while sitting on the beach and by the pool in Punta Cana and it made the trip even more enjoyable. Renee writes of a world that any woman would love to be a part of. The way she decribes a location makes you feel like youre there. The love scenes are written in a way that are enchanting and make you say MMMMMM and OHHHH!!

[Beverly Schulte · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome read. Loved all of the characters and just kept turning page after page to find out how their story ended. Now I'm sad to have gotten to the end. Very good read.

Very enjoyable read. A page turner for sure. I enjoyed all of the characters and just kept turning page after page to find out how their story ended. Now I'm sad to have gotten to the end. I totally encourage you to read this book.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read many books that are an "off shoot" from a trilogy or series and this by far is the best I've ever read.

We first meet Gustav in the Emerald Isle trilogy and in this book we follow him on his journey back to the one woman who holds his heart.

I'm looking forward to the next book in this new trilogy and finding out what awaits Gustav and his family.

[Darlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book. It is a historical romance about Vikings. I was pulled into Gustaf and Aesa's world so fast. I fell in love with Gustaf he is a warrior viking but has such a protective and tender side where Aesa the woman he loves and plans to marry is concerned. If you enjoy reading historical romances about vikings this book is a must read!!

[Stacy McKitrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book as I have all of hers - and I'm not a huge historical fan.

[Joanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. I enjoyed this book and getting to read about Gustaf and his love that was introduced in the Emerald Isle Trilogy.

[Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really wish this has been part of the Emerald Isles Trilogy. Great read with a feisty different kind of heroine.