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The Viking and the Runaway Empress: A Spicy Harlequin Historical Romance
Journey to Constantinople with this Viking romance!Bound by dutyTempted by desire Guard to the Byzantine emperor, Viking warrior Destin is tasked with delivering his sovereign's runaway bride-to-be to Constantinople. Abandoned at birth, Destin has spent years making something of himself, and with this final task comes the promise of land and riches. Only, the fiercely beautiful Livia refuses to be wed! Destin must return her unharmed—and untouched—but the closer they grow on their journey, the harder it becomes for him to hand her over…From Harlequin Your romantic escape to the past.
253 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 20, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
February 25, 2024
I'm always excited when Sarah sends me her latest book because I know I am about to get my Viking romance fix. I was pleasantly surprised with the new direction Sarah went with this book. Typically, Viking romances are set in the North, think England, Norway, or Iceland. I love spending time in these places, but sometimes, it can feel repetitive. That is why I was really excited that Sarah brought her readers to a new location. This book is mainly set in Rome, except for the story's first quarter, when Livia and Destin travel from the North and head to Rome. This change in setting added a sense of uniqueness to the overall story. It injects new life into the Viking romance world. Sarah did an excellent job at bringing Rome to life in her story. Not only did I get to spend time in this lush location, but I was also immersed in its culture and people. I enjoyed the different political landscape that exists in this city. Livia and her family have to work with the grand electoral council, the Church, and ministers. It was an interesting new political dynamic that I hadn't interacted with before.
There is a lot packed into this book, so don't think that because it's a shorter novel, you won't get a story that is rich in detail. From the moment I started reading this book, I was hooked in. Everything is so well plotted and organized. Sarah takes her readers on this epic journey filled with danger, romance, and political intrigue. Livia's uncle is determined to kill her so he can be guaranteed to be the new ruler of Rome. Livia's father has arranged for her marriage to the Emperor of Constantinople to help untied their empires and protect Livia from her uncle. Livia doesn't want to marry the emperor. All she wants to do is see her dying father and decide if she wants to petition to be the next ruler of Rome. The Emperor of Constantinople has sent Destin to collect and protect Livia. The first quarter of this book is this fast-paced journey from the North to Rome. Livia and Destin constantly try to outrun and outsmart her uncle's men. There were plenty of close calls and high-tension minutes that had me wanting to turn the page to see what would happen next. The rest of the book is spent in Rome, and even though they are no longer running away from their enemy, danger still lurks around every corner. There were also quieter moments scattered throughout this story where Destin and Livia spent time getting to know each other, sometimes in a steamy manner.
Livia and Destin were fabulous characters both together and apart. They are both strong-willed, kind, brave, and sometimes oblivious to what others think or feel. Destin is a different kind of hero. He is still broody, strong, and heroic, but there is also this vulnerability to him that a lot of historical heroes don't have. Destin's left arm has been paralyzed since birth. This has made his life much harder because no one thinks he is worthy or will amount to anything. Destin's character has this wonderful mix of confidence (especially in his fighting abilities) and vulnerability (especially with matters of the heart). Destin was such an interesting and complex character. Livia was a joy to be with. There were moments when she was so fun and sassy. There is also this part of her that is driven. She may not have wanted to be the next ruler of Rome, but she knows her followers need her and is willing to do what is necessary to be the next ruler of Rome.
The romance is sweet and oh-so spicy. I love the chemistry between these two. There was a bit of role reversal here. Livia was the one to actively pursue a physical relationship with Destin. She takes charge of the situation. She knows what she wants, and that is Destin. I love the whole forbidden love element to their relationship. It had me trying to figure out how these two come together for their HEA at the end of the book. I really enjoy not knowing what the HEA journey will look like. It keeps me guessing and wanting to keep on reading. There are a lot of bumps and misunderstandings in their growing relationship. They kept each other on their toes, and I loved it.
The Viking and the Runaway Empress is a fabulous and addictive read and a must for fans of Viking romances.
Click on the link to read more of our reviews on our blog: https://romancebythebook.com/book-rev...
There is a lot packed into this book, so don't think that because it's a shorter novel, you won't get a story that is rich in detail. From the moment I started reading this book, I was hooked in. Everything is so well plotted and organized. Sarah takes her readers on this epic journey filled with danger, romance, and political intrigue. Livia's uncle is determined to kill her so he can be guaranteed to be the new ruler of Rome. Livia's father has arranged for her marriage to the Emperor of Constantinople to help untied their empires and protect Livia from her uncle. Livia doesn't want to marry the emperor. All she wants to do is see her dying father and decide if she wants to petition to be the next ruler of Rome. The Emperor of Constantinople has sent Destin to collect and protect Livia. The first quarter of this book is this fast-paced journey from the North to Rome. Livia and Destin constantly try to outrun and outsmart her uncle's men. There were plenty of close calls and high-tension minutes that had me wanting to turn the page to see what would happen next. The rest of the book is spent in Rome, and even though they are no longer running away from their enemy, danger still lurks around every corner. There were also quieter moments scattered throughout this story where Destin and Livia spent time getting to know each other, sometimes in a steamy manner.
Livia and Destin were fabulous characters both together and apart. They are both strong-willed, kind, brave, and sometimes oblivious to what others think or feel. Destin is a different kind of hero. He is still broody, strong, and heroic, but there is also this vulnerability to him that a lot of historical heroes don't have. Destin's left arm has been paralyzed since birth. This has made his life much harder because no one thinks he is worthy or will amount to anything. Destin's character has this wonderful mix of confidence (especially in his fighting abilities) and vulnerability (especially with matters of the heart). Destin was such an interesting and complex character. Livia was a joy to be with. There were moments when she was so fun and sassy. There is also this part of her that is driven. She may not have wanted to be the next ruler of Rome, but she knows her followers need her and is willing to do what is necessary to be the next ruler of Rome.
The romance is sweet and oh-so spicy. I love the chemistry between these two. There was a bit of role reversal here. Livia was the one to actively pursue a physical relationship with Destin. She takes charge of the situation. She knows what she wants, and that is Destin. I love the whole forbidden love element to their relationship. It had me trying to figure out how these two come together for their HEA at the end of the book. I really enjoy not knowing what the HEA journey will look like. It keeps me guessing and wanting to keep on reading. There are a lot of bumps and misunderstandings in their growing relationship. They kept each other on their toes, and I loved it.
The Viking and the Runaway Empress is a fabulous and addictive read and a must for fans of Viking romances.
Click on the link to read more of our reviews on our blog: https://romancebythebook.com/book-rev...
March 29, 2024
Doing your duty to serve and protect, but what when there are starting to grow feelings?
Even if Livia has been promised to wed the sovereign of Byzantium, she for sure isn’t all too happy with the arrangement made 4 years ago. So when suddenly Viking warrior Destin arrives to bring her to Constantinople, she not only refuses to leave, but she also refuses to get married! Yet when Livia realizes that not only her, but also her people’s safety is at risk, she agrees to follow Destin. No matter that Destin is a fierce and skilled warrior, the journey becomes more precarious with each passing moment. And his determination to ‘deliver’ Livia safe and sound isn’t that straightforward. Yet the longer the journey takes, the closer this unlikely pair grows. But what will happen when they have reached their destination and they will have to go their separate ways?
I was a bit wary of this story when I started reading it. Not because I doubted the author, but because there was a link with the Byzantium Empire, which I don’t have any kind of connection with that. But I was happy to discover that in fact the whole Byzantium – thing wasn’t a common thread, but it was a sort of sidenote in a wonderful story.
If you have read my reviews, you know I like Vikings 😊 They are fierce, strong men, not scared of getting into a fight. But Destin had something extra, something special. I admired him as how he managed to turn his prospects around. Because Destin was born with a paralyzed arm, it was common in that time to protect the whole group, at cost of the weakest ones. Yet Destin did not let his weakness hold him back, turning him into the strong man he is now! He is also a loyal man, as he follows the orders of his emperor, as Alexios believed in him.
But in a way I also felt also sorry for him. Because all his life he has been judged been commented on because of his arm. Yet no one ever bothered to get to know Destin for the man he is, they only see Destin the warrior with a lacking arm…
I have to say, the way he at the start “handles” Livia, for sure made me frown… Yes, I know he is a warrior and is used of everyone following his orders. But for sure just demanding Livia to follow him without questions, he should have known that it wouldn’t work!
Because even if Livia is in a way hiding herself, she stands her grounds, doesn’t meekly follow orders and just does as she is expected to do. It’s clear that she also has a kind and compassionate heart. Not only is she deeply worried about her father, but she also wants to protect the people of the village.
She is also a bright young woman, as she has smart ideas, and she for sure is a feminist, because why couldn’t she take over the role of her father, just because she is a woman?
The journey to Constantinople through Rome isn’t a walk in the park, as it’s clear that someone is after them, or rather after Livia, wanting to prevent her becoming queen. So the pair constantly has to try to stay ahead of everyone.
But it’s the evolution of their relationship that truly amazed me. Because yes, of course they have a rocky start. But they both slowly start to appreciate and see each other for who they really are. Yet while on hand it was sweet to see how they are growing closer, it was also a bit frustrating seeing how righteous Destin was. Funny, right? Getting angry because someone is doing the right thing? But that is who Destin is…
We see in this story how emotions evolve, feelings shift and yet characters trying to do the right thing. But we also see betrayal in different forms. Nevertheless, we see also the main characters believing in themselves, as they have someone else believing in them. And that is an invaluable power, knowing that despite your background, your status or your sex, you are capable of ruling the world, but also you are capable and worthy of love. And that no matter how impossible it may seem, love will find a way!
Even if Livia has been promised to wed the sovereign of Byzantium, she for sure isn’t all too happy with the arrangement made 4 years ago. So when suddenly Viking warrior Destin arrives to bring her to Constantinople, she not only refuses to leave, but she also refuses to get married! Yet when Livia realizes that not only her, but also her people’s safety is at risk, she agrees to follow Destin. No matter that Destin is a fierce and skilled warrior, the journey becomes more precarious with each passing moment. And his determination to ‘deliver’ Livia safe and sound isn’t that straightforward. Yet the longer the journey takes, the closer this unlikely pair grows. But what will happen when they have reached their destination and they will have to go their separate ways?
I was a bit wary of this story when I started reading it. Not because I doubted the author, but because there was a link with the Byzantium Empire, which I don’t have any kind of connection with that. But I was happy to discover that in fact the whole Byzantium – thing wasn’t a common thread, but it was a sort of sidenote in a wonderful story.
If you have read my reviews, you know I like Vikings 😊 They are fierce, strong men, not scared of getting into a fight. But Destin had something extra, something special. I admired him as how he managed to turn his prospects around. Because Destin was born with a paralyzed arm, it was common in that time to protect the whole group, at cost of the weakest ones. Yet Destin did not let his weakness hold him back, turning him into the strong man he is now! He is also a loyal man, as he follows the orders of his emperor, as Alexios believed in him.
But in a way I also felt also sorry for him. Because all his life he has been judged been commented on because of his arm. Yet no one ever bothered to get to know Destin for the man he is, they only see Destin the warrior with a lacking arm…
I have to say, the way he at the start “handles” Livia, for sure made me frown… Yes, I know he is a warrior and is used of everyone following his orders. But for sure just demanding Livia to follow him without questions, he should have known that it wouldn’t work!
Because even if Livia is in a way hiding herself, she stands her grounds, doesn’t meekly follow orders and just does as she is expected to do. It’s clear that she also has a kind and compassionate heart. Not only is she deeply worried about her father, but she also wants to protect the people of the village.
She is also a bright young woman, as she has smart ideas, and she for sure is a feminist, because why couldn’t she take over the role of her father, just because she is a woman?
The journey to Constantinople through Rome isn’t a walk in the park, as it’s clear that someone is after them, or rather after Livia, wanting to prevent her becoming queen. So the pair constantly has to try to stay ahead of everyone.
But it’s the evolution of their relationship that truly amazed me. Because yes, of course they have a rocky start. But they both slowly start to appreciate and see each other for who they really are. Yet while on hand it was sweet to see how they are growing closer, it was also a bit frustrating seeing how righteous Destin was. Funny, right? Getting angry because someone is doing the right thing? But that is who Destin is…
We see in this story how emotions evolve, feelings shift and yet characters trying to do the right thing. But we also see betrayal in different forms. Nevertheless, we see also the main characters believing in themselves, as they have someone else believing in them. And that is an invaluable power, knowing that despite your background, your status or your sex, you are capable of ruling the world, but also you are capable and worthy of love. And that no matter how impossible it may seem, love will find a way!
March 4, 2024
Four winters ago, after Princess Livia was betrothed to the Byzantine Emperor Alexios, she fled her father’s kingdom in Rome and took refuge in her late mother's castle in Saxony, hoping the emperor would forget about her. But unfortunately, her reckoning has come in the form of Northman, Destin, the commander of the emperor’s Varangian Guard. He has come to bring her to her future husband in Constantinople, but he also bears sad news, her father the king has been gravely injured and is dying. He tells her that her uncle Lothair is on his way to find her and most likely kill her as she is the only other claimant to her father’s throne. He insists they leave immediately and with good reason, as Lothair will stop at nothing to claim the crown. Destin is unlike any man she has ever known and despite his gruff exterior, he is a good man, whom she can’t stop thinking about, but they have no future, she is promised to his employer and royalty. So she should forget about him, right?
Destin was born with a paralyzed arm and subsequently left in the woods to die. Thankfully, he was found by a childless couple and raised as their own. Destin has overcome his infirmity and proven himself a fierce mercenary, climbing up the ranks and reaching the position of commander. Alexios has promised him titles and riches when he delivers the princess to him, which would mean the achievement of his dreams, but there is something about Livia. He finds himself wanting more, even if it is impossible, given their stations, but the heart wants what it wants. Hopefully he can fulfill his mission, claim his prize and forget about her. Ah, if it were only that easy…
This was such a great story, it is part road trip, part adventure story, and part forbidden love, which makes for a quick and delightful read! The book has something for everyone, class different, sort of enemies to lovers, forbidden love, life/death moments, loss, sacrifice, duty, dreams, fears, steamyish love scenes, heartache, and finally a happy ending that didn’t seem possible until it was as well as a very sweet epilogue. So why not five stars? Well, as great as this book was, it was set in the 12th century and it didn’t read like a medieval, there was way too much modern verbiage which ended up ripping this reader out of the era and gave the book a contemporary in period dress feel. I would still recommend the book because even with the modern lingo, it was still an amazing read.
4, maybe 4.5 stars
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.*
Destin was born with a paralyzed arm and subsequently left in the woods to die. Thankfully, he was found by a childless couple and raised as their own. Destin has overcome his infirmity and proven himself a fierce mercenary, climbing up the ranks and reaching the position of commander. Alexios has promised him titles and riches when he delivers the princess to him, which would mean the achievement of his dreams, but there is something about Livia. He finds himself wanting more, even if it is impossible, given their stations, but the heart wants what it wants. Hopefully he can fulfill his mission, claim his prize and forget about her. Ah, if it were only that easy…
This was such a great story, it is part road trip, part adventure story, and part forbidden love, which makes for a quick and delightful read! The book has something for everyone, class different, sort of enemies to lovers, forbidden love, life/death moments, loss, sacrifice, duty, dreams, fears, steamyish love scenes, heartache, and finally a happy ending that didn’t seem possible until it was as well as a very sweet epilogue. So why not five stars? Well, as great as this book was, it was set in the 12th century and it didn’t read like a medieval, there was way too much modern verbiage which ended up ripping this reader out of the era and gave the book a contemporary in period dress feel. I would still recommend the book because even with the modern lingo, it was still an amazing read.
4, maybe 4.5 stars
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.*
October 27, 2025
To start with, if I intended to read Disney press such like the "The Queen's council" series, I'd read this, and not Harlequin. But why does this feel so much rather like this ? Of course,I'm aware that there are also such novels with fictional reality, with invented European royalty or being fairy tale retellings, but I feel they are always quite obvious. This one is similarly more kind of a fairy tale / alternate history, but I just feel not happy that it was not made clear for this.
From the description and cover, I was expecting a book set in the 5th century, end of ancient times. Suddenly, we are in 12th century, in Saxony, and here the fairy tale-ish story is narrated in a kind of very fictional past. I do not expect much accuracy in details, and it was interesting to read about the Norse Varangian Guard in Constantinople, which seems to be the inspiration for the novel and which is absolutely right.
Yet, apart from this plot element, we also get a different setting to the begin of the story, which seemed unfortunately not realistic for me, also how also the full plot also later is developed.
This should have a disclaimer for invention of events and people.
- Inspired by the Holy Roman empire and "Roman" king, the author invents a Roman palace and Roman court in Rome(yet, this title was something west (the German king) and east (the Byzantine emperor) were actually fighting about, as Constantinople also was understood as "Roman successor" as well in the East!). Of course, the historical background of electing a king seemed to be kind of inspiring for the plot here,,,
- princess Livia (the name rather inspired from first Roman empress than from the 12th century, which arguably sounds nicer as Hildegard, I need to admit...), (deceased) brother Otto and evil uncle Prince Lothair are our first "Disney-set up", after the king, her father, has been dying; enter a Viking called Destin (whatever why he has a Latin name) who would accompany the princess into her adventure...; just to point out, the emperor of Byzantine in Constantinople, Alexios Brasilenius, is entirely fictional
-The first setting Harzburg had been actually already entirely destroyed in the 11th century and got rebuild in this century. Then we'll get a bit cheesy Alpine "Sound of music" ideas before it all circles around Rome (as the author decided to shift the historical place of election to this place).
- Overall, the plot is kind of a modern fairy tale, a story about a would-be-queen/empress claiming her throne, then a charming, sad, "exotic" (well, at least from a Roman point of view), noble by heart Viking, who is discovering his origins and losing his heart to his princess.... And of course, we all love cheesy happily ever afters..
If there wasn't the steamy love story, it could get through as a Disney movie.
I just want to point this out - on the one hand, it's intriguing to see such parts of history recycled, on the other hand, it should not be mistaken for reality (especially as I love reading such historical romances also to learn about history...).
From the description and cover, I was expecting a book set in the 5th century, end of ancient times. Suddenly, we are in 12th century, in Saxony, and here the fairy tale-ish story is narrated in a kind of very fictional past. I do not expect much accuracy in details, and it was interesting to read about the Norse Varangian Guard in Constantinople, which seems to be the inspiration for the novel and which is absolutely right.
Yet, apart from this plot element, we also get a different setting to the begin of the story, which seemed unfortunately not realistic for me, also how also the full plot also later is developed.
This should have a disclaimer for invention of events and people.
- Inspired by the Holy Roman empire and "Roman" king, the author invents a Roman palace and Roman court in Rome(yet, this title was something west (the German king) and east (the Byzantine emperor) were actually fighting about, as Constantinople also was understood as "Roman successor" as well in the East!). Of course, the historical background of electing a king seemed to be kind of inspiring for the plot here,,,
- princess Livia (the name rather inspired from first Roman empress than from the 12th century, which arguably sounds nicer as Hildegard, I need to admit...), (deceased) brother Otto and evil uncle Prince Lothair are our first "Disney-set up", after the king, her father, has been dying; enter a Viking called Destin (whatever why he has a Latin name) who would accompany the princess into her adventure...; just to point out, the emperor of Byzantine in Constantinople, Alexios Brasilenius, is entirely fictional
-The first setting Harzburg had been actually already entirely destroyed in the 11th century and got rebuild in this century. Then we'll get a bit cheesy Alpine "Sound of music" ideas before it all circles around Rome (as the author decided to shift the historical place of election to this place).
- Overall, the plot is kind of a modern fairy tale, a story about a would-be-queen/empress claiming her throne, then a charming, sad, "exotic" (well, at least from a Roman point of view), noble by heart Viking, who is discovering his origins and losing his heart to his princess.... And of course, we all love cheesy happily ever afters..
If there wasn't the steamy love story, it could get through as a Disney movie.
I just want to point this out - on the one hand, it's intriguing to see such parts of history recycled, on the other hand, it should not be mistaken for reality (especially as I love reading such historical romances also to learn about history...).
March 12, 2024
Forbidden love between a Viking warrior and an empress? I’m in!
The adventures begin when Destin is ordered to escort Livia, a Roman empress, to Constantinople to marry prince Alexios. Yet at the hideout where Livia is staying, she is attacked by her own uncle. Destin has no alternative but to escort Livia himself.
Oh my, Destin is really admirable, he may be quite intimidating but he is really protective and caring. I loved how different Destin is from other characters I have read, Destin has proven that despite his disability, he is worth loving!
Meanwhile Livia isn’t a meek and weak empress. She is strong, fierce and courageous. Livia never hides her attraction towards Destin but Destin keeps on pushing her but don’t worry, Livia’s determination is breaking down the wall around Destin.
I was over the moon when Sarah Rodi sent me a digital copy of her latest book because I have always loved her writing, so captivating and engaging. In this book, she has written a wonderful one-armed Viking warrior, Destin, and I couldn’t help but love him. The Italian setting and action is well-drawn and well-researched especially when Destin and Livia set off on their journey. I loved everything about this book, the adventure, the action, the history, the characters and the ending! Thank you, Sarah Rodi, for the digital copy which I voluntarily reviewed.
The adventures begin when Destin is ordered to escort Livia, a Roman empress, to Constantinople to marry prince Alexios. Yet at the hideout where Livia is staying, she is attacked by her own uncle. Destin has no alternative but to escort Livia himself.
Oh my, Destin is really admirable, he may be quite intimidating but he is really protective and caring. I loved how different Destin is from other characters I have read, Destin has proven that despite his disability, he is worth loving!
Meanwhile Livia isn’t a meek and weak empress. She is strong, fierce and courageous. Livia never hides her attraction towards Destin but Destin keeps on pushing her but don’t worry, Livia’s determination is breaking down the wall around Destin.
I was over the moon when Sarah Rodi sent me a digital copy of her latest book because I have always loved her writing, so captivating and engaging. In this book, she has written a wonderful one-armed Viking warrior, Destin, and I couldn’t help but love him. The Italian setting and action is well-drawn and well-researched especially when Destin and Livia set off on their journey. I loved everything about this book, the adventure, the action, the history, the characters and the ending! Thank you, Sarah Rodi, for the digital copy which I voluntarily reviewed.
December 13, 2024
This is another great one by Sarah and loved we got to travel to Italy and the Swiss Alps for this one! A sad orphan Viking falls for a beautiful Roman Empire Princess he is trying to bring to his boss to be his bride. We get evil uncles, monks that save the day, nice little farm, death and family drama, more evil men, war and then that sweet sweet HEA!
February 29, 2024
A great feel-good story, with some history thrown in.
March 13, 2024
A Beautiful Love Story!
Well this certainly was a very good story. Livia was such a strong woman that fought for what she believed was right and her place by birth. It was a long journey to get to where she wanted to be. Destin was an accomplished soldier who had to fight his way from birth on up. They overcame all of the obstacles and challenges to be together. I absolutely loved the characters and storyline so much. On to my next book. 🥰🥰🥰💜💜💜💜💜🥰🥰🥰
Well this certainly was a very good story. Livia was such a strong woman that fought for what she believed was right and her place by birth. It was a long journey to get to where she wanted to be. Destin was an accomplished soldier who had to fight his way from birth on up. They overcame all of the obstacles and challenges to be together. I absolutely loved the characters and storyline so much. On to my next book. 🥰🥰🥰💜💜💜💜💜🥰🥰🥰
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews