Eldberg—the mighty Beast of Skálavík, feared by all—is tied to a bedpost. His captor? An acid-tongued vixen set on making him her thrall. Trussed and used, he vows revenge. But his greatest nemesis is also his wildest fantasy. And when the tables are turned, His beautiful jailor will discover what it means to kneel.
*** Six shipwrecked Vikings. An island of isolated women
Enter a world of seduction and suspense, told against the forbidding backdrop of a mysterious, secluded island. Nothing is as it seems…
This dark romance series features six strapping warriors determined to dominate. The women who claim them as mates might think they have the upper hand, but they’re about to discover what it means to be loved by a Viking.
Read all six volumes of the ‘Bound and Betrothed’ series:
Tamed by the Viking Craved by the Viking Surrendering to the Viking Claimed by the Viking Seduced by the Viking Mastered by the Viking
I accidentally read book two, 'Craved by the Viking', before reading and reviewing book one of the "Bound and Betrothed" series by Felicity Brandon and Anna Quinn. I'm not quite sure how that happened, but here I am to set things right. The first book sets the stage for the series and brings things to a titillating peak. The story starts with a community of women and children who are left unprotected by their Viking men when they fail to return from a trip to sea. To survive, these women have to become self-sufficient. Then there are the sisters: Hedda, the wife of the missing Jarl who has taken over the position, and Frida, who can read the signs of the gods. These two are like night and day. Hedda is bitter about her husband's treatment and is relieved to have her independence. As expected, there is quite a commotion when a massive Viking ship, battered and broken, washes up on shore with six badly injured Viking men. It is decided that six of the women will take them into their homes and nurse them back to health. If the men act violently, the women will decide what to do with them. However, if the women choose, they can try to repopulate a new generation for one month and then they will swap off. Unless, of course, they decide they want to marry the men. Now, here's the best part: Hedda is assigned to take care of one of the wounded men, who happens to be the Jarl of his group. So here are these big, strong Viking men, badly wounded, trussed up like a Thanksgiving turkey, and held captive by Viking women. I love Viking books, and this one has the best plot outline. The characters are relatable and perfectly flawed, and the storyline is engaging. I loved it.
A very intriguing story with two fiery and arrogant characters. They were certainly well matched and I didn't particularly like their behavior at the beginning, but I was very happy when they fell in love. The lovemaking scenes are very steamy! The narrator is very good even with female voices and the narration in general. Totally recommended!
A thrilling Viking romance full of seduction and desire as 6 Viking men are stranded on an island occupied by women. Hedda and Eldberg were strong and fierce. I loved the sparks between them. A spicy, captivating read.
This book is fascinating, I’ve read/listened to lots of book where the female is in peril but never the male. It’s a fantastic storyline and I’m intrigued to see how the rest of the series pans out. A brilliant performance.
I’ve been excited to read these as soon as I saw them a few weeks back, my friend wishlisted me a copy of each in the series so far (thank you 🥰) and OMG I’m in lovely with this series already and I’m only one book in! I couldn’t put it down and completed it within a few hours!
As an avid reader + a love for all things Norse, I had to sink into this series! Already started the second book! As soon as I’m done I’ll be sinking into the authors other books 😍
Embora seja uma série nova, indico antes ler a série Vikings, para iniciar essa série conhecendo melhor a Eldberg.
Eldberg resolve seguir a profecia da velha Hildr, mas esquece de se preparar para tudo o que ela lhe disse. Assim, ele acaba despertando amarrado aos pés da cama de Hedda.
Hedda ainda está furiosa com sua avó e as mulheres que habitam a ilha, onde estavam com a cabeça em acolher seus guerreiros para dentro de seus lares quando poderiam eliminá-los antes mesmo de acordarem?
Já haviam se livrado de seus maridos infiéis e violentos, para que manter os desconhecidos vivos? Somente para procriarem? Mas e quando recuperarem suas forças?
Nessa incerteza sobre como agir, é que Hedda mostra para Eldberg seu lado mais selvagem e arisco, e por mais que ele anseie pela sua liberdade e de seus homens, também se sente atraído por descobrir o que faz a mulher a sua frente ser tão rebelde e obstinada.
Hedda se vê dividida entre a atração que sente por Eldberg e seu gosto por se manter livre, mas as outras mulheres da ilha não compartilham os mesmos pensamentos, e a cada dia, Hedda se vê em dúvida do que realmente anseia.
Contudo, o livro não é apenas sobre a atração que sentem um pelo outro, detalhes que a autora não poupa em descrever, mas retrata a realidade de ser um viking e de ser uma mulher nessa época.
Hedda não sabe o que fazer com a autoridade que descobriu que poderia ter. Seu ódio pelo passado, a humilhação que viveu ao lado de seu primeiro marido e a ânsia por poder se vingar, faz com que seu comportamento com Eldberg desperte o lado que ela não gostaria de conhecer.
Eldberg é um guerreiro, e a prova disso está nas cicatrizes e queimaduras espalhadas pelo seu rosto e corpo, e sofrer a humilhação que viveu como prisioneiro em uma ilha estranha, não lhe ajuda nada com seu humor e sua valentia. Mas seus homens estão debilitados e sem eles, não teria como fugir daquele lugar.
Entretanto, ele estava mesmo afim de querer ir embora? Assim como seus companheiros?
A autora mais uma vez nos apresenta uma série de tirar o fôlego com seus hots, mas também com suas reviravoltas, sem mencionar os conflitos que seus personagens vivem e que nós fazer refletir sobre tudo o que a humanidade já conquistou e o quanto poderia evoluir mais.
I have never read or listened to a book by Felicity Brandon or Anna Quinn before so this is my first experience of their writing. I have to say I did enjoy it very much,for some strange reason I have never read a viking romance before and what a great introduction to them this was. This is an audiobook review.. Narrated by Gareth J Davis..a New voice actor to me and he was brilliant..he changed his voice to accomodate each character and the accents were amazing it made the listening experience so much better.I thoroughly enjoyed his performance. The sound effects were a great touch too. Eldberg and his men were shipwrecked landing unconscience on the shores of an Island full of women and children..The men of the Island missing. Eldberg is tied to a bed and is at the mercy of one woman. Hedda resents all men thinking they are just like her husband who was cruel..She was now her own woman and enjoyed her freedom..Now she was being forced to watch over one of the men washed up on their shores...So she took her bitterness out on her captor Eldberg, and she was going to have some fun and some control of power over him. She teased and tortured him with her body tempting him and used him for her own pleasure not his...but Hedda wasn't expecting to fall in love with this stranger. This is a very good story and a fantastic audiobook,I loved listening to it and thought the storyline was very interesting. The steamy and erotic encounter between Eldberg and Hedda leaving you wondering what will happen between these two people...because they are both quite dominant and want the power over the other. Their chemistry is electric and they can't seem to stop wanting eachother much to Hedda's dismay and to Eldbergs confusion. Tamed By The Viking is a well thought out story from Felicity and Anna and I enjoyed listening to this book,a great start to an intriguing series. loved it. 5 Stars.
By: Felicity Brandon, Anna Quinn Narrated by: Gareth J. Davies
Hawt, Sassy, & Delightfully FUN!
Overall: 5 of 5 stars Performance: 5 of 5 stars Story: 5 of 5 stars Reviewed: 11-08-24
Eldberg … big, domineering and none to happy about being held captive! Hedda … she’s delighting in being the captor … perhaps a bit TOO much! Who knows … what with turnabout being fair play … perhaps Hedda will get “Tamed by the Viking” in Bound and Betrothed, Book 1! Up for a delightfully hawt, laugh out loud funny, brilliant and beautifully written, UNIQUE, dark romance with PLENTY of sass, sarcasm and wit? Well, THIS is IT! And as a special bonus … the narration is AMAZING! The characters and scenes come brilliantly and beautifully alive exactly as imagined by our authors! The plot flows smoothly, and is beautifully explained! I love that ALL the necessary scene setting is cleverly interwoven WITH the story, thus ensuring the listener has a clear understanding of the world as it was in the era the story is set! The characters, leads AND supporting, are unique, and exceptionally well developed! I look forward to their stories as the series continues! As far as THIS story, holy hotness Batman! Could I get a nice cold drink or three please! I also LOVED the interplay between Eldberg and Hedda! I loved them together, I wanted them together! I loved their dialogue, their banter, I loved it ALL! I didn’t want to stop listening, sooo I stayed up until the wee hours and enjoyed this one straight through! It’s absolutely going to stink to be me tomorrow, BUT, it was soooo worth it! So five star across the board worth it! I loved it!
I love Viking stories! Maybe it’s my Celtic bloodline, but this series definitely satisfied my Viking romance obsession! The premise is fantastic: a Viking ship crashes on the shore of an island inhabited only by women. What happened to the men is a bit of a mystery that unfolds throughout the series. In short, the men went mad and abandoned the women, leaving them to eventually die out if they can’t produce children. The women believe the Gods have answered their prayers by sending them these strong, virile Vikings. Perfect for their baby-making plans. Their idea is simple: procreate with the Vikings, then send them on their way. But of course, things don’t go quite as planned. These independent women are in for more than they bargained for with Vikings who come with wicked senses of humor, filthy mouths, and plenty of stamina to… rise to the occasion.
If you enjoy Viking culture and romance, you can imagine how entertaining these pairings are! This collection includes the first three stories in the series. While the women and Vikings all share the same goal, each couple faces unique struggles and challenges, which kept the stories fresh and engaging.
The steamy scenes are very hot, and one unique touch is the addition of subtle sound effects (crashing waves, birds, etc) at just the right moments to enhance the experience. The narrators did an incredible job conveying the characters’ personalities and emotions; they truly performed the story rather than just reading it.
Five of the six books are already available on audiobook, and I’m eagerly waiting for the final one to release. If you’re a fan of Viking romances with humor, heat, and heart, this series is well worth your time!
Tamed by the Viking is a fun and bawdy story, the first in the Bound and Betrothed series by Felicity Brandon and Anna Quinn. Elberg is looking for answers and he searches out the crone for her wisdom. She tells him that he'll never be the same after his journey and he must remember that it's through sacrifice that you receive your greatest gift. Hedda sat in front of the flames and discerned that her life was going to change with something wonderful and frightening. She is a bitter and prideful woman on account of an unfulfilling marriage, and her opinion of all men isn't at all good. "All men are ruled by heated tempers!" This lady has experienced some bad behaviors and it appears that no man is safe from her vengeance. It's the perfect introduction to an amusing and complex character. When Hedda and the women of the isle spot what looks to be a shipwreck of unrecognizable men, they have to wonder what brings them here; after all, their men left in their ships and have disappeared.There must be something special about these men since the women had vivid dreams before the men washed up on the shore. Most of the women were definitely not wallflowers and I had to chuckle when Hedda's sister, Frida, had the thought that these men could be used for propagation. It's Hedda who is affected most when she takes a fancy to Eldberg. What follows is a story of seduction and discovery. This is truly a delightful, witty story and I'm anxious for the series to continue. Gareth J. Davies' narration is perfect for this story. His dynamic voice, impressive range and "Viking accent" give each character an individual personality and attitude.
HFN Captor/Captive Enemies to Lovers Insta-lust First in a new series
I love the premise of this series. 6 shipwrecked Vikings are found on the shore of an island solely inhabited by women. All their men left on a voyage 2 years before and never returned. The women easily learned how to live without men ruling over them. But there was one thing they couldn't do themselves. Become pregnant. Most of the women chose to believe these men were sent to them as a gift from the gods and treated the men as such. But not Hedda. She despised all men thinking they were all like her former husband. Cold, cruel, selfish and promiscuous. So when she was given one of the injured men to care for, she treated him as a captive thrall, only there to serve her basest needs. Eldberg, a Jarl in his own right, had no choice but to play along, biding his time until he was free to exact his revenge.
Unfortunately, this one fell a little flat for me. It moved along rather quickly with no real depth to the characters. The first few interactions between Hedda and Eldberg were rather crude and there were definitely consent issues. Hedda was portrayed as angry and unforgiving with no redeeming qualities to help me empathize with her and what happened to her in her past. I think I could like Eldberg?? I question this because we're never given any details or examples of his character other than him being a captive of Hedda. In fact, the same applies to Hedda. Who is she really? It's not a bad story. I just personally need more depth and development.
Title: Tamed by the Viking Author Felicity Brandon and co author Anna Quinn My fellow readers what in tarnation is wrong with Hetta?! If I was to Have a strong muscle bound Norse man tied to my bed - there’s no way that I would be playing dominate games like drink from or suck my toe with him. There are plenty other four play games that I would playing with him. Most of them would be clothing optional. I will give Hetta credit though. Hopping aboard the Norse ship is pleasurable floatation device. Clinging on to Eldberg is simply to irresistible to pass up for any woman. I would liked to have read more steamy sex scenes that lasted at least two or three pages with more explicit visual details. I need to have my imagination stimulated.It’s always a good time when bodies start slapping when doing the wild thang. Those are juiciest parts of the story I believe. Oh and let’s not forget more descriptive details of the Norse men’s main anatomy. I definitely need my imagination stimulated when I read about that. Readers this is one heck of a series for those of you who love reading about Vikings romance stories. Yes the sexually charged moments are most entertaining, but the plot is challenging and fascinating. This story tells the beginning journey of six women surviving the elements alone on an island. I found this love story to be quite pleasing. I give this book two snaps and a twist. Until next time my fellow readers. Read on!
Tbh I was expecting something more than what I got with this book.
It was an okay read. Mostly forgettable (for me) but somewhat interesting. Sadly I pushed through despite feeling like I'd DNF it half way through. That was more or less due to the heroine and how much I disliked her.
I'm all for a reversal in power where the woman is the captor instead of the captive for once. Interesting dynamics and with the general plot the book blurb laid out I figured it'd be intriguing. What I got though was a overly embittered and selfish heroine who I just could not like even after she supposedly softened towards the hero. Her treatment of him when he was her captive wasn't sexy or hot at all IMO. It felt less spicy and more like she was taking out her past trauma and hatred for her ex husband and all men out on the hero. Which was not only unfair it was a little too degrading for my tastes. So, maybe it was just more a it's me not you problem.
Either way, I just didn't like the heroine though. Her personality was near nonexistent outside of all her anger and bitter man hating behavior.
The overall story was ok though I don't think there was enough told or shown to make me want to pick up another book in this series but we'll see.
A simply wonderful read, great characters and wonderful story that I guarantee you’ll love
This was a simply wonderful first book in this simply splendid start to the series and I guarantee that you will be as enchanted by this first book as myself and will not be able to put the book down until you reach the end.
This is a wonderful Viking story which is full of wonderful characters and hot and teamy scenes that will hold your attention completely, you will also know that when you finish reading this the first book in the series you will be left looking forward to future books in the series.
I enjoyed the dynamics of her and Eldberg’s burgeoning relationship and I guarantee that you will love every single moment of this simply amazing read and guarantee that you will not be able to put down until you reach the final page in this wonderful boo.
I assure you that you will love every moment of this book it is simply a fantastic read. I voluntarily received and review an Advanced Reader Copy I thoroughly enjoyed the book and look forward to reading any future publications; keep up all the great writing.
Wow, what an exciting, steamy and intriguing first book in a series that promises to be great. The plot that includes an island of just women who adopt 6 Vikings shipwrecked on their island is fun and unique. The women are in control! I love that the women need the men to perpetuate their community, and some of them are lusting for the men too, but on their terms. Their previous experiences with the men who left the island were not that positive. The book has the extra element of intrigue with a seer and a little paranormal foretelling of the future which should tie the six novels together as different couples are featured but the stories all intertwine. I especially loved the earthy and lusty thoughts and dialog of the Viking men and the language used in the book. It makes the tale feel real. The first story with the jarl of the Vikings, Eldberg, butting heads with the strong and independent Hedda is perfect. It takes a while for Hedda to see any benefit to having men around again and the sparks fly and well as the passion.
Who Wouldn’t Want To Be Tamed ? Felicity Brandon and Anna Quinn teamed up for this Wonderful Viking Tale, Tamed By The Viking ,Book 1 in a new Series :Bound and Betrothed. This story of a scorned woman and a man who lost his only love come together in a Viking way of Hot Passion. It will definitely keep you Hot and Bothered ! Hedda was a bitter woman. The Jarl her husband treated her poorly. So she felt she needed no man to depend or care for her. Bitter you would say! Elberg was a Jarl. Well respected, Big , Strong , and Handsome. He lost his only love and was not going to find another. Why should he ? He could have anyone he wanted ! Hedda and Elberg meet when his ship wrecks on there island. The woman alone take care of all the men . Only Hedda makes Elberg her captive. When things suddenly turn around and she becomes the captive one all things change ! The only downside to this story is YOU Want More ! I kept turning the pages hoping for more ! I can’t wait for the next Book ! Kudos to them this is a Winner !
Six injured Vikings are shipwrecked upon an island settled by woman. Are they a danger, or shall they be tended back to health? Hedda wishes them dead and gone. She is demanding and authoritative to her prisoner. She insists on his humiliating response to her. Yet, within the inner core of her body, she feels a yearning for erotic experiences never before allowed to her. When Eldberg manages to escape, he is determined to seductively tease her while severely punishing her. Will he carry through on his original intentions?
This is a strong Enemies to Lovers story. It is filled with seduction, intense yearning, sensuous experiences, and surging desires. The way both Hedda and Eldberg fight their inner demons along with encouraging their surging desire made this an extremely seductive book.
What a short but yummy story. Stranded on an island. Six of 16 vikings survived and are now "guests" to the women on the island. Bound to a bed Eldberg tries to submit to the fiery wrench in the room until he has a chance to heal and flee. And her demands are not quite opposed to his interests. Even if it is not his wish to be in Heddas grip and ordered or bound in his actions.
Yesssssssss, back then, wild men, wild women and this was a unique situation we're the biking warrior was the captive. Liced the story and want to know more about the rest of the group. The audiobook additional highlighted the growly demands of Eldberg. Soooo good. It was just to short and I would have loved to be a bit more in the moments when they fell in live and changed their ways subtle to fit each other. 🥰
This book does a tremendous job of setting the stage about a "mist-erious" (pun intended), shipwreck of Viking warriors on an isolated island, inhabited by women and children, with only six, injured survivors. The world building is very descriptive and the added touch of immersion sound effects makes it come alive. This first story describes the leader who's caregiver is basically a man hater and not pleased with her assigned duty. As much as she believes that she'd rather stab him than save him, she's physically drawn to his brawny self. Without giving too much away, their interactions are complicated by both of their past lives. The characters are well fleshed out, great storyline, and the plot twisty spice is 🔥, Gareth J. Davies's performance was awesome. I look forward to reading the other five!
By Thor’s pounding hammer! What a great start to a series. I love a Viking story or six. Add in some huge hunky shipwrecked Vikings that have been taken captive, steamy scenes, power play, a headstrong woman and you have Book One in the Bound and Betrothed series, a dark Viking romance that I thoroughly enjoyed. Even though Hedda’s earlier portrayal in the story had me disliking her, once the story evolved I enjoyed the dynamics of her and Eldberg’s burgeoning relationship. Hoping that they could sort themselves out and admit how they both really felt about one another. I’ll be eagerly awaiting what will happen with them in future books and looking forward to getting to know the other couples. If you like dark romance then I recommend you read this story.
Tamed by the Viking by Felicity Brandon and Anna Quinn, is the hugely romantic story of Eldberg and Hedda! Set in 962 AD, this story was exciting, exhilarating, and full of unexpected surprises!! Eldberg and a ship full of men are wrecked on a desolate island, run entirely by women. The women decide to make use of the six injured castaways.
Hedda is one tough woman!! No fear. No sympathy. But, fierce and unrelenting. Eldberg is strong, intense, used to being in control and making decisions. This situation is entirely new to him…and not necessarily in a good way.
Immensely enjoyed this story and these characters!! Such a departure from what I usually read…but, a hugely gratifying departure!!!! Excellent story!!
This story was full of grit, steam, survival, and love. There were no men left to protect and care for Hedda and her family and friends. For quite a while, they were alone and learned how to survive. Fate brought Eldberg and a few of his men to their island. Hedda's past dictated how she treated Eldberg, especially as she learned about power. Eldberg was gruff but willing to put up with Hedda's treatment of him, planning on his revenge, until he lost his heart to her. Hedda fought her emotions and feelings but finally acknowledged her love. It took me a bit to like Hedda, but overall, this was a good story.
The narration by Gareth J. Davies brought life to these characters, and he did a wonderful job keeping the many different personalities separate.
In the land of the blind, the one-eyed man is king ...
On Hoy, the women are in charge. The men are gone, dead or fled, and are only missed in the bed. A shipwreck brings six injured and unconscious men to the island, and it is hoped they will father babes. Eldburg has loved and lost, once to death, and once to his lover's true love, now, faced with a woman who desires but dislikes him, he needs to be careful. Brandon and Quinn, (aka de Maupassant) have crafted a wonderful, sensual tale, which sees a woman who has suffered at the hands of a man learn to accept one in her life again. The men here featured in de Maupassant's Viking trilogy, and it is good to see Eldburg find happiness.
Seduction, Seers, Fate. This story caught my unwavering attention from the first page and never let go. It's a jaw dropping passionate love story for sure. I will call this an enemy to lovers' kind of story. I wasn't a fan of the negative spiteful Hedda in the beginning, but this is a romance story after all, and of course she did win me over. Now Eldberg the big passionate Viking certainly caught my fancy big time. Oh Yes! Swoon worthy A very passionate emotional story with a rewarding ending that has me looking forward to the next book in the series. ✔Mature Advisory:🧯🧯🧯🧯 ✔I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy for my honest thoughts and opinion.
Audiobook: I was entertained by the first book in the "Bound and Betrothed" series. Six Vikings were shipwrecked upon an island which was mostly inhabited by women. Each Viking was placed within one woman's household, so that the woman could nurse the Viking back to health. This was Eldberg and Hedda's story. Their path to love was complicated and tortuous. Each character was fierce, independent, and proud. There were some very descriptive steamy scenes. Gareth J. Davies' narration was amazing, and his performance enhanced the story's entertainment. I was given a free copy of the audiobook, and I have voluntarily posted this review.
I have never really read any Viking romance, but the premise of this series really intrigued me. The story was novella length, and it was fast-paced and easy to read. I struggled with some of the earlier interactions between the two main characters. There were consent issues between the couple at first, and Hedda’s treatment of Eldberg when she held him captive didn’t sit well with me. Hedda didn’t come across as a very sympathetic character, and I wasn’t clear on how/when she fell for Eldberg. I’d have liked to see some additional character development, though that’s usually the case in a novella. Overall, it was an enjoyable read, and I will keep going with the series.
I love love Vikings and this one was amazing. There's so much mystery that is intriguing and I couldn't stop reading.
Eldberg and Hedda are a force to be reckoned with both strong willed and such strong individuals but compattable in every single way, there are alot of emotions layed out for us that just melt your heart. I really loved them both.
Now I have to say I was nervous of the outcome as Hedda is very headstrong and I enjoyed their banter and powerplay between them both. Now I'm even more reading that ending. I need the next one like yesterday. Just brilliant.
At one time in my life I was a strictly historical romance reader, so I was really excited to see that two of my favorite authors were going to be releasing a Viking series. I wasn't disappointed. It's a dark, enemies to lovers tale that's full of suspense and angst. It's also loaded with steamy scenes. The characters are fantastic, I'm a sucker for strong females and dark brooding males. It's also beautifully written with amazing world building that dragged me in to the world and kept me there. This is one co-writing partnership that I can't wait to read more of.
I haven’t read or listened to many Viking romances, but I truly enjoyed this one! It’s a very promising first in a new series, and it’s about six Vikings who are shipwrecked on an island where only women live. Each of the six injured men is cared for by one of the women. This is the story of Eldberg and Hedda. Although she initially treats him as her prisoner, and uses him for her pleasure, Hedda slowly discovers that not all men behave badly. I really loved this spicy story!
This review is based on the audiobook. Narrator Gareth J. Davies outdid himself with this one. It was an absolute pleasure listening to him.