Wooing the Devil

The Noble Norsemen #3

by Virginie Marconato

Nicknamed “Devil" for his fiery hair and hot temper, Rune cannot resist the temptation of a wild night with a beautiful Saxon during his visit to East Anglia. But that one night of pleasure will have more far-reaching consequences than he had first imagined.

Eowyn has always wanted to live her life freely. Her meeting with the fierce Norseman will force her to see that reality is catching up with her.

When fate and well-meaning friends force them to spend more time together, secret fears and hopes start to emerge. Soon they come to see that nothing less than a lifetime together will be enough.

245 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 23, 2024

About the author

I think I became a writer the day I decided to write a (very bad, shamefully close to the real story) version of White Fang when aged nine or ten! As for the Middle Ages I fell in love with it at school during a history lesson, then Kevin Costner’s Robin Hood put its final seal on it all. A girl of twelve then, I never recovered!

Reviews

[Ckelsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full disclosure, I have not yet read the books prior to this one in the series. With that said, I don’t think there was anything that I missed due to not having read the previous books.

The story itself was great. The relationship between Rune and Eowyn is full drama and intrigue. Both have their own healing that needs to occur in order to be the best for a relationship so we see a lot of them working through their own challenges both alone and together.

Great spice to plot ratio with good character development. Definitely a fun and easy read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rainelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wooing the Devil. When I mean this book is hot, it’s sizzling hot! Listen to this girls. I think that we have met one of our first Rakes in the historical romance stories. Rune/ Devil is a man with swagger and a huge appetite for bedding women. This is not the just of the story readers. The part that captures my attention is the contemplation Run and Enwory think through to make both their lives better for themselves. These moments were written with meticulous thought and care. The writer understood that these moments were part of the crust that brings the pie together. The pie being the love story. The romance was one of lust. Sensual pleasure and burning desire. I give his book two snaps and a, I’m patiently waiting for the next book to drop. Until next time my fellow readers. Read on!

[Fiona · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a story of two very different complex people and their journey in self discovery and love. Rune is a Norseman who was visiting the Saxon land and met Eowyn. They spent lustful time together that summer before Rune went back home. She feel pregnant but was happy with her son. Rune came back the next summer and found Eowyn and the baby. Through a lot of misunderstandings, self reflection and realization and unwanted trouble they learn to accept each other and build the love and family they both crave. I enjoyed the book it took you on an emotional journey.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ingrid Gail · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my third book by this author and just like the first book it is an easy read and it pulls you in fast!


I love the description of the Norsemen as they first came to England and how they interacted with the local people, although I do think they are depicted nicer than the original ones probably were.
It is a great book for nestling on the sofa under a blanket with a cup of cocoa.


So if you like a bit of spice as well as details about Saxon and Norse life and love, with romance and palpable tension, this is the book for you!

[Lwalalba · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a delightful read, I enjoyed the historical setting, not one I've read much about and the MCs were strong characters. A great first read for me from this author and I'll definitely read more of her books. I received a free ARC and this is my honest review.

[Erin Anfinson-pirani · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was offered a BETA copy of: Wooing the Devil via Virginie.
The story is part of a series, but it can also be read as a stand alone.
It takes place during the Viking era... one of the MC's Rhune, comes all the way from Denmark on expedition. There he meets the Female MC: Eowyn, whom he has a sensual romp with. Well, he disappears for a few months, then decides to come back to Eowyn's village.
The beginning starts off strong, I was surprised by the opening, I wasn't expecting a sensuality right away.
*Note* This story is full of smut; there is a reason it's for mature audiences. It boarders on Erotic.... heated and unbridled situations. Which is great, if you don't mind very detailed romps.... just make sure you're not around other people.
The author gives great character descriptions as well as colorful scenery; although, I was thrown off why the Male MC comes back to the female mc's village. I'm sure he didn't come all the way from Denmark for a booty call.
I also wish Rhune's profession was stated early on in the book, I was left questioning what his vocation was.
Well, throughout the book, Eowyn and Rhune face emotional and physical challenges; which they need to grapple with on a solitary level.
All in all, I would classify this as second-chance romance, with a sweet ending.
(Spice level: Habanero: Super spicy) I recommend this story for anyone who likes smut & stalwart, hunky Norsemen.

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I recieved a free copy of the book but this review is my very own honest opinion :)

“Wooing the Devil” has two insecure people meeting, falling in lust and then doubting each other for most of the time, before getting their well deserved HEA.

It’s wellwritten and both of the maincharacters do some clever reasoning on page, so the story actually moves forward at a fine pace.

There are no real extra side-plots, nothing to take your focus off the development of Rune and Eowyns relations - and that’s fine :)

It did feel a bit rushed in the end, many things had to happen in few pages, but overall I was really invested in this book.

3.5 ⭐️s
Not much 🔥 on page, but some plus detailed descriptions in flashbacks 😎
There is a great variation of kissing though 😊

I haven’t read the books before this, in the series, but that was fine - There was plenty of background information.

[Caitalin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great story of finding love when you least expect it. It is part of a series but was easily read as a stand alone. It definite made me want to read the previous stories. Eoywyn and Rune were wonderfully flawed, leaving them able to have real growth from beginning to end. The description of intimacy was just right and wasn't overbearing on the story itself. I would've like to know why Rune came back but It didn't ruin the story for me not to know. Definitely going to recommend this one.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Courtney · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book in The Noble Norsemen series. It can be read as a stand alone. This book is spicy, emotional and has a touch of action. It was easy to fall in love with Eowyn and Rune. They have obstacles and insecurities they both must deal with in order to be together. I loved the plot, it was well defined and hit the period. I can't wait to read more books in this series.

[Maria Dariotis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this tantalizing tale full of passion and intrigue, Virginie Marconato is a new to me author and I’ve been blown away by her writing!

Definitely will be reading more of her work!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ann M · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wooing the Devil is the 3rd book in the Noble Norsemen series by Virginie Marconato. The books of the series are interwoven (character overlap), but but is a perfectly delightful story to read as a stand-alone. It is a Viking romance set in East Anglia.

Rune, a Danish shipbuilder sails to East Anglia to test the quality of his handwork. Being called “the Devil” by the locals because of his fiery red hair he stands out as a beacon among the Saxons. Before returning home, he spends a wild night with a beautiful Saxon woman called Eowyn. Eowyn has always followed her own rules, searching for pleasure and therefore gaining a certain reputation. But this time the night has consequences. When Rune returns a year later, he finds Eowyn with a red-haired child – his son, named after him. When forced to spend more time together, secrets from the past emerge alongside with secret hopes and fears. Can they be a family despite of everything or will Rune leave yet again?

The writing style of the author is easy to follow and the story moves forward at a good pace. The only thing is, that for me the end was a little rushed in proportion to the whole story. That being said, the story is rather straightforward without confusing side-plots. I have not yet read the first two books prior to this one in the series, but that was not a problem as plenty of background information was offered. The historical background is well set and you sort of feel as if you are involved in actual history. The story itself is interesting – full of drama and intrigue and also has a touch of danger. Character development is good – the characters are believable and interesting. As Rune is Danish and Eowyn a Saxon, it was really interesting to see, how the author solved their language barrier (I especially like it that it is not just mentioned in one place, but throughout the book – makes it more believable). Rune is a protective, caring and considerate man behind the Devil’s façade and Eowyn…well she is a bit unconventional and ahead of her time (by some centuries yet), but refreshing and interesting. Both of them carry past wounds and are mistrustful and trying to protect themselves. Rune and Eowyn are very different from each other and they both have their own insecurities to battle, but they are strong individuals and the chemistry between them is powerful. There is some steam but mostly loads of lust. In the end they figure out what is important and work together as a team despite their misunderstandings. So even if their road towards a HEA is a bit bumpy, they fully deserve their new beginning.

All in all it was a fun and quick story and I really enjoyed reading it. Cannot wait to read other books in this series.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Deborah Durand · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rune and Eowyn

The author weaves this tale as if she was a witness. Readers will feel as if they too are witnesses to actual history. It’s a wonder and delight that Marconato has given us a tale that appears to be an actual historical account rather than a fictional romance. This can be read as a standalone, but the other Norseman and their stories help to connect the characters in this novel. Rune is from Denmark just like Sigurd, the Beast, from the previous novel. He’s returning to the Saxony village after being gone for a year to hopefully enjoy the charms of Eowyn as he did before. Instead he finds she has a babe with red hair named after him. Because of his past which is unknown to Eowyn, Rune is mistrustful not believing the child is his. Slowly both begin to unravel the details of their tragic childhoods and that helps to alleviate the pain that they cause each other. Their journey towards happiness is thwarted by the cruelty, bigotry and superstition that is rife in some of the Saxony villagers. The author does an excellent job sharing the MC’s thoughts and doubts that plague them. She also details what it’s like to live in Medieval times as if we were all just taking a walk in the woods. Rich in details and village life, the story rises to life from the pages. Enjoy Rune, Eowyn and Little Rune’s adventures…it’s scary, tragic and wonderful.
This novel is just as enjoyable as Sigurd’s tale, so I may have two favorites. 😉
I have received an ARC from the author and I am leaving an unbiased review voluntarily.

[Josee A · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eowyn and Rune are wonderfully complex characters who are super intense. I love their interactions. Their honest way they view life while still trying to protect themselves and figure out what is important to them as well as figuring out where they fit together. The struggle for trusting each other was real. Rune's character is such that he made me laugh, cry, hate him, love him...all the emotions. Eowyn's character was definitely a different take on the conventional characters we often see. I absolutely adored her and the way she was written and how Marconato brought a human emotional element to a character who is often judged harshly. The heat and emotions are definitely present here. Brilliant. I received this as an ARC and all thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Cherie S · Rating 4 out of 5]

Secrets, Friends, Confessions:
An interesting story of two insecure people in an absorbing journey of finding what love is all about.
Their journey was quite difficult with so many emotional secrets that caused a lot of insecurities which caused some incredible misunderstandings before they found their HEA.
The story had me laughing, shedding a few tears, clenching my teeth and heart pounding many times.
Heavy on descriptive intimacy throughout that I would have enjoyed a little less of and more charisma between Rune and Eowyn.
I enjoyed having previous character from previous books. A terrifying last couple of chapters but a very happy and rewarding epilogue.
💖Cover
👀I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy for my honest thoughts and opinion.

[Elizabeth C. · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you're looking for a low action, more personal growth driven book, this one is for you. Rune is a typical gruff/protective/caring hero and Eowyn is a strong heroine ahead of her time. It has a little bit of spice, and a whole lot of lust, which to me was a bit too central to their story, but might be other readers' cup o tea. History nerds may frown at a few details, but it's accurate enough to not be pulled out of the time period completely. I liked the tropes (no spoilers here), the language barrier added humor and I was happy with the ending.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sahar's Honest Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Lust Turns into Love

Eowyn and Rune had a few nights to remember, but what Rune did not know was that he left something behind when he left. He was back, but why, and would he stay? Eowyn and Rune had some secrets, and they both had to have some serious healing before they could admit their love for one another. Rune lived across the sea. Would he leave Eowyn behind? How would the story end? This is an entertaining story. I enjoyed it and would recommend it to those who like historical romance.

[Kate W · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a romantic story that she some twists and turns in so many directions to find their happily ever after. The storytelling was such an easy read with great character development and I could glimpse the devil but the wooing does go both ways. It was so good meeting the other characters from the series I would recommend to read this in the order.

[Laura R · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a historical romance in which a one-night stand leads to an unplanned baby. Then a year later, the father reappears and is unaware of his child. Both of the of the main characters have issues they must deal in addition to their child. In the end, they get their HEA.

[Reader · Rating 1 out of 5]

Just no….

[Robyne Solis Breor · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.


This was a fun read and went fairly quickly. POV was in third person, but shifts between which character that was being focused on was a bit choppy and unclear at times. Full of misunderstandings and twists, you don't really know what to expect. There are mentions of sexual assault and rape, but nothing in detail. Very minor sexual scenes between MMC and FMC, so if light spice is your thing, this book is perfect.