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Vikings of Honor #1-3

The Emerald Isle Trilogy Boxed Set

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The Emerald Isle Trilogy
Raeliksen, Mac Liam, and The Fall of Rain

One man risks his life to save her.
Another risks his heart to love her.
Who will be the victor?

Three of Renee Vincent’s bestselling and critically acclaimed historical Viking romance novels are now available in one spellbinding bundle.

Full of fast-paced adventure, unforeseen plot twists, and courageous, to-die-for heroes like you’ve never read before, this extraordinary boxed set is sure to satisfy every readers’ craving for the ultimate in historical Viking romance.

911 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 11, 2014

78 people are currently reading
315 people want to read

About the author

Renee Vincent

21 books184 followers
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.

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5 stars
141 (42%)
4 stars
101 (30%)
3 stars
50 (15%)
2 stars
22 (6%)
1 star
15 (4%)
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
Profile Image for Seon Ji (Dawn).
1,051 reviews275 followers
April 13, 2016
Book 1

4.5 stars.

An Irish princess who catches the eye of a Viking Cheiftian. He watches her for weeks and decides she will be his bride. As he watches her, determined this day to reveal himself and profess his love and desire to make her his wife, a fleet of viking ships approach and he now has to save her from a potenital bad situation.

And here the story begins. It is a beautiful and tragic tale. I can't wait to start the next book.

What I liked was the amazing amount of research the author must have done of both of Viking and Irish history. The romance was beautful, I loved Daegan, He was just beautiful. Mara was likable, but clearly not as developed as Daegan. I wish there was more detail of her life and who she was. We only get a few glimpses. She is young, 19, but I still feel there should have been more personality about her. The secondary characters are even more developed than Mara IMHO, or at least have some personal traits about them that make them seem more cohesive. From what I can see, it looks like book 2 will go deeper into her character.

The story is slow to progess, and the real action doesn't come about until towards the end. This is not to say the book was boring by any means. I didn't skim at all. I loved all the time Daegan and Mara shared together.

There are a few twists I didn't expect and some that I saw coming.

I will continue my review after reading the next,

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Book 2 (Mac Liam) 4 stars

This books takes places 7 years after the last. It is hard not to give spoilers about book one I will try not to.

I like that we still follow Mara and the secondary characters from book 1. We also meet a few new ones as well. My favorite being Aesa and (I forgot his name) Deagan's older brother. I really liked the two of them very much and wished there was a little more about them. The 4th book (which is actually #1 in a new series) I believe, is suppose to continue his story. :)

I am happy to say that this one has a HEA so no worries on that front. Our hero in this book is now the sweet and wonderful Breadan. Again, the hero is far more developed and 3 dimensional than Mara even after this being her second appearance in this series. I still find her character lacking something that I just can't put my finger on. Yes she is beautiful and smart and loving, but I find her somewhat bland and flat. I got a little irritated at her in this one as due to her lack of action at times, and her lack of speaking up (especially when Tait confronts Breadan in the longhouse for the first time). She seems to always just stand back and watch, never trying to intervene. At least she does in the end.

The story is still very good, and I love Breadan he was just so perfect. My problem is that I just don't see why Breadan or Deagan fell in love with Mara. Maybe I am just used to heroines being more active in the conflicts of the books I read? Anyway I still liked it alot and cannot wait to jump into the third book.
___________________________________________________________
Book 3

4 stars

Modern day Ireland.

This is a story that in some way continues the story of Deagan and Mara. This is not a time travel but a past life story.

I am not a big fan of contemporary romance, usually due to the fact they always seem to be too over the top with slang and immature dialogue (for the most part). This book does neither.

The story revolves around archeologist Leif who lives on Ins Mor and Lorraine or "Rain" to her friends who lives in Kentucky with her good friend (only a friend) Patrick. Rain was engaged to a man who broke her her by sleeping with another woman. Patrick hates seeing his good friend so upset and pays for her to take a trip to Ireland (where she has always wanted to go) so she can take her mind off things.

Rain has always dreamed since childhood of a her handsome blond knight in shinning armor. A recurring dream, so it's no surprise when she meets Leif on the cliffs in Ins Mor that she faints because he is the man she has been dreaming of.

Again the story is a bit slow going, but holds my interest. And again the author doesn't get the action until near the end. I liked the story but had a few problems with the logic and also felt this should have been longer and could have been more than what it was.

The logic was Leif kicking Rain out when she confided in him about their past lives together. I feel he had more than enough proof to believe her by all the knowledge she had that only an expert would have known. I also don't believe that if he felt that strong for her he would continue to push her away.

All in all I really enjoyed the three books and plan to read the next one with Aesa and Gustaf. (the warriors series)

I give the entire series a 4.5 overall. The books made me feel all sorts of emotions and I liked that the characters remained through the series, bringing them even closer to my heart.

I would recommend this to my friends and I plan to read more from this author.





17 reviews
November 23, 2014
Smitten,Sweet and Smoddering

Great historical scenes,the storylines jump off the page! I lived with these characters thru all the books and was glad to get back to them. The loving was sweetly carnal and I was surprised by how refreshingly easy was designed. This is the kind of reading mothers should encourage their very hormonal daughters to read on what love making is....tender and special,as all women are.Amen
Profile Image for Virginia Campbell.
1,282 reviews350 followers
August 9, 2016
Whether she is writing about grand historical romantic adventures or contemporary love with its modern complexities, author Renee Vincent puts her heart and soul into her storytelling. Renee's remarkable book series, "The Emerald Isle Trilogy", is now available in a specially-priced boxed set. This is a series to savor, one that will stay in your heart and mind and lead to your own dreams of irresistible Irishmen and magnetic Northmen! The powerful and moving love story of Daegan Raeliksen and his Lady Mara will resonate long after the last page is read. This is historical romantic fiction at its best, written by an author inspired by the legends and lure of ancient Ireland and Norway. Renee Vincent has brought to life a turbulent time in history when cultures collided and to the victor went the spoils! Only a love story as intense as "Raeliksen" could match the true passions and intrigue of tumultuous Ireland of Olde! Daegan is a charismatic Northmen, a world-traveling tradesman, and a leader of his people. One look at a beautiful maiden who visits his favorite secluded woodland spot takes his breath and steals his heart. He soon learns that she is Mara, daughter of an Irish king, a woman who should be forbidden to a Northman. Daegan is not a man to be denied, and fate and undeniable love soon set in place an adventurous course of events. When two hearts truly love, no risk is too great to keep that love safe. The timeless melding of two souls in spiritual and sensual union is both poignant and passionate. Not to be missed! Breandan Mac Liam is a man who knows his heart belongs to only one woman, the beautiful Irish princess, Mara. For years he has loved her, dreamed of her, and held her close in his thoughts. However, Mara was the wife of a charming Northman chieftain, Daegan Raeliksen, and she was to remain unattainable to Breandan. When their paths unexpectedly cross years later, much has changed, and Breandan is once again a captive of his love for Mara. Sent to retrieve Mara by her dying father, Breandan must put his own desires aside to protect the woman he loves and return her to her home to grant the last wish of the king. In, "Mac Liam", the second book in "The Emerald Isle Trilogy", Renee Vincent once again takes us back to a time of great adventure and grand passions. Skillfully blending historical fact with exciting action and battle scenes and soul-scorching romance, she places the reader in Ireland of Olde. Her brave and brawny Northmen, the explorers and conquerors, are intriguing and vividly drawn. The conflicts and merging of these two cultures would change the face of the world forever, with far-reaching consequences. An endlessly fascinating era in time for lovers of history and great romantic characters. The third book in the series, "The Fall of Rain", blends history and modern times in a thrilling, imaginative, and ultimately rewarding love story for the ages. Leif Daeganssen embarks on a soul-searching quest to connect his Scandinavian heritage back to the Dark Ages of the Emerald Isle. An archeologist, Leif is thrilled to discover an ancient pagan chest symbolizing a link between cultures of olde and a bridge across time. Lorraine O'Connor dreams of a bold Norse warrior whose passionate kisses stir her blood and stir up memories of a life and love from long ago. Is the past the key to the future for Leif and Lorraine?
165 reviews1 follower
July 11, 2014
I'm usually not a fan of historical romance but I loved this series. I laughed, I cheered, I cried...This is not your typical romance series, sometimes we don't always get the happy every after we wished for. Sometimes someone has to sacrifice their own happiness for the person they love. You definitely must read all three books, just make sure to have a box of tissues near by when you do.
Profile Image for Dottie.
307 reviews8 followers
July 25, 2016
You do not want to miss this deliciously romantic, adventure-packed series which is now available in a boxed set! Taken from my review at RomanceJunkies.com:


This is a collection of exhilarating stories that carry readers off to another place and time. The well-drawn characters and Ms. Vincent’s wonderful storytelling prose brings this vividly colorful era to life.

RAELIKSEN

Mara has grown up believing that Norsemen are all violent marauders and rapists. So when Norseman Daegan comes to her rescue as the real marauders approach, she fights him and manages to temporarily escape him, only to be knocked unconscious due to an unseen obstacle. Recapturing her for her own safety, Daegan slowly wins her trust. Mara cannot help drowning in his beautiful blue eyes and when he kisses her, the rest of the world falls away. But will her father, the king, agree to a marriage between his daughter and a merchant Norseman?

MAC LIAM

Breandan MacLiam, a young hunter from Ireland, longs to be a husband and a lover. He has been in love with Connacht princess Mara for years, but he has never felt comfortable enough to approach her. By the time he is introduced to her, she is already married to Daegan. When her husband is killed before he even gets a chance to see his son born, Mara is left alone on the solitary Emerald Isle of Inis Mor to raise her child, no longer the lighthearted woman she once was. As Brendan begins to get glimpses of her during his waking hours, he believes it as a premonition and prays to see her once more. But he is amazed when he receives orders to bring Mara to her father, the king, who is on his deathbed. To do so, he must take her across the dangerous lands of Connacht. Is this his chance to win her love?

THE FALL OF RAIN

While trying to trace his Scandinavian roots and prove that his ancestors once lived on the Emerald Isle of Inis Mor, Leif Daeganssen, an archaeologist from Norway, is compelled to purchase a home there and discovers a large old chest filled with ancient antiquities. Rain, who lives on a horse farm in Kentucky, has been dreaming of a Norse warrior who kisses her as she sleeps and disappears when she awakens. Her best friend talks her into taking a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Ireland. While sightseeing in Inis Mor, Rain sees a man on horseback who is the spitting image of her dream warrior and she passes out. Leif sees her stumble and takes the unconscious woman to his home. As they begin to realize that there is a connection between them, Rain starts to have black-out periods in which she is with Leif in another place and time, although the modern Leif is not aware of what is happening to her when she has these spells. Can she get him to recall their past life together, or will her attempts doom their relationship?

Absolutely delicious, the EMERALD ISLE TRILOGY is an exciting series of books you do not want to miss. The first two books, RAELIKSEN and MAC LIAM, will pick you up and set you into a distant era, bringing the people and the places to vibrant life right before your eyes. You cannot help empathizing with the characters as you feel what they are experiencing. Unlike these two stories, the third one, THE FALL OF RAIN is set in a contemporary setting and wraps up the series beautifully as the past and the present unite. Renee Vincent is a gifted author who infuses her stories with sexy Vikings, humor, passion, surprising plot twists, secrets, danger, complex characters, romance, love and even reincarnation. The EMERALD ISLE TRILOGY is an ingenious series that is sure to leave readers clamoring for more stories by this extraordinary author. This set is one you will want to read again and again. If you are a lover of romance, be sure to pick up this set! In my opinion, these books are unparalleled for reading satisfaction!

Dottie, RomanceJunkies.com
Profile Image for Maria .
2,488 reviews23 followers
July 20, 2014
This trilogy was truly amazing. I read 5-6 books a week and I always read the books I buy in their entirety. If they are a series boxed set, such as this, I most definitely enjoy reading the books back to back. With this said, I have to sincerely say that Raeliksen is my all time favorite in this genre of Norseman/Vikings. It created such a complete array of emotions in me...to the extent that I had to stop reading because my tears would not let me. So, I stopped for five minutes to sob and have a good emotionally charged cry. It was one of those cries that is healthy for your soul. To me, when a book can do this to me, it stays in my soul and Renee Vincent was able to do this to me, the reader. I could feel the gamut of feelings that the fantastically emotional characters were portraying with their undying love for each other throughout their emotional rollercoaster journey of life. I dislike giving away spoilers, so I will not do this here. I can say that sometimes God puts a true, beautiful and emotional love out there that can survive everything. This the Emerald Trilogy does just that, it makes you feel emotions that sincerely touch the depths of your soul.

For the emotional connection I developed with this book, I continued to read the second and was opened minded, which allowed me to once again feel for their turmoil and root for characters, then book three I truly went in with an open mind and I loved it. It tied everything up for me. And now, I have read The tempest warrior, which is really book 4 to me. This book will start off a new series of Ms. Vincent, which I am truly looking forward to, but she has been a little too slow for my liking in getting it done. I want to continue this new series also.

In my way of reading a series, I read the whole series, than I feel as though I truly took the time to intake it all in and understand the story in its entirety. I do not think it is fair, if I don't take the time to do this and then review it. If I were not to complete a series, I would not feel comfortable giving it a review because I had not completed it. As an avid reader it is my responsibility to read the description of the book, I am about to purchase to make sure it is the kind of book I want to spend my time with and complete its journey.

With the Emerald Isle Trilogy, I did just that. I recommend this book to individuals who want to take a fantastic journey through the power of love. In this series, time and time again you see how powerful love can be. On this journey you are about to embark on bring a box of tissue with you. Seldom do books that I read make me cry wholeheartedly...these did. If you truly love this genre and you believe in the power of love...get these books and complete the journey. It is one of my all time favorites in the Viking/Norseman genre. It is a keeper in my collection.

Thank you to Renee Vincent for creating such a touching journey. I look forward to the continuation of the Tempest Warrior.
1,404 reviews7 followers
August 13, 2014
The Emerald Isle Trilogy
Raeliksen, Mac Liam, and The Fall of Rain

One man risks his life to save her.
Another risks his heart to love her.
Who will be the victor?

Three of Renee Vincent’s bestselling and critically acclaimed historical Viking romance novels are now available in one spellbinding bundle.

Full of fast-paced adventure, unforeseen plot twists, and courageous, to-die-for heroes like you’ve never read before, this extraordinary boxed set is sure to satisfy every readers’ craving for the ultimate in historical Viking romance.

### Review

"I didn't believe it was possible to take Daegan and Mara's incredible love story to another level, but I am extremely pleased to be wrong. Every word seemed to have a purpose in helping create a beautiful and poetic ending to an unforgettable trilogy. If you've never heard of the name Renee Vincent then you're missing out on quality reading that's worth every second of your undivided attention. It's an escapists dream and I will most certainly be back for more."
**~ 5 Stars TOP PICK ~ Night Owl Reviews**

"An ingenious ending to an amazing trilogy! This series has become my all-time favorite."
**~ 5 Blue Ribbons ~ Romance Junkies**
Profile Image for NhaughtyV says Damn the Zon Save the Reviews .
1,289 reviews193 followers
March 9, 2016
*RAELIKSEN*

"You have made me believe that love is stronger than a sword arm and more eternal than the last breath of a dying warrior on the battlefield."

Raeliksen is a beautiful viking story filled with everything but a HEA...oh how this book gutted me. So many feels. This is not your typical bodice ripper historical romance. The author spins a tale so real you feel as if you are in the middle of the fiecre battles as well as the warmth of the love between Mara and Daegan. Highly recommend!

"I am where I want to be...in your arms...waiting the start of another day...whether it be here...or in the next life...I will wait for you...Forever and a day, I will wait for you..."

*MAC LIAM*

"My love for you was born long before I was. 'Tis as much a part of me as my own soul."

As promised by the author, I got my HEA in this installment!

Breandan and Mara's tale is a beautiful viking romance that I highly recommend!

*THE FALL OF RAIN*

"My journey's end begins with you, Rain."

What a beautiful ending to Renee Vincent's viking trilogy. These stories are a must for historical romance lovers!! Highly recommend!
Profile Image for Maddie James.
Author 147 books468 followers
May 12, 2014
Everyone once in a while an author comes along who can tell a story like no other, and Renee Vincent is one of those authors. Her lush descriptions of setting, her attention to historical detail, all weave together into a story of love, lust, and yes, even a man's faith in God. To take a story to places where some authors would only dare to go--and to take a risk on telling the story as it was meant to be told, even if it is against the norm, takes both courage and skill.

The Emerald Isle Trilogy is a deep, intense, and powerful story of love in a time of hardship. It is a story of love that crosses over the boundaries of life and death, and even time. I guarantee you will never forget the characters, and you will never forget how they lived and loved. Renee Vincent tells the story of Daegan and Mara from her heart. I highly recommend.
Profile Image for Theresa Needham fehse.
447 reviews16 followers
June 6, 2014
Free book for honest review. juliesbookreview.blogspot.com

One man risks his life to save her.
Another risks his heart to love her.
Who will be the victor?



Review: This trilogy is great. There are crazy plot twists that are so unexpected (the author threw me for a serious loop with one or two) and yet they fit into the story. To me the books are tied together by their characters and at the same time so very different. Great job by the author. This is not your typical Historical Romance so get ready for a great read with an exciting plot and a few surprises.


5 stars
Theresa
24 reviews3 followers
April 17, 2014
The writing is superb.........Great, best romance.

the author really knows romance. fantastic love story. a little too much sex when the
reader should be able to use their imagination. Romance readers please read....




Great thanks for the end.


611 reviews
January 24, 2015
I absolutely loved this trilogy! Hot Vikings + steamy love scenes + undying passion = a great historical romance trilogy!!! This series is well written! I could not wait to see what was happening next in this trilogy!! Highly recommend this trilogy!!
45 reviews
February 9, 2015
Emerald isle

These three stories were very good. Enough action, intrigue and romance, and in the it came full circle and everyone got what they craved.
Profile Image for Joanne.
141 reviews6 followers
March 18, 2016
4.5 star. Book one tore me up! Book two was exactly what I expected. Book three was well you just need to read it! Definitely recommend this series!!
1 review1 follower
December 26, 2015
Loved book 1&2. Third book a big disappointment. Just a retelling set in current time.
Profile Image for Trudy Miner.
415 reviews7 followers
June 14, 2014
All three books were included. Read them all and loved them all!
Profile Image for Debra Beckman.
64 reviews2 followers
July 7, 2014
Loved the last book, hated the ending of the first book. So glad I had all three in a row to read!
Profile Image for Renee.
8 reviews
April 29, 2020
Ræliksen and Mac Liam where great books with Ræliksen being the best of the series. Daegan heroic death in book 1 made it an made it an amazing read with a less than predictable plots.... I might just be a bit dark and twisty!!! For book 2 in was not as into the romance of Mara and Mac Liam but still had great story plots. I felt it relied too much on Ræliksen to tell the story making Mac Liam second best as opposed to his own love story.

I could not read The Fall of Rain which is why the series is not 5 stars. My sensibility could just not jump from well written Viking stories to modern day Kentucky.... nope sorry!!!! Tempered Steel should have been book 3 and the fall of rain as a stand alone addition.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
237 reviews3 followers
March 29, 2020
Emerald Isle Escapade

This was a light-hearted read with adventures that helped pass the “remaining at home time” during COVID-19. For lovers of hero and heroine books, this is a good read.
37 reviews
August 18, 2018
Quite an interesting trilogy....I was a little worried about book 3, but it blew my socks off...great job, Renee Vincent...
Profile Image for Tracy Yandle.
33 reviews
July 20, 2015
Totally Awesome Books

I love these books! The story flows and takes you in and it's some of the best books I've ever read. I highly recommend this set if you are looking for a totally awesome hero and heroine. They are worth paying for and hope everyone who reads these wonderful books agree.
Profile Image for A.M. Westerling.
Author 15 books62 followers
June 23, 2015
I would actually give this book 3 1/2 stars. I thought the author did a wonderful job with historical detail and setting but the relationship between the hero, Daegan, and heroine, Mara, seemed a little shallow to me. The writing was okay although the prose was a little too weighty for my liking.
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