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The Viking's Royal Temptation
Enjoy this thrilling debut Viking romance from Roxy Harper.
Duty vs. desire…
Which will win?
Princess and healer Theadora doesn’t flinch at the sight of armed soldiers. Yet when another uprising threatens to disturb Constantinople’s peace, and Varangian guard Erik bursts into her sanitorium, she’s stunned by her body’s immediate reaction to the rugged Viking…
After the tragic loss of his family, Erik vowed to never love again. So he refuses to let his inconvenient attraction to Thea distract him from his duty: escorting her to marry the king of Macedonia.
If Thea doesn’t wed, her people will suffer, so can the star-crossed lovers fight their feelings, as well as their enemies?
From Harlequin Historical: Your romantic escape to the past.
Duty vs. desire…
Which will win?
Princess and healer Theadora doesn’t flinch at the sight of armed soldiers. Yet when another uprising threatens to disturb Constantinople’s peace, and Varangian guard Erik bursts into her sanitorium, she’s stunned by her body’s immediate reaction to the rugged Viking…
After the tragic loss of his family, Erik vowed to never love again. So he refuses to let his inconvenient attraction to Thea distract him from his duty: escorting her to marry the king of Macedonia.
If Thea doesn’t wed, her people will suffer, so can the star-crossed lovers fight their feelings, as well as their enemies?
From Harlequin Historical: Your romantic escape to the past.
272 pages, Mass Market Paperback
Published May 27, 2025
3 people are currently reading
28 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
July 11, 2025
3.5 stars. Apologies for the lazy bullet-style review, but my brain is tired today. 😬
What was good:
—Small misunderstandings weren’t dragged out into Big Misunderstandings(tm). Whenever the MCs misjudged each other, they apologized soon after without letting things fester.
—An actual villain with external obstacles to their HEA. (Translation: a plot with hurdles that aren’t solely tied to the MCs emotional hangups.) Say whaaat?! 😱
—Sweet, romantic open door scenes.
—Erik’s approach to their potential marriage problem was creatively solved.
—A pair of likable MCs with reasonable baggage: for Thea, the death of her parents + a sense of obligation to her uncle; for Erik, the death of his family + a sense of obligation to his Varangian vows.
—Erik loved his dead wife. I know this bothers some readers, but I hate when a deceased spouse isn’t mourned. I get it, not all marriages are HEAs, but excusing prior matrimony in an MC’s background by making them an unloved asswipe is incredibly annoying. Yes, there are times when it fits the story (e.g. Rebecca), but this is a straightforward romance; the fact that Erik cared was proof of a gentle, loving personality despite his profession. (Seriously, what is this current fad for hating on dead spouses? I’d rather know he was capable of genuine love & didn’t marry for mercenary reasons. 🙄)
—Action scenes! 😱 Some could’ve been longer (see below), but at least this author was trying. Also, the setting was a nice change from a standard Viking background.
…And what needed some work. 😶 (NB: This is a debut, yes, but I believe in reviewer honesty & think most of these can be corrected with experience.)
—Pacing of the action scenes. The first was good, but the later sequences felt rushed.
—Too many Good(tm) people vs one-dimensional villain. I liked that Thea’s extended family & friend Antonius were supportive of her (because shitty families have gotten to be such a trite shorthand for force-fed sympathy), but it seems unlikely that every side character or minor personage would be so smiley & supportive of her uncle. Everyone was just too Good(tm) aside from Demetrios & a couple sword-fodder henchmen; some neutral (or at least red herring) minor characters were desperately needed to balance the backdrop.
—Flat villain. Demetrios was delightfully nasty, but that’s all there was to him; even a tiny sprinkling of depth (why was he such a douche? what in his personal history pushed him to turn to the Dark Side?) or flashback glimpse of him as a younger, nicer dude would’ve helped.
—A few jarring or anachronistic expressions.
—Veered into cheesy Candyland Fondu-ville on occasion. (Again, this is personal preference…YMMV re: the cheese factor.)
Anyway. Not flawless, but overall a solid debut. I’ll keep an eye out for future releases by this author.
What was good:
—Small misunderstandings weren’t dragged out into Big Misunderstandings(tm). Whenever the MCs misjudged each other, they apologized soon after without letting things fester.
—An actual villain with external obstacles to their HEA. (Translation: a plot with hurdles that aren’t solely tied to the MCs emotional hangups.) Say whaaat?! 😱
—Sweet, romantic open door scenes.
—Erik’s approach to their potential marriage problem was creatively solved.
—A pair of likable MCs with reasonable baggage: for Thea, the death of her parents + a sense of obligation to her uncle; for Erik, the death of his family + a sense of obligation to his Varangian vows.
—Erik loved his dead wife. I know this bothers some readers, but I hate when a deceased spouse isn’t mourned. I get it, not all marriages are HEAs, but excusing prior matrimony in an MC’s background by making them an unloved asswipe is incredibly annoying. Yes, there are times when it fits the story (e.g. Rebecca), but this is a straightforward romance; the fact that Erik cared was proof of a gentle, loving personality despite his profession. (Seriously, what is this current fad for hating on dead spouses? I’d rather know he was capable of genuine love & didn’t marry for mercenary reasons. 🙄)
—Action scenes! 😱 Some could’ve been longer (see below), but at least this author was trying. Also, the setting was a nice change from a standard Viking background.
…And what needed some work. 😶 (NB: This is a debut, yes, but I believe in reviewer honesty & think most of these can be corrected with experience.)
—Pacing of the action scenes. The first was good, but the later sequences felt rushed.
—Too many Good(tm) people vs one-dimensional villain. I liked that Thea’s extended family & friend Antonius were supportive of her (because shitty families have gotten to be such a trite shorthand for force-fed sympathy), but it seems unlikely that every side character or minor personage would be so smiley & supportive of her uncle. Everyone was just too Good(tm) aside from Demetrios & a couple sword-fodder henchmen; some neutral (or at least red herring) minor characters were desperately needed to balance the backdrop.
—Flat villain. Demetrios was delightfully nasty, but that’s all there was to him; even a tiny sprinkling of depth (why was he such a douche? what in his personal history pushed him to turn to the Dark Side?) or flashback glimpse of him as a younger, nicer dude would’ve helped.
—A few jarring or anachronistic expressions.
—Veered into cheesy Candyland Fondu-ville on occasion. (Again, this is personal preference…YMMV re: the cheese factor.)
Anyway. Not flawless, but overall a solid debut. I’ll keep an eye out for future releases by this author.
May 7, 2025
I love a modern, debut historical romance. Even if it has got some issues, a debut historical written by someone in a time when this genre has been declared all but dead by the publishing industry tells me the author has something they'd like to say. Things get even more interesting when the debut is a medieval romance set outside of Britain. Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin for sending me an early copy of The Viking's Royal Temptation!
We open in Constantinople in the year 979 CE. The empire is politically unstable and the emperor is reliant on his Varangian guard made up of Norse mercenaries to keep himself and his family safe. Erik Svenson has spent the last several years serving in the guard, having left Norway to outrun the demons of his past. He meets the emperor's niece, Princess Theadora, by chance when he brings a little boy he's taken in to see her for medical treatment. Thea serves as a healer and is immediately attracted to the Viking captain but she's wary of men. In her position as a princess of the empire, she's been manipulated before. But when her uncle's rule is threatened by a rebellion, Thea has to put her trust in Erik to see her to safety before she falls into rebel hands.
The Viking's Royal Temptation is Roxy Harper's debut, which is so exciting. I am thrilled that Harlequin took on a new author writing medieval romance, and an unusual medieval at that. It's rare to see a romance set in this time period outside of Britain or Northern Europe. We get a decent description of 10th century Constantinople as our main characters flee the city and we get a bit about the politics of the time, but what we really understand is the cultural landscape of the Byzantine Empire. We clearly see how Erik, despite the fact that he is the son of a jarl and noble by birth, is considered to be a Barbarian simply because he is not Greek. We see that Thea is expected to give up her work as a healer when she marries because she is a woman and cannot have an occupation. We also get a glimpse of their religious differences since Byzantium had converted to Christianity by this point while the Norse remained polytheistic.
This book is fast-paced, giving the romance a quick burn. These two characters are thrown into an intense situation (the rebellion) with high stakes (Thea's attempted kidnapping) which gives the romance a danger bang vibe. They feel the pressure of the situation and both acknowledge at different points that they could die any day and they don't want to go out without being honest about how they feel. If you want a romance where the characters individually realize pretty quickly what they're experiencing, this one is for you.
My favorite part of this book was how Erik resolved the romance plot. Read it, you'll understand why I was obsessed with his solution to their problem.
The biggest issue I had with this book is that Roxy Harper was too reliant on the characters' past trauma to keep them apart. In a quick burn like this, I think she could have relied less on their previous relationship experience and more on the external forces to keep the characters apart. I didn't really buy that two people who both realized how deep their feelings were as quickly as they did still fell back on old hurts to keep from being together. It would have been super easy to turn up the pressure from the external forces a little more.
Overall, I enjoyed this one. Roxy Harper clearly loves this genre and did her research. I'll definitely keep her on my Harlequin Historical must-read list if she keeps putting out interesting Viking romances!
We open in Constantinople in the year 979 CE. The empire is politically unstable and the emperor is reliant on his Varangian guard made up of Norse mercenaries to keep himself and his family safe. Erik Svenson has spent the last several years serving in the guard, having left Norway to outrun the demons of his past. He meets the emperor's niece, Princess Theadora, by chance when he brings a little boy he's taken in to see her for medical treatment. Thea serves as a healer and is immediately attracted to the Viking captain but she's wary of men. In her position as a princess of the empire, she's been manipulated before. But when her uncle's rule is threatened by a rebellion, Thea has to put her trust in Erik to see her to safety before she falls into rebel hands.
The Viking's Royal Temptation is Roxy Harper's debut, which is so exciting. I am thrilled that Harlequin took on a new author writing medieval romance, and an unusual medieval at that. It's rare to see a romance set in this time period outside of Britain or Northern Europe. We get a decent description of 10th century Constantinople as our main characters flee the city and we get a bit about the politics of the time, but what we really understand is the cultural landscape of the Byzantine Empire. We clearly see how Erik, despite the fact that he is the son of a jarl and noble by birth, is considered to be a Barbarian simply because he is not Greek. We see that Thea is expected to give up her work as a healer when she marries because she is a woman and cannot have an occupation. We also get a glimpse of their religious differences since Byzantium had converted to Christianity by this point while the Norse remained polytheistic.
This book is fast-paced, giving the romance a quick burn. These two characters are thrown into an intense situation (the rebellion) with high stakes (Thea's attempted kidnapping) which gives the romance a danger bang vibe. They feel the pressure of the situation and both acknowledge at different points that they could die any day and they don't want to go out without being honest about how they feel. If you want a romance where the characters individually realize pretty quickly what they're experiencing, this one is for you.
My favorite part of this book was how Erik resolved the romance plot. Read it, you'll understand why I was obsessed with his solution to their problem.
The biggest issue I had with this book is that Roxy Harper was too reliant on the characters' past trauma to keep them apart. In a quick burn like this, I think she could have relied less on their previous relationship experience and more on the external forces to keep the characters apart. I didn't really buy that two people who both realized how deep their feelings were as quickly as they did still fell back on old hurts to keep from being together. It would have been super easy to turn up the pressure from the external forces a little more.
Overall, I enjoyed this one. Roxy Harper clearly loves this genre and did her research. I'll definitely keep her on my Harlequin Historical must-read list if she keeps putting out interesting Viking romances!
December 31, 2025
4 stars – When duty and desire collide who will be victorious?
Hello, hi *waves*… *nods* yes, you *points finger*… would you kindly stop scrolling for a moment and let me tell you about the most wonderful story?
*snaps fingers* I knew quoting Belle would grab your attention!
Want to know one of my favourite things about reading HistRoms?
It’s not just about being swept away by the characters, but by the time and place. The feeling of being transported, where each little detail (that might appear immaterial to some) adds to the layering of the setting culminating in a rich immersive story which I don’t want to leave.
*sighs* TVRT was one such read for me.
Love Vikings? Forbidden love? Close/forced proximity? Hidden identity (sorta)? Intrigue? Suspense? A whole lot of angst?
Erik and Thea’s story had me hooked from the start.
A tortured Viking warrior haunted by the ghosts of his past. Fiercely loyal, Erik is driven to atone for misplaced sins and a need to protect. A loss like his will leave an indelible mark on the heart, and a fear to open it once again… but sometimes the choice is out with your own hands.
I adore strong female characters who refuse to buckle when push comes to shove, and Thea is one such character despite suffering her own losses. A princess she may be, yet she has the heart of lioness when required. Being a healer is her vocation; instilled with a sense of duty, Thea will do what she must, so her people won’t suffer. Even at the cost of her own happiness.
Ugh, see what I mean *throws up hands*, Angst City. To deny their love for the greater good nearly brought me to my knees (I barely restrained myself from eating my feelings!).
Also, ngl the parallels between some of the issues and opinions of the time and present day gave me pause for thought.
Ooft! Once I start there is no shutting me up it seems. Anywho, if this was Roxy’s debut, I can’t wait to see what she follows up with.
Hello, hi *waves*… *nods* yes, you *points finger*… would you kindly stop scrolling for a moment and let me tell you about the most wonderful story?
*snaps fingers* I knew quoting Belle would grab your attention!
Want to know one of my favourite things about reading HistRoms?
It’s not just about being swept away by the characters, but by the time and place. The feeling of being transported, where each little detail (that might appear immaterial to some) adds to the layering of the setting culminating in a rich immersive story which I don’t want to leave.
*sighs* TVRT was one such read for me.
Love Vikings? Forbidden love? Close/forced proximity? Hidden identity (sorta)? Intrigue? Suspense? A whole lot of angst?
Erik and Thea’s story had me hooked from the start.
A tortured Viking warrior haunted by the ghosts of his past. Fiercely loyal, Erik is driven to atone for misplaced sins and a need to protect. A loss like his will leave an indelible mark on the heart, and a fear to open it once again… but sometimes the choice is out with your own hands.
I adore strong female characters who refuse to buckle when push comes to shove, and Thea is one such character despite suffering her own losses. A princess she may be, yet she has the heart of lioness when required. Being a healer is her vocation; instilled with a sense of duty, Thea will do what she must, so her people won’t suffer. Even at the cost of her own happiness.
Ugh, see what I mean *throws up hands*, Angst City. To deny their love for the greater good nearly brought me to my knees (I barely restrained myself from eating my feelings!).
Also, ngl the parallels between some of the issues and opinions of the time and present day gave me pause for thought.
Ooft! Once I start there is no shutting me up it seems. Anywho, if this was Roxy’s debut, I can’t wait to see what she follows up with.
May 22, 2025
Thank you net galley and the author Roxy Harper for this arc.
I’ve been always fond of period dramas and historical romances. I like the way they are slow paced and the characters long for each other for almost all book.
But, this book is the first Viking romance I read and is fast paced. However, it sounds so right being fast paced. Their lives are so quick, full of drama and action always happening, and they are running out of time with each other. So it only makes sense this book being fast paced as their love, cause that’s what felt for them those days. For them those days were so fast and they felt they needed more, as us as a reader thriving for more.
So that said. Let me introduce you a little bit more about their story and the setting it takes place
Roxy Harper presents us a scenery that is not common for a book, but worked very well: Constantinople 979 CE. The characters are living in this city with a political instability rising. Thea is a princess and a nurse, and Erick a captain who is loyal to the Emperor (Thea’s uncle). When a civil war is happening within Constantinople walls, the royal family needs to run and seek shelter in another city. Erick as a Captain of the royal guard swore to protect the princess and take her to somewhere safe. So here becomes the journey of Erick and Thea.
I will not say they fall in love at first sight, but they are attracted to each other at first sight. Is a tension between them in their first dialogue. Everything about them is attraction, desire, and full passion. And you can feel it in all their interactions.
But they can’t be together. They are from different ranks. She is betrothed to another, and he wants to leave the royal guard and make a life for himself
He is broke he carries a shield not only around his body, but around his heart. He doesn’t want to fall in love. He still holds a trauma from the past
She doesn’t trust men, but he is the first man she trusts
Their journey to go somewhere safe (to another city where her betrothed is the leader) feels too short, we end up longing for more as the characters. They don’t want the journey to be over. Thea does not want to get married to whom she is promised, and leave her life as a nurse behind. And Erick does not want to ignore the feelings he has for Thea, and go back to a loveless “Thealess” life.
They both are torn between love and duty.
Their love Totally bound to happen
The only thing I would change is the time skip in their trip I wanted to see the days they spent alone. Hour by hour. Day by day. But I understood the reason behind it.
This is a debut story and really kept me hooked. I am excited to read more of the author
Is a very short book so you can read it in one sitting.
The writing is good as the descriptions of the scenery and historical elements. Even though, is a short book it keeps you entertained.
I’ve been always fond of period dramas and historical romances. I like the way they are slow paced and the characters long for each other for almost all book.
But, this book is the first Viking romance I read and is fast paced. However, it sounds so right being fast paced. Their lives are so quick, full of drama and action always happening, and they are running out of time with each other. So it only makes sense this book being fast paced as their love, cause that’s what felt for them those days. For them those days were so fast and they felt they needed more, as us as a reader thriving for more.
So that said. Let me introduce you a little bit more about their story and the setting it takes place
Roxy Harper presents us a scenery that is not common for a book, but worked very well: Constantinople 979 CE. The characters are living in this city with a political instability rising. Thea is a princess and a nurse, and Erick a captain who is loyal to the Emperor (Thea’s uncle). When a civil war is happening within Constantinople walls, the royal family needs to run and seek shelter in another city. Erick as a Captain of the royal guard swore to protect the princess and take her to somewhere safe. So here becomes the journey of Erick and Thea.
I will not say they fall in love at first sight, but they are attracted to each other at first sight. Is a tension between them in their first dialogue. Everything about them is attraction, desire, and full passion. And you can feel it in all their interactions.
But they can’t be together. They are from different ranks. She is betrothed to another, and he wants to leave the royal guard and make a life for himself
He is broke he carries a shield not only around his body, but around his heart. He doesn’t want to fall in love. He still holds a trauma from the past
She doesn’t trust men, but he is the first man she trusts
Their journey to go somewhere safe (to another city where her betrothed is the leader) feels too short, we end up longing for more as the characters. They don’t want the journey to be over. Thea does not want to get married to whom she is promised, and leave her life as a nurse behind. And Erick does not want to ignore the feelings he has for Thea, and go back to a loveless “Thealess” life.
They both are torn between love and duty.
Their love Totally bound to happen
The only thing I would change is the time skip in their trip I wanted to see the days they spent alone. Hour by hour. Day by day. But I understood the reason behind it.
This is a debut story and really kept me hooked. I am excited to read more of the author
Is a very short book so you can read it in one sitting.
The writing is good as the descriptions of the scenery and historical elements. Even though, is a short book it keeps you entertained.
June 21, 2025
A very enjoyable romance set in a rarely explored era and location. The story takes place in 10th-century Byzantium during one of its many periods of political unrest. The main characters are Erik, one of the Emperor's Varangian guards, who buries the grief of losing his family in his work, and Princess Theadora, the Emperor's niece, a skilled healer.
Erik and Theadora meet when he brings an injured young boy to her for healing. The attraction between them is immediate, but Erik's past makes him resistant to risking his heart again. Theadora is wary of men after multiple attempts to manipulate her. Matters become complicated when a rebellion erupts, and Theadora must rely on Erik to get her to safety.
The book's pace picks up as Erik and Theadora face the dangerous journey from Constantinople to Macedonia. In the quieter moments, they have the opportunity to get to know each other. The attraction between them grows, along with the realization that there is no chance of a future together. I liked Theadora's empathy for Erik's losses and the effect it had on him. I also liked Erik's respect for Theadora's abilities and her position. Though he is considered a nobleman in his own country, here, Erik is seen as a barbarian. Meanwhile, Theadora is promised to the king of Macedonia. Their journey provides its own obstacles, from fire to bandit attacks to an attempted kidnapping. The conclusion is intense with a nail-biter confrontation, leaving Theadora and Erik with questions about their future. I loved Erik's clever solution to their romance and the epilogue that followed.
I enjoyed the look at life in the Byzantine Empire. We get a glimpse into the politics as the Emperor faces a rebellion, and we see how he fights back, both physically and politically. There is a little bit about the differences between the Christian Byzantines and the polytheistic Norsemen of the Varangian guard. There are glimpses of daily life, both royal and commoner. I look forward to reading more from this author.
Erik and Theadora meet when he brings an injured young boy to her for healing. The attraction between them is immediate, but Erik's past makes him resistant to risking his heart again. Theadora is wary of men after multiple attempts to manipulate her. Matters become complicated when a rebellion erupts, and Theadora must rely on Erik to get her to safety.
The book's pace picks up as Erik and Theadora face the dangerous journey from Constantinople to Macedonia. In the quieter moments, they have the opportunity to get to know each other. The attraction between them grows, along with the realization that there is no chance of a future together. I liked Theadora's empathy for Erik's losses and the effect it had on him. I also liked Erik's respect for Theadora's abilities and her position. Though he is considered a nobleman in his own country, here, Erik is seen as a barbarian. Meanwhile, Theadora is promised to the king of Macedonia. Their journey provides its own obstacles, from fire to bandit attacks to an attempted kidnapping. The conclusion is intense with a nail-biter confrontation, leaving Theadora and Erik with questions about their future. I loved Erik's clever solution to their romance and the epilogue that followed.
I enjoyed the look at life in the Byzantine Empire. We get a glimpse into the politics as the Emperor faces a rebellion, and we see how he fights back, both physically and politically. There is a little bit about the differences between the Christian Byzantines and the polytheistic Norsemen of the Varangian guard. There are glimpses of daily life, both royal and commoner. I look forward to reading more from this author.
May 28, 2025
I have to say when it comes to romances I love historical ones. I particularly love ones set in time periods I am interested in. That said I have not read a Harlequin Historical romance before but I do think that will change following this. The Vikings Royal Temptation was a gripping romance that had a lot of positives with little to no negatives.
I particularly liked that it was clear Harper had done a lot of research with historical facts. I did love Theodora and Erik but I have to say at some points I do wish they had worked out their past issues/tramuas since this seemed like the main thing keeping them apart throughout most of the novel. I love a good psychological study of characters. I did wish there was more of an external ‘star-crossed’ feel than their own worries when it was clear both were attracted to each other. That said it didn’t diminish the story for me that much, I just thought there would be more external factors at play.
The novel itself is brilliantly written and it keeps you engaged throughout. Harper transports us back in time and keeps historical accuracy while providing us a gripping romance. I also appreciated that the side and supporting characters seemed to have just as much development as the main ones, something I’ve found is not always the case in romances. All in all this was a fantastic read that converted me not only to Harlequin Romances but to a Roxy Harper reader.
As always thank you to Literally PR for the copy to review. My review is always honest, truthful and freely given.
I particularly liked that it was clear Harper had done a lot of research with historical facts. I did love Theodora and Erik but I have to say at some points I do wish they had worked out their past issues/tramuas since this seemed like the main thing keeping them apart throughout most of the novel. I love a good psychological study of characters. I did wish there was more of an external ‘star-crossed’ feel than their own worries when it was clear both were attracted to each other. That said it didn’t diminish the story for me that much, I just thought there would be more external factors at play.
The novel itself is brilliantly written and it keeps you engaged throughout. Harper transports us back in time and keeps historical accuracy while providing us a gripping romance. I also appreciated that the side and supporting characters seemed to have just as much development as the main ones, something I’ve found is not always the case in romances. All in all this was a fantastic read that converted me not only to Harlequin Romances but to a Roxy Harper reader.
As always thank you to Literally PR for the copy to review. My review is always honest, truthful and freely given.
May 26, 2025
Part of the reason I like historical romance is that it introduces me to parts of history I know nothing about. Like, in what other genre would I find out that there was a Viking guard on the Byzantine Emperor in the 10th Century AND ALSO get hot sex scenes between a member of said Viking guard and a Byzantian princess? AND includes a historical tidbit in the denouement? NO OTHER GENRE.
This is a fast-paced romance between Erik, a Varangian Guardsman, and Theadora, the emperor's niece and adopted daughter. When a palace coup throws the two into close proximity (Road trip! Only one horse! Wolf attack! Shepherd's cottage to escape a thunderstorm!) they get to know each other and the two fall in love. But Thea is promised in marriage to the King of Macedonia, while Erik has his own past trauma that is keeping him from committing.
I was 0% surprised to see in the foreword that Roxy Harper was inspired to write this book after learning about the Varangian Guard. Seriously, it's such a great concept for use in a historical romance! I had a whole ton of fun reading this and going down Wikipedia research rabbit holes afterward to find out more about so many things.
This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the novel.
This is a fast-paced romance between Erik, a Varangian Guardsman, and Theadora, the emperor's niece and adopted daughter. When a palace coup throws the two into close proximity (Road trip! Only one horse! Wolf attack! Shepherd's cottage to escape a thunderstorm!) they get to know each other and the two fall in love. But Thea is promised in marriage to the King of Macedonia, while Erik has his own past trauma that is keeping him from committing.
I was 0% surprised to see in the foreword that Roxy Harper was inspired to write this book after learning about the Varangian Guard. Seriously, it's such a great concept for use in a historical romance! I had a whole ton of fun reading this and going down Wikipedia research rabbit holes afterward to find out more about so many things.
This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the novel.
May 8, 2025
Roxy Harper’s The Viking’s Royal Temptation is a captivating historical romance that whisks readers into the heart of 9th-century Constantinople. The story follows Princess Theadora, a devoted healer, and Erik, a stoic Varangian guard tasked with escorting her to Macedonia for a politically arranged marriage. Their journey sparks a forbidden attraction that challenges their loyalties, values, and the future laid out for them.
Harper skillfully blends romance with rich historical detail, immersing readers in a world of palace intrigue, cultural tension, and personal sacrifice. The chemistry between Theadora and Erik is undeniable, and their emotional journeys feel authentic and compelling. The setting—exotic, dangerous, and beautiful—adds depth and texture to the story.
While the pacing slows in a few places, the emotional payoff and strong character arcs make this a satisfying read.
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC in return for my honest review.
Harper skillfully blends romance with rich historical detail, immersing readers in a world of palace intrigue, cultural tension, and personal sacrifice. The chemistry between Theadora and Erik is undeniable, and their emotional journeys feel authentic and compelling. The setting—exotic, dangerous, and beautiful—adds depth and texture to the story.
While the pacing slows in a few places, the emotional payoff and strong character arcs make this a satisfying read.
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC in return for my honest review.
April 29, 2025
I enjoyed reading Roxy Harper's story and the feeling that it would end up being a noir story but I was surprised that it had a happy ending. Thea, as a princess of royal blood, seem to be far above what a princess was because she was also a nurse and took care of everyone. Erik, was Svensen, of the Varangian Guard, who made Thea swoon when she saw him bring Alexios in to be treated for being whipped by a General. That kept Thea in love with Erik the whole book with action flowing throughout it. She was to marry another man who's king of a near by country and really wanted to choose who she would marry, but Demetrious, who was the General who whipped Alexios and ended up making a bid to make himself the king. That should end up with Erik fighting Demetrious and then I'll let you finish the story.
May 17, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5)
This book was an absolute delight! The unique Byzantine setting immediately drew me in, and it was refreshing to read a historical romance that stood out from the usual fare. The lead characters were wonderfully crafted—strong, compelling, and easy to root for. I loved how their chemistry unfolded against the rich and vivid backdrop. I was swooning the entire time!
Roxy Harper’s storytelling kept me hooked from start to finish, and I genuinely can’t wait to read more from her in the future. It’s rare to find a book that feels both unique and captivating, but this one delivered! Definitely a story I’d happily revisit.
This one releases May 27th and I will for sure be picking up a physical copy! Thanks NetGalley for the early copy!
This book was an absolute delight! The unique Byzantine setting immediately drew me in, and it was refreshing to read a historical romance that stood out from the usual fare. The lead characters were wonderfully crafted—strong, compelling, and easy to root for. I loved how their chemistry unfolded against the rich and vivid backdrop. I was swooning the entire time!
Roxy Harper’s storytelling kept me hooked from start to finish, and I genuinely can’t wait to read more from her in the future. It’s rare to find a book that feels both unique and captivating, but this one delivered! Definitely a story I’d happily revisit.
This one releases May 27th and I will for sure be picking up a physical copy! Thanks NetGalley for the early copy!
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May 19, 2025I DNF'ed at 40%.
I was really intrigued by an historical set in a less common place and time. But unfortunately the characters never really sang for me. Theodora is a princess who is also a healer and an orphan. But we didn't understand her healing path by 40% and I didn't really get a sense of who she was. Erik is a Viking who is also part of the royal guard in Constantinople and probably also a prince (I didn't make it to the clarifying reveal). He's lost his family before and blames himself.
They were in danger, there was action, and I just didn't care. I wasn't feeling any chemistry.
Maybe it's a me issue, but this one didn't hit the spot.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I was really intrigued by an historical set in a less common place and time. But unfortunately the characters never really sang for me. Theodora is a princess who is also a healer and an orphan. But we didn't understand her healing path by 40% and I didn't really get a sense of who she was. Erik is a Viking who is also part of the royal guard in Constantinople and probably also a prince (I didn't make it to the clarifying reveal). He's lost his family before and blames himself.
They were in danger, there was action, and I just didn't care. I wasn't feeling any chemistry.
Maybe it's a me issue, but this one didn't hit the spot.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
May 17, 2025
Roxy Harper’s “The Viking’s Royal Temptation” is a delightful clash of duty and desire that swept me away on a wave of passion and adventure! Princess Theadora, a fierce healer, stands her ground against armed soldiers but is completely unprepared for the rugged Viking Erik, who bursts into her life - and her heart! With an intriguing plot filled with political tension and steamy encounters, this debut romance whisks readers through Constantinople’s perilous landscape. As Thea navigates her fate, the chemistry between her and Erik ignites in a thrilling tug-of-war between love and loyalty. Can they conquer their enemies and each other? Grab your shield and dive into this enchanting tale!
May 11, 2025
A historical romance set in 10th century Constantinople. Kudos to debut author Roxy Harper for this unusual and intriguing setting. There's a strong thread of adventure, as well as romance, which reminded me of Melissa Oliver's award-winning Harlequin debut 'The Rebel Heiress and the Knight'. The heroine Thea is a princess who works as a healer in a sanitorium; the hero Erik is a soldier in the Varangian Guard who has a sword called Skull-Splitter and looks like he could "wrestle a bear and win."
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance copy.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance copy.
July 27, 2025
I am fully impressed by this debut author! Intriguing from the get go.. and the blend of romance, history and ‘raunchiness’ kept me intrigued! Best thing to relax after a day in corporate craziness! Her descriptions brought things to life!! Even with the injuries and Thea’s attention to detail to administer the best care! The storyline of competition in the pursuit of power in a Viking era also resonates so much to current day! My favourite was bringing out the human element of royals who are always bound by duty but sometimes love does indeed conquer it all! Waiting for the next book …
June 4, 2025
I loved this book. Just such an easy read and escapism at its best. I really enjoyed a romance and even better one set in old times. This book reminds me of the first books I read as an adult. A great read, I look forward to the next one.
Many thanks to team @literallyPR for my copy in exchange for an honest review.
Many thanks to team @literallyPR for my copy in exchange for an honest review.
July 19, 2025
This was a well written, fast-paced, viking historical romance. I enjoyed reading about the Byzantian Empire, the Verangian Gaurdsman, with all of the drama, action, politics, and other issues, including delicious sex scenes. I highly recommend reading!
June 6, 2025
I’m a sucker for a good historical romance and there’s just something about a sexy Viking. I really enjoyed this fast paced steamy romance set in Constantinople. The two main characters live in a fast paced world so they live hard and love fast. The setting was beautifully described and brought the time period to life. I enjoyed the storyline as well. I was engaged and enjoyed this read.
May 27, 2025
The Vikings Royal Temptation is a fast-paced historical romance, Which is both modern and also thrilling throughout.
This book is the author's debut novel and you would never have guessed it with how descriptive the author's writing is and how the story flows from page to page.
I really enjoyed reading this book, the characters development and their strong relationships and connections really stood out. I really liked the historical elements within this book. they were both descriptive and interesting to read.
An enjoyable recommended read. I look forward to reading more from the author Roxy Harper.
This book is the author's debut novel and you would never have guessed it with how descriptive the author's writing is and how the story flows from page to page.
I really enjoyed reading this book, the characters development and their strong relationships and connections really stood out. I really liked the historical elements within this book. they were both descriptive and interesting to read.
An enjoyable recommended read. I look forward to reading more from the author Roxy Harper.
May 27, 2025
💜 Blurb -
Enjoy this thrilling debut Viking romance from Roxy Harper.
Duty vs. desire…
Which will win?
Princess and healer Theadora doesn’t flinch at the sight of armed soldiers. Yet when another uprising threatens to disturb Constantinople’s peace, and Varangian guard Erik bursts into her sanitorium, she’s stunned by her body’s immediate reaction to the rugged Viking…
After the tragic loss of his family, Erik vowed to never love again. So he refuses to let his inconvenient attraction to Thea distract him from his duty: escorting her to marry the king of Macedonia.
If Thea doesn’t wed, her people will suffer, so can the star-crossed lovers fight their feelings, as well as their enemies?
From Harlequin Historical: Your romantic escape to the past.
❤️ Review -
I really enjoyed this novel. I loved History at school so I knew that I had to read it. For a debut novel this book was really good. The author's writing was brilliant and the story was easy to follow. I was hooked from the very first page and kept reading until the end. I also loved the characters and the place settings in the book. I highly recommend it and I look forward to reading more by the author.
💝 Thank you to Literally Pr, the author and publisher for my copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Enjoy this thrilling debut Viking romance from Roxy Harper.
Duty vs. desire…
Which will win?
Princess and healer Theadora doesn’t flinch at the sight of armed soldiers. Yet when another uprising threatens to disturb Constantinople’s peace, and Varangian guard Erik bursts into her sanitorium, she’s stunned by her body’s immediate reaction to the rugged Viking…
After the tragic loss of his family, Erik vowed to never love again. So he refuses to let his inconvenient attraction to Thea distract him from his duty: escorting her to marry the king of Macedonia.
If Thea doesn’t wed, her people will suffer, so can the star-crossed lovers fight their feelings, as well as their enemies?
From Harlequin Historical: Your romantic escape to the past.
❤️ Review -
I really enjoyed this novel. I loved History at school so I knew that I had to read it. For a debut novel this book was really good. The author's writing was brilliant and the story was easy to follow. I was hooked from the very first page and kept reading until the end. I also loved the characters and the place settings in the book. I highly recommend it and I look forward to reading more by the author.
💝 Thank you to Literally Pr, the author and publisher for my copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
July 6, 2025
Theadora (Thea) is a Princess and healer. Erik is a Varangian guard appointed to protect Thea. But when they get too close will Thea and Erik choose duty or love?
This is the author's first historical romance novel and I really enjoyed the story. It was fast-paced, filled with danger, romance and longing.
When Thea and Erik meet for the first time there's clearly something between them that neither of them can deny. They have this chemistry where they are drawn to each other. Even when they try to pull away from each other it makes their chemistry stronger. What I liked about Thea and Erik’s first meeting is that it felt very natural despite the fact that Thea is a Princess and Erik is a guard. They connected on a level where their status didn't make a difference to who they were or how they interacted.
One of the things that Thea and Erik have in common is how important to them their sense of duty is. Even if that means putting their own feelings and desires to one side. Thea was very young when her parents died and her uncle took her on as his own daughter. Thea’s uncle arranged her marriage to the king of Macedonia without telling her. I felt so sad for Thea when she discovered her marriage had been arranged because it came at a time when she has started to fall for Erik. In order to secure her uncle’s position and save her people Thea knows that she will have to enter into this marriage of convenience to a man she doesn’t love. Erik has been tasked to protect Thea and transport her safely to her forthcoming wedding but he starts to have feelings for Thea. A relationship or even falling in love hasn’t been something that Erik had considered since he lost his wife and young son but when he finds himself falling for Thea it takes him completely by surprise. Both Thea and Erik battle with their feelings for each other with their duties to others. They start putting their own happiness to one side so that they can fulfil their obligations even if that means missing out on being with the person they care about the most.
An enjoyable read.
This is the author's first historical romance novel and I really enjoyed the story. It was fast-paced, filled with danger, romance and longing.
When Thea and Erik meet for the first time there's clearly something between them that neither of them can deny. They have this chemistry where they are drawn to each other. Even when they try to pull away from each other it makes their chemistry stronger. What I liked about Thea and Erik’s first meeting is that it felt very natural despite the fact that Thea is a Princess and Erik is a guard. They connected on a level where their status didn't make a difference to who they were or how they interacted.
One of the things that Thea and Erik have in common is how important to them their sense of duty is. Even if that means putting their own feelings and desires to one side. Thea was very young when her parents died and her uncle took her on as his own daughter. Thea’s uncle arranged her marriage to the king of Macedonia without telling her. I felt so sad for Thea when she discovered her marriage had been arranged because it came at a time when she has started to fall for Erik. In order to secure her uncle’s position and save her people Thea knows that she will have to enter into this marriage of convenience to a man she doesn’t love. Erik has been tasked to protect Thea and transport her safely to her forthcoming wedding but he starts to have feelings for Thea. A relationship or even falling in love hasn’t been something that Erik had considered since he lost his wife and young son but when he finds himself falling for Thea it takes him completely by surprise. Both Thea and Erik battle with their feelings for each other with their duties to others. They start putting their own happiness to one side so that they can fulfil their obligations even if that means missing out on being with the person they care about the most.
An enjoyable read.
October 27, 2025
Solid read! Story and plot progression were great, at times however, I felt as though the internal monologue, specifically for the FMC was too much but nothing too crazy to make me dislike the book.
Thank you Netgalley for this ARC!
Thank you Netgalley for this ARC!
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