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Captive Brides #3
The Pagan's Prize
The bold Viking warrior Rurik traveled alone on a mission of conquest. But along the way a golden-haired captive inflamed him with longing. He took up his sword to defend her--then swore to claim her for his own.
A beautiful Russian princess betrayed by treachery, Zora spurned the powerful man who held her prisoner--and vowed never to yield. He had been sent as a spy to pave the way for her people's surrender. But his furious hunger for her heated touch--and her aching need for his burning caress--led to a fiery passion that was a greater prize than any kingdom.
A beautiful Russian princess betrayed by treachery, Zora spurned the powerful man who held her prisoner--and vowed never to yield. He had been sent as a spy to pave the way for her people's surrender. But his furious hunger for her heated touch--and her aching need for his burning caress--led to a fiery passion that was a greater prize than any kingdom.
321 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1993
372 people are currently reading
434 people want to read
About the author
Miriam Minger
66 books229 followersMiriam Minger is the bestselling author of sweet to sensual historical romances that sweep you from Viking times to Regency England to the American West. Miriam is also the author of contemporary romance, romantic suspense, inspirational romance, and children's books. She is the winner of several Romantic Times Reviewer's Choice Awards--including Best Medieval Historical Romance of the Year for The Pagan's Prize--and a two-time RITA Award Finalist for The Brigand Bride and Captive Rose.
Miriam Minger says: It's been a wonderful experience to have all my novels published as eBooks, but the greatest thrill for me as a writer is when readers take the time to let me know they enjoyed my stories...
"I have read hundreds if not thousands of books in my lifetime and not once have I ever been moved to comment on one until now. This is without a doubt one of the best books I have ever read. I laughed. I cried. I remained at the edge of my seat devouring every single word you wove with this incredible story. I just wanted to let you know how deeply this story moved me and to thank you for creating it."
Wow. This one left me speechless, and thankful. I had done my job, which is to make you feel like you've dropped feet first into a world that captures your imagination and emotions so vividly you might be living and breathing the story. And that's one of the purest joys of reading, isn't it? I know it is for me, and it is my hope to continue to write books that make you live and breathe the adventure, laugh and cry, and that touch your heart.
I'd love for you to visit my website where you can sign up for my newsletter and read more about my books: www.miriamminger.com.
Miriam Minger says: It's been a wonderful experience to have all my novels published as eBooks, but the greatest thrill for me as a writer is when readers take the time to let me know they enjoyed my stories...
"I have read hundreds if not thousands of books in my lifetime and not once have I ever been moved to comment on one until now. This is without a doubt one of the best books I have ever read. I laughed. I cried. I remained at the edge of my seat devouring every single word you wove with this incredible story. I just wanted to let you know how deeply this story moved me and to thank you for creating it."
Wow. This one left me speechless, and thankful. I had done my job, which is to make you feel like you've dropped feet first into a world that captures your imagination and emotions so vividly you might be living and breathing the story. And that's one of the purest joys of reading, isn't it? I know it is for me, and it is my hope to continue to write books that make you live and breathe the adventure, laugh and cry, and that touch your heart.
I'd love for you to visit my website where you can sign up for my newsletter and read more about my books: www.miriamminger.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
March 23, 2016
Didn't like that he had children with three of his concubines.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
dnf
March 8, 2014DNF.
First page is hero having sex with another woman. Big pet peeve.
Next scene is heroine taking a glass of wine from a woman who hates her but is treating her suspiciously nicely all of a sudden (WARNING! YOUR DRINK IS DRUGGED!)
Of course, heroine drinks it. Is kidnapped, gets amnesia, loses her virginity, then regains her memory the next morning.
I just can't....
First page is hero having sex with another woman. Big pet peeve.
Next scene is heroine taking a glass of wine from a woman who hates her but is treating her suspiciously nicely all of a sudden (WARNING! YOUR DRINK IS DRUGGED!)
Of course, heroine drinks it. Is kidnapped, gets amnesia, loses her virginity, then regains her memory the next morning.
I just can't....
November 19, 2017
An enjoyable historical romance set in medieval Russia, specifically Novgorod.
The hero, a Viking type working for a Russian prince. The heroine, a willful illegitimate daughter of a rival Russian prince. Many of the tropes are the basic ones you get with these books. What makes this romance stand out is the chemistry that nearly sets the pages on fire. I will definitely check out others in this series.
The hero, a Viking type working for a Russian prince. The heroine, a willful illegitimate daughter of a rival Russian prince. Many of the tropes are the basic ones you get with these books. What makes this romance stand out is the chemistry that nearly sets the pages on fire. I will definitely check out others in this series.
August 21, 2020
Enjoyable
A good story, surprisingly I enjoyed it. The love scenes were authentic and quite steamy. I didn’t like the fact the hero had lots of concubines who had children for him. Clashed with my monogamous tendencies personally.
A good story, surprisingly I enjoyed it. The love scenes were authentic and quite steamy. I didn’t like the fact the hero had lots of concubines who had children for him. Clashed with my monogamous tendencies personally.
October 23, 2021
Re read 2021
April 16, 2019
The Pagan's Prize
Captive Brides Collection #3
By Mirriam Minger
Russia 1024
Viking Warrior Rurik Sigurdson is on a mission four the Grand Prince Yaroslav and is planning to spy on his enemy. But along the way a golden haired captive who he unknowingly captures has him longing for her. At first he took up his sword to defend her and then he swore to claim her for his own.
Princess Zora is in a temporary state of amnesia and for the most part has her head in a fog and doesn't know what's going on around her. She has spurned a powerful man who held her prisoner and vows to never yield. But will she be able to keep that vow as things heat up between them?
Miriam Minger brings us a wonderful viking story from Russia.
Her main characters are very passionate together. Ruik is the strong I'm going to get my way kind of viking and Princess Zora is very courageous and full of spunk. They both fight eachother until a certain part then Princess Zora becomes putty in his hands. If you like a fast paced viking story with a twist then this will be the story to read.
Captive Brides Collection #3
By Mirriam Minger
Russia 1024
Viking Warrior Rurik Sigurdson is on a mission four the Grand Prince Yaroslav and is planning to spy on his enemy. But along the way a golden haired captive who he unknowingly captures has him longing for her. At first he took up his sword to defend her and then he swore to claim her for his own.
Princess Zora is in a temporary state of amnesia and for the most part has her head in a fog and doesn't know what's going on around her. She has spurned a powerful man who held her prisoner and vows to never yield. But will she be able to keep that vow as things heat up between them?
Miriam Minger brings us a wonderful viking story from Russia.
Her main characters are very passionate together. Ruik is the strong I'm going to get my way kind of viking and Princess Zora is very courageous and full of spunk. They both fight eachother until a certain part then Princess Zora becomes putty in his hands. If you like a fast paced viking story with a twist then this will be the story to read.
August 29, 2020
Unique take on the Vikings
It took me a good while to wrap my head around the fact these Vikings weren't traveling westward to conquer the UK, but going east to deal with Russia. Complex storyline and adept writing (and a real editor, no doubt, because there was none of the infuriating illiteracy that seems to plague 90% of the freebies I get) made this doubly good.
It took me a good while to wrap my head around the fact these Vikings weren't traveling westward to conquer the UK, but going east to deal with Russia. Complex storyline and adept writing (and a real editor, no doubt, because there was none of the infuriating illiteracy that seems to plague 90% of the freebies I get) made this doubly good.
October 30, 2023
4 stars
True to the genre, great old school read but did not have the heart or angst to make it stand out.
True to the genre, great old school read but did not have the heart or angst to make it stand out.
January 1, 2013
This is another great story from Mirian Minger, she has such an incredable way of transporting the reader to where ever the story is, and as this one is set in Russia, thats where I have been.
Such a wonderfully exciting story of a Princess named Zora. On her way to wed her bethrothed, only to be betrayed by her half sister. Zora's crimes no other than being her fathers daughter, born of the women he loved. My heart was in my mouth many times. Zora was taken to a slave trader, with instructions to be rid of her. Not setling for what her sister has planned she tries to escape only to end up catching the attention of a beast of man, who has no scruples about raping a women. Zora tries to fight him and runs, the beast on her heels, who will help her, any? she runs smack into Lord Rurik, something about her, her beauty perhaps, but his interest is pricked and he not only saves her, but takes her as his captive, realising she maybe of some worth to use as a pawn to thwart his enemy who turns out to be her father. That may of been Lord Rurik's intention but perhaps the Gods deem otherwise.
This is a tail of twist n turns, and kept me hooked, how I loved Zora's antics and plots, they had me laughing at times. I am sure you will enjoy this story too.
Such a wonderfully exciting story of a Princess named Zora. On her way to wed her bethrothed, only to be betrayed by her half sister. Zora's crimes no other than being her fathers daughter, born of the women he loved. My heart was in my mouth many times. Zora was taken to a slave trader, with instructions to be rid of her. Not setling for what her sister has planned she tries to escape only to end up catching the attention of a beast of man, who has no scruples about raping a women. Zora tries to fight him and runs, the beast on her heels, who will help her, any? she runs smack into Lord Rurik, something about her, her beauty perhaps, but his interest is pricked and he not only saves her, but takes her as his captive, realising she maybe of some worth to use as a pawn to thwart his enemy who turns out to be her father. That may of been Lord Rurik's intention but perhaps the Gods deem otherwise.
This is a tail of twist n turns, and kept me hooked, how I loved Zora's antics and plots, they had me laughing at times. I am sure you will enjoy this story too.
March 12, 2020
I purchased this as part of a 4 author bundle called VIKING: LEGENDS OF THE NORTH.
Very little on romance, because they fought more than anything. I didn't care for the h until the end. I know that in this time period the pagan men kept many women to service their needs. That turned me off. I was also, confused why the h was forgetful on what happened between herself and the H. Was it aftereffects what someone did to her? That wasn't made clear. Also, it was stated that they were now Christians, so why 6 concubines?
There is lovemaking first time outside of marriage. Then many times within marriage, heat level 4 out of 5. I didn't feel a connection to them so it wasn't filled with passion.
The ending had me raising my rating. It was suspenseful with some twists. No cheating, no cliffhanger, HEA, no romance and some spice. (ljb)
Very little on romance, because they fought more than anything. I didn't care for the h until the end. I know that in this time period the pagan men kept many women to service their needs. That turned me off. I was also, confused why the h was forgetful on what happened between herself and the H. Was it aftereffects what someone did to her? That wasn't made clear. Also, it was stated that they were now Christians, so why 6 concubines?
There is lovemaking first time outside of marriage. Then many times within marriage, heat level 4 out of 5. I didn't feel a connection to them so it wasn't filled with passion.
The ending had me raising my rating. It was suspenseful with some twists. No cheating, no cliffhanger, HEA, no romance and some spice. (ljb)
March 4, 2025
Ooh the hero's mother what an evil witch.
March 7, 2019
An epic tale of raw power. Rurik is a fierce warrior who expects his every directive to be immediately obeyed. When he meets the strong willed and fiery tempered Zora he is in for the ride of his life. The battle that rages between the two is passionate and filled with fury. The author has a magical way of weaving history into a story that immerses you wholly into the plot. There is political and personal intrigue as the characters battle for survival and improving their lot in life. I never tire of or cease to be amazed at the depth of the author’s imagination. It’s a fascinating thing. The story ends with a happy couple like all good love stories.
March 28, 2019
The Pagan's Prize (Captive Brides Collection Book 3)
Five stars all the way! Exciting read!
Miriam Minger is a new author to me and I can't express the excitement in finding such a gifted writer! I experienced The Pagan's Prize through my purchase of the Vikings of the North box set which has 4 of the best authors in my opinion. I've read over twelve hundred books and I'm adding this book to one of my favorites that I will gladly read again!
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Action-packedEasy-to-readEntertainingHappily Ever AfterOriginalRomanticRealisticSteamyUnpredictable Wonderful characters
Five stars all the way! Exciting read!
Miriam Minger is a new author to me and I can't express the excitement in finding such a gifted writer! I experienced The Pagan's Prize through my purchase of the Vikings of the North box set which has 4 of the best authors in my opinion. I've read over twelve hundred books and I'm adding this book to one of my favorites that I will gladly read again!
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Action-packedEasy-to-readEntertainingHappily Ever AfterOriginalRomanticRealisticSteamyUnpredictable Wonderful characters
November 27, 2019
Love is Blind
This book was full of characterization and awe. The characters were full of real energy and real life drama. They had the explosive emotions of any love animated couple willing to go all the way for each other. Zora and Rurik shows in Pagans' Prize, a strong hate for one another blinded by the truth. Also, a passion that they cannot control that gets in the way and is confusing to them. But the only one thing they have in common that's truthful. Will the trust finally come between them or will they be lost in battle forever? Recommend to any adult romance reader with passion ignited.
This book was full of characterization and awe. The characters were full of real energy and real life drama. They had the explosive emotions of any love animated couple willing to go all the way for each other. Zora and Rurik shows in Pagans' Prize, a strong hate for one another blinded by the truth. Also, a passion that they cannot control that gets in the way and is confusing to them. But the only one thing they have in common that's truthful. Will the trust finally come between them or will they be lost in battle forever? Recommend to any adult romance reader with passion ignited.
September 8, 2020
THE PAGANS PRIZE : Is a good read, written by one of my favorite authors, Miriam Minger. This one let me down a little. Our heroine, Zora, didn’t seem to have the correct reactions to events. She should have some venom for her betraying sister and she should have trusted our hero much sooner - perhaps she was too “princessy” and spoiled for me. Rurik was perfect.
January 18, 2021
A WONDERFUL story of love and suspense
I highly recommend this book, a story of love and war. I love the characters in it. Full of action an amazing set of events. So full of mystery, thrilling events and love. I enjoyed it from beginning to end. Never a dull moment. Congratulations on such a great writing work. Thanks again for the gift of your writing.
I highly recommend this book, a story of love and war. I love the characters in it. Full of action an amazing set of events. So full of mystery, thrilling events and love. I enjoyed it from beginning to end. Never a dull moment. Congratulations on such a great writing work. Thanks again for the gift of your writing.
March 26, 2021
It’s your usual hero falling but doesn’t want to admit it until something drastic happens. Don’t get me wrong it’s a lovely book. Gives you all the good feels. But it ended as if the author suddenly got tired and said “it’s okay, I’m done.”
No epilogue when an epilogue seemed almost necessary.
Low-key wished I had picked a different book to read this week.
No epilogue when an epilogue seemed almost necessary.
Low-key wished I had picked a different book to read this week.
July 12, 2020
A fitting end to a great series
All three of this series were really entertaining, and a totally different story for each one. I love them all without favourite. Definitely going to try more from Miriam Minger. She is a great author.
All three of this series were really entertaining, and a totally different story for each one. I love them all without favourite. Definitely going to try more from Miriam Minger. She is a great author.
August 25, 2020
Great Story
I really liked this story eventhough these characters frustrated the heck out of me. Two more stubborn people if there ever was. Funny at times on who could best who. Love took many turns but as usual Love won.
I really liked this story eventhough these characters frustrated the heck out of me. Two more stubborn people if there ever was. Funny at times on who could best who. Love took many turns but as usual Love won.
September 6, 2020
A captivating story! Not a moment’s boredom but a natural flow of events as the plot moved forward. I really appreciated the lack of presenting things other than they were at the time. A rather realistic story to be told!
October 1, 2017
I really enjoyed this book.I love books set in this time period and this one was exceptional.
Want to read
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August 23, 2020
Zora
I really enjoyed this book. There was a lot of bloodshed but also some history of the Vikings and their way of life and also a great love story.
I really enjoyed this book. There was a lot of bloodshed but also some history of the Vikings and their way of life and also a great love story.
August 25, 2020
Engaging plot
Strong characters and writing. I enjoyed the interaction between the lead characters and felt the book flowed very well. Very good read.
Strong characters and writing. I enjoyed the interaction between the lead characters and felt the book flowed very well. Very good read.
August 29, 2020
Excellent
A wonderful romance with many twist and turns to keep you racing from page to page. The characters are well developed and believable.
A wonderful romance with many twist and turns to keep you racing from page to page. The characters are well developed and believable.
October 17, 2020
Good read
Great writing! Interesting characters! I would have liked an epilogue, the ending seemed rather abrupt.This book kept me engaged ..I’m loving “medieval “ sagas.
Great writing! Interesting characters! I would have liked an epilogue, the ending seemed rather abrupt.This book kept me engaged ..I’m loving “medieval “ sagas.
January 20, 2021
Mindless dribble
If you ever need something to read that you don't have to think about, this is the book for you. The only hard part is the attempt at Slavic names.
If you ever need something to read that you don't have to think about, this is the book for you. The only hard part is the attempt at Slavic names.
September 27, 2022
the pagan’s prize
This was a good story line. Different from most. I liked Zora and Rurik but it did get a little frustrated with them some of the time.
This was a good story line. Different from most. I liked Zora and Rurik but it did get a little frustrated with them some of the time.
June 2, 2025
Love all your stories -
April 12, 2025
Umm .. how do I start??? Was it terrible, you ask? Yes/No. Was it gross for the mmc to have 7 concubines and children and still want to try to get it on with one of his favorite concubines after knowing the fmc … yes, for sure but damn it, I live for ow drama in medieval romances. That ending tho, abrupt. I give this book a 1.5.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews