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Reclaiming His Viking Queen
A royal, enemies to lovers, spicy Viking romance.
He will have his queen…
For better or worse!
Viking Agnar has had many Usurper. Warlord. Wolf Slayer. Still, there’s one role he’s hell-bent on claiming—Skadi Friggsdottir’s husband! Rejected by Skadi years ago, he’ll be denied no longer. Storming her hall is easy. Taming his warrior queen will be much harder…
Young Skadi chose survival by marrying another over honoring her promise to Agnar. Now, believing Agnar has killed her husband, she’ll surrender her hand but never submit! Yet behind Agnar’s fury lies a man deeply wronged…one she can’t help but want. Is her enemy husband her doom, or her greatest desire?
From Harlequin Your romantic escape to the past.
He will have his queen…
For better or worse!
Viking Agnar has had many Usurper. Warlord. Wolf Slayer. Still, there’s one role he’s hell-bent on claiming—Skadi Friggsdottir’s husband! Rejected by Skadi years ago, he’ll be denied no longer. Storming her hall is easy. Taming his warrior queen will be much harder…
Young Skadi chose survival by marrying another over honoring her promise to Agnar. Now, believing Agnar has killed her husband, she’ll surrender her hand but never submit! Yet behind Agnar’s fury lies a man deeply wronged…one she can’t help but want. Is her enemy husband her doom, or her greatest desire?
From Harlequin Your romantic escape to the past.
- GenresHistorical Romance
272 pages, Mass Market Paperback
Published December 30, 2025
4 people are currently reading
29 people want to read
About the author
Lucy Morris
26 books64 followersLucy Morris has always been obsessed with myths and legends. Her books blend sweeping romance with vivid worldbuilding to whisk you away to another time and place filled with adventure. Expect passion, drama, and vibrant characters.
Lucy lives in Essex, UK, with her husband, two children, and two cats. She has a massively sweet tooth and loves Terry's chocolate oranges and Irn-Bru. In her spare time, she likes to explore castles with her family, or drink bubbly with her friends.
A member of the UK Romantic Novelists' Association. In 2020 she was delighted to accept a two-book deal with Harlequin after submitting her story to the Warriors Wanted submission blitz for Viking, Medieval, and Highlander romances.
She hasn't looked back since.
Writing for Harlequin Historical is a dream come true for her and she hopes you enjoy her books!
Lucy lives in Essex, UK, with her husband, two children, and two cats. She has a massively sweet tooth and loves Terry's chocolate oranges and Irn-Bru. In her spare time, she likes to explore castles with her family, or drink bubbly with her friends.
A member of the UK Romantic Novelists' Association. In 2020 she was delighted to accept a two-book deal with Harlequin after submitting her story to the Warriors Wanted submission blitz for Viking, Medieval, and Highlander romances.
She hasn't looked back since.
Writing for Harlequin Historical is a dream come true for her and she hopes you enjoy her books!
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
December 30, 2025
The cover is typically cheesy imo but this was a delightful little read. I love the age gap, the enemies to lovers and the buildup of tension between Agnar and Skadi was wonderful. This book isn't perfect but if you are looking for a quick, palate cleanser romance with a viking vibe, look no further. It has been a long while since I read a Harlequin romance book and I was not disappointed.
Thank you NetGalley and Harlequin - Romance | Harlequin Historical for access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Pub Date: 12/30/25
Thank you NetGalley and Harlequin - Romance | Harlequin Historical for access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Pub Date: 12/30/25
December 4, 2025
Having a bad day? Read a Lucy Morris Viking romance. In a slump? Read a Lucy Morris Viking romance. Need a great read to take your mind off things? Read a Lucy Morris Viking romance. It's really that simple.
Thanks to Harlequin and NetGalley for the complimentary ARC of Reclaiming His Viking Queen.
Skadi Friggsdottir, Queen of the island of Thrudheim, was widowed two weeks earlier when her husband of twenty years was killed following a raid. And now the man who killed him is on his way to overthrow her kingdom. Agnar is a Rus-Viking raider who was once betrothed to Skadi when he was just a boy, but when her father died while Skadi was only twenty-one, she couldn’t wait for eleven-year-old Agnar to grow up enough to become her husband and help protect her kingdom, so she married another. After this betrayal, Agnar’s life unraveled. He and his mother were banished by his half brother, his mother died, and Agnar spent the next twenty years building up his strength as a warrior and leader to eventually challenge Skadi’s husband. Now he’s gotten everything he wants—Skadi is willing to marry him to protect her daughter, and he will be King of Thrudheim. So why is he still not happy?
Lucy Morris writes a reliable banger. When I am looking for a solid read that is going to dive into the plot from the jump, I know I’ll find that with her books, and this was no exception. When I read a Viking romance, I want high stakes, lots of political intrigue, and men in fur. Here, we have a woman facing marriage to the man who killed her husband, a complicated political dynamic across the Viking lands, and a hero who wears a cape made from the skin of a wolf he killed with his own hands. It literally checks all my boxes.
Honestly, at the beginning of this book, I didn’t know how Lucy was going to make this story work. Agnar was giving big “failure to launch” vibes. He thought he had a right to Skadi’s body and land simply because another man told him he did—and he’s hung on to that delusion for over twenty years. He is so wrapped up in what happened to him that he’s unable to see what she was going through as a twenty-one-year-old young woman who was caught between kings, trying to protect her people after her father died. Agnar was fixated on his goal of Thrudheim without understanding exactly what that meant to Skadi.
Skadi, while being a ninth-century Viking queen, had some pretty relatable experiences for the modern reader. She is a woman in a man’s world who has to deal with condescension and manipulation while trying to protect her daughter and do her job as Queen of Thrudheim. I loved how fierce and competent she was while also being completely fallible.
If you want a book that will make you question how the characters will get to an HEA while also being compulsively readable, look no further than Reclaiming His Viking Queen.
Thanks to Harlequin and NetGalley for the complimentary ARC of Reclaiming His Viking Queen.
Skadi Friggsdottir, Queen of the island of Thrudheim, was widowed two weeks earlier when her husband of twenty years was killed following a raid. And now the man who killed him is on his way to overthrow her kingdom. Agnar is a Rus-Viking raider who was once betrothed to Skadi when he was just a boy, but when her father died while Skadi was only twenty-one, she couldn’t wait for eleven-year-old Agnar to grow up enough to become her husband and help protect her kingdom, so she married another. After this betrayal, Agnar’s life unraveled. He and his mother were banished by his half brother, his mother died, and Agnar spent the next twenty years building up his strength as a warrior and leader to eventually challenge Skadi’s husband. Now he’s gotten everything he wants—Skadi is willing to marry him to protect her daughter, and he will be King of Thrudheim. So why is he still not happy?
Lucy Morris writes a reliable banger. When I am looking for a solid read that is going to dive into the plot from the jump, I know I’ll find that with her books, and this was no exception. When I read a Viking romance, I want high stakes, lots of political intrigue, and men in fur. Here, we have a woman facing marriage to the man who killed her husband, a complicated political dynamic across the Viking lands, and a hero who wears a cape made from the skin of a wolf he killed with his own hands. It literally checks all my boxes.
Honestly, at the beginning of this book, I didn’t know how Lucy was going to make this story work. Agnar was giving big “failure to launch” vibes. He thought he had a right to Skadi’s body and land simply because another man told him he did—and he’s hung on to that delusion for over twenty years. He is so wrapped up in what happened to him that he’s unable to see what she was going through as a twenty-one-year-old young woman who was caught between kings, trying to protect her people after her father died. Agnar was fixated on his goal of Thrudheim without understanding exactly what that meant to Skadi.
Skadi, while being a ninth-century Viking queen, had some pretty relatable experiences for the modern reader. She is a woman in a man’s world who has to deal with condescension and manipulation while trying to protect her daughter and do her job as Queen of Thrudheim. I loved how fierce and competent she was while also being completely fallible.
If you want a book that will make you question how the characters will get to an HEA while also being compulsively readable, look no further than Reclaiming His Viking Queen.
November 29, 2025
This is not your grandma's viking romance. This isn't meant to be insulting, I read those too! It has a modern feel that's edgier, and more complex than the traditional, more formulaic Viking romances of the past.
Skadi exhibits strength and ingenuity that challenges the gender roles that we would expect. She is no damsel in distress waiting to be rescued. She knows what's at stake - her kingdom, independence and the safety of her daughter who is also her heir - and will stop at nothing to protect all three.
Agnar has earned quite the reputation. He was a fierce and feared warrior with only one goal. After being discarded years ago by Skadi who thought of him as too young and unimportant, he set out to prove her wrong with a promise to one day reclaim her.
Lucy Morris created a really enjoyable story that didn't romanticize power imbalance. I loved the older woman/younger man dynamic and how Agnar truly respected Skadi and didn't want to usurp her power, he wanted to be a team. The world building was vivid with richly developed characters, culture and environment. This was my first book by Morris and I'm excited to read more!
I received a review copy from Harlequin Books and Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Skadi exhibits strength and ingenuity that challenges the gender roles that we would expect. She is no damsel in distress waiting to be rescued. She knows what's at stake - her kingdom, independence and the safety of her daughter who is also her heir - and will stop at nothing to protect all three.
Agnar has earned quite the reputation. He was a fierce and feared warrior with only one goal. After being discarded years ago by Skadi who thought of him as too young and unimportant, he set out to prove her wrong with a promise to one day reclaim her.
Lucy Morris created a really enjoyable story that didn't romanticize power imbalance. I loved the older woman/younger man dynamic and how Agnar truly respected Skadi and didn't want to usurp her power, he wanted to be a team. The world building was vivid with richly developed characters, culture and environment. This was my first book by Morris and I'm excited to read more!
I received a review copy from Harlequin Books and Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
December 6, 2025
thank you to Harlequin, Lucy Morris, and Netgalley for the arc in exchange for an honest review.
on paper, this book sounded like it would be right up my alley. a tense, revenge flavored viking romance where a king is determined to claim what he believes is his birthright and his queen, and a queen who wants to protect her people and her daughter. the promise of high stakes, enemies to lovers tension, and political drama was intriguing.
in practice, it didn’t land for me. the story tries to fit a lot.. backstory, betrayal, tension, enemies to lovers romance, and the revenge/forced marriage plot.. into roughly 280 pages. for a story that depends so heavily on emotional stakes and personal conflict, it just isn’t enough space. a lot of development is skipped or summarized.
i liked the main character and i liked the male lead in theory, but neither came across as fully formed. they had clear goals (he wanted to reclaim his queen and his birthright, she wanted to protect her people and her daughter) but beyond that, their personalities didn’t feel very deep or distinctive. they mostly felt like characters moving the plot forward rather than people you could get invested in.
the romance didn’t fully convince me either. the tension and stakes were hinted at, but because so much of their past and emotional conflict is glossed over, the forced marriage and revenge dynamic lacked the intensity it could have had. for a story that’s supposed to feel possessive, intense, and simmering, it just didn’t hit.
the worldbuilding was functional but light. viking kingdoms and political intrigue are present, but they never fully immerse you or elevate the tension of the romance and revenge plot.
overall, reclaiming his viking queen has a premise with real potential, but the limited page count and underdeveloped characters kept it from delivering. i think this story would have worked much better with more space to explore the emotional stakes, character development, and tension that make this type of romance compelling.
on paper, this book sounded like it would be right up my alley. a tense, revenge flavored viking romance where a king is determined to claim what he believes is his birthright and his queen, and a queen who wants to protect her people and her daughter. the promise of high stakes, enemies to lovers tension, and political drama was intriguing.
in practice, it didn’t land for me. the story tries to fit a lot.. backstory, betrayal, tension, enemies to lovers romance, and the revenge/forced marriage plot.. into roughly 280 pages. for a story that depends so heavily on emotional stakes and personal conflict, it just isn’t enough space. a lot of development is skipped or summarized.
i liked the main character and i liked the male lead in theory, but neither came across as fully formed. they had clear goals (he wanted to reclaim his queen and his birthright, she wanted to protect her people and her daughter) but beyond that, their personalities didn’t feel very deep or distinctive. they mostly felt like characters moving the plot forward rather than people you could get invested in.
the romance didn’t fully convince me either. the tension and stakes were hinted at, but because so much of their past and emotional conflict is glossed over, the forced marriage and revenge dynamic lacked the intensity it could have had. for a story that’s supposed to feel possessive, intense, and simmering, it just didn’t hit.
the worldbuilding was functional but light. viking kingdoms and political intrigue are present, but they never fully immerse you or elevate the tension of the romance and revenge plot.
overall, reclaiming his viking queen has a premise with real potential, but the limited page count and underdeveloped characters kept it from delivering. i think this story would have worked much better with more space to explore the emotional stakes, character development, and tension that make this type of romance compelling.
November 26, 2025
This is a fierce, fast-paced Viking romance with real enemies-to-lovers tension. Skadi is a powerful, curvy queen in her 40s, and Agnar is the younger warrior who’s loved her for years, even when anger and betrayal get in the way. The mix of action, emotion, and brutal Viking politics keeps the story gripping, and the romance feels intense and earned. Plus, the cover is absolutely stunning and what pulled me in first.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
December 7, 2025
Harlequin titles are elite. I saw this one and was immediately like “say more!”
Skadi was betrothed when she was 15 to a five year old boy, and when she was 21 she broke the betrothal and married another. Now 20 years later, her husband is dead, she has a ten year old daughter, and her former betrothed is attacking her kingdom because there’s one thing he wants….and it’s her.
It was very fun to have the older woman/younger man in this context. It’s not usually for me but they were both mature adults in the present and it made sense for their pasts and why the characters made the choices they did. I also liked that it wasn’t insta love—they had to work at those past grievances and work through them to be able to appreciate the people they are now.
There was also a lot of plot and Viking shenanigans which is always fun.
Hast level: 3
Skadi was betrothed when she was 15 to a five year old boy, and when she was 21 she broke the betrothal and married another. Now 20 years later, her husband is dead, she has a ten year old daughter, and her former betrothed is attacking her kingdom because there’s one thing he wants….and it’s her.
It was very fun to have the older woman/younger man in this context. It’s not usually for me but they were both mature adults in the present and it made sense for their pasts and why the characters made the choices they did. I also liked that it wasn’t insta love—they had to work at those past grievances and work through them to be able to appreciate the people they are now.
There was also a lot of plot and Viking shenanigans which is always fun.
Hast level: 3
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
4.5 stars - I had SO much fun reading this category romance! So let me jump into this review by asking if you read The Gift by Julie Garwood, by Julie Garwood. If you did, you'll remember that its cold open prologue features the betrothal of two children: Sara, age 6 or so, and Nathan, a teenager. The rest of the book takes place some 15 years later when they're both adults.
I bring this up because it's the clearest memory I have of a childhood betrothal in a historical romance - but I've read plenty, and they've all been between young girls (usually under age 10) and adolescent boys. Until this book: Agnar (m) is 6 and Skadi (f) is 16 when they meet and are betrothed. A few years later, they meet for a second time, when she decides she doesn't want to marry an 11-year-old and instead chooses an adult man to be her husband.
Was this the wrong political choice? Agnar certainly thinks so. And it may take him 20 years, but he's finally ready to claim his bride. He's got the chops to do it: he kills her husband, then invades her castle and threatens to kill her daughter unless Skadi marries him. Agnar may be a great warrior, but he's kind of a dummy when it comes to understanding Skadi's emotions, because he seems to think there's a chance she will apologize to him for deciding NOT TO MARRY AN ACTUAL CHILD (and after he, y'know, kills and threatens all she holds dear).
But Agnar, like any good romance hero, would never kill a child. He just threatened to do it! Because he needed Skadi to marry him! DUH. And like I said, I had a really great time reading this. Skadi and Agnar have a lot of trust issues to overcome thanks to all the jilting and coercion, but I truly believed that they got there in the end. Plus, Morris does an amazing job with making Agnar a barbaric warrior with scars and long, silky black hair who's totally gone for his wife. IDK, it worked for me.
Recommended if you're into strong men who like strong women, enjoying the fantasy of a historical era without glossing over too many of the brutal realities, and soft romances between hard people.
This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the novel.
I bring this up because it's the clearest memory I have of a childhood betrothal in a historical romance - but I've read plenty, and they've all been between young girls (usually under age 10) and adolescent boys. Until this book: Agnar (m) is 6 and Skadi (f) is 16 when they meet and are betrothed. A few years later, they meet for a second time, when she decides she doesn't want to marry an 11-year-old and instead chooses an adult man to be her husband.
Was this the wrong political choice? Agnar certainly thinks so. And it may take him 20 years, but he's finally ready to claim his bride. He's got the chops to do it: he kills her husband, then invades her castle and threatens to kill her daughter unless Skadi marries him. Agnar may be a great warrior, but he's kind of a dummy when it comes to understanding Skadi's emotions, because he seems to think there's a chance she will apologize to him for deciding NOT TO MARRY AN ACTUAL CHILD (and after he, y'know, kills and threatens all she holds dear).
But Agnar, like any good romance hero, would never kill a child. He just threatened to do it! Because he needed Skadi to marry him! DUH. And like I said, I had a really great time reading this. Skadi and Agnar have a lot of trust issues to overcome thanks to all the jilting and coercion, but I truly believed that they got there in the end. Plus, Morris does an amazing job with making Agnar a barbaric warrior with scars and long, silky black hair who's totally gone for his wife. IDK, it worked for me.
Recommended if you're into strong men who like strong women, enjoying the fantasy of a historical era without glossing over too many of the brutal realities, and soft romances between hard people.
This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the novel.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
879, Thrudheim.
Skadi, Queen of Thrudheim, was recently widowed when her husband was killed on a raid. Now her kingdom is vulnerable to attack, particularly from the Usurper, Agnar, who believes their betrothal years ago grants him a claim to Thrudheim now. When it came time for her to marry at 20, Skadi felt that Agnar, ten years her junior, was the wrong decision, so she married Heimdall instead. Now, twenty years later, with Heimdall gone, Agnar thinks he can march in with his men and marry Skadi. Skadi agrees to a marriage only to protect her daughter and her kingdom, but Agnar is determined to prove to her that he'll be the husband she needs.
I really enjoyed this category Viking romance! Lucy Morris gives the reader a sense of the rich cultural component of the era, emphasizing the trade routes and the political alliances that stretch far beyond Scandinavia and the harsh realities of day-to-day life. The plot meshes well with the romance: the constant raids leave Skadi and Thrudheim more vulnerable than she realizes, and the political (read: warring) maneuvering of her supposed-allies leaves room for Agnar to stake his claim. We have two very strong main characters: Skadi, a queen in her own right who has worked tirelessly for her people while Heimdall seeks glory through raids. Agnar, a hero with a Viking obsession with possession, but because he is younger than Skadi, and because he respects her even as he is conquering her kingdom, the power balance is maintained. Even after their marriage, he waits to consummate it until she is ready because he wants her to want him as much as he wants her.
The pacing is a little uneven - we spend a lot of time with the politics and Skadi's worry, a slow burn towards romance, but then a rushed ending. I particularly appreciated the epilogue though, and like how Morris resolved the romance and the future of the kingdom. This hit the spot for an older woman/younger man romance, especially one featuring a 40-year-old heroine. While Skadi may be older, she's never once referred to as old, only potentially unable to bear more heirs. She's still a shield-maiden and fighter in her own right, which is a breath of fresh air for those of us over a certain age being considered ancient in the regency era.
Thank you to Harlequin for an eARC. Reclaiming his Viking Queen is out 12/30/25.
Skadi, Queen of Thrudheim, was recently widowed when her husband was killed on a raid. Now her kingdom is vulnerable to attack, particularly from the Usurper, Agnar, who believes their betrothal years ago grants him a claim to Thrudheim now. When it came time for her to marry at 20, Skadi felt that Agnar, ten years her junior, was the wrong decision, so she married Heimdall instead. Now, twenty years later, with Heimdall gone, Agnar thinks he can march in with his men and marry Skadi. Skadi agrees to a marriage only to protect her daughter and her kingdom, but Agnar is determined to prove to her that he'll be the husband she needs.
I really enjoyed this category Viking romance! Lucy Morris gives the reader a sense of the rich cultural component of the era, emphasizing the trade routes and the political alliances that stretch far beyond Scandinavia and the harsh realities of day-to-day life. The plot meshes well with the romance: the constant raids leave Skadi and Thrudheim more vulnerable than she realizes, and the political (read: warring) maneuvering of her supposed-allies leaves room for Agnar to stake his claim. We have two very strong main characters: Skadi, a queen in her own right who has worked tirelessly for her people while Heimdall seeks glory through raids. Agnar, a hero with a Viking obsession with possession, but because he is younger than Skadi, and because he respects her even as he is conquering her kingdom, the power balance is maintained. Even after their marriage, he waits to consummate it until she is ready because he wants her to want him as much as he wants her.
The pacing is a little uneven - we spend a lot of time with the politics and Skadi's worry, a slow burn towards romance, but then a rushed ending. I particularly appreciated the epilogue though, and like how Morris resolved the romance and the future of the kingdom. This hit the spot for an older woman/younger man romance, especially one featuring a 40-year-old heroine. While Skadi may be older, she's never once referred to as old, only potentially unable to bear more heirs. She's still a shield-maiden and fighter in her own right, which is a breath of fresh air for those of us over a certain age being considered ancient in the regency era.
Thank you to Harlequin for an eARC. Reclaiming his Viking Queen is out 12/30/25.
November 4, 2025
Reclaiming His Viking Queen is the new book from the queen of Viking romance, Lucy Morris. She crafted another fabulous slow burn and enemies-to-lovers romance with sizzling chemistry, plenty of shenanigans, vile villains and interesting twists to create a refreshing take on the Viking era. The writing is engaging and perfectly in tune with the fast-paced, edgy, action-packed storytelling, full of tension, danger, and villainous treachery lurking behind every turn.
The romance between Agnar and Skadi was beautifully brought to life as a true enemies-to-lovers story. She betrayed him with terrible consequences that changed Agnar’s life forever. He killed her husband, leaving Queen Skadi in a perilous position with hungry wolves coveting her kingdom and threatening her 10-year-old daughter’s life. After a shaky start featuring a poisoning attempt and brushes with battle, Skadi and Agnar find common ground to get to know the people they have become since the fateful day their betrothal was broken. They’ve got lots of grievances and betrayals to work through to build tension, and tests to grow from to build trust and love for each other.
I loved this story’s romance, centred on an older, powerful queen in her 40s, a younger warrior in his 30s, and the positive body imagery it embraces. Agnar never faulters in his love for Skadi; he cherishes and cares for all of her, and it doesn’t matter to him about her age, her body’s flaws or what she can’t give him. He loves her for her strength, wisdom, and kindness as a queen; her fierce bravery as a shieldmaiden and the loving mother she is to her daughter.
A heartwarming historical romance with beautifully crafted characters, an engrossing story, and a powerful, positive message woven through its narrative about true love that sees beyond age and body image. I ate this up in record time, devouring it in one sitting as it was sublime from the first page to the last. Thank you to Mills and Boon and Lucy Morris for approving my Netgalley request for a digital copy of Reclaiming His Viking Queen in exchange for a fair and honest review.
The romance between Agnar and Skadi was beautifully brought to life as a true enemies-to-lovers story. She betrayed him with terrible consequences that changed Agnar’s life forever. He killed her husband, leaving Queen Skadi in a perilous position with hungry wolves coveting her kingdom and threatening her 10-year-old daughter’s life. After a shaky start featuring a poisoning attempt and brushes with battle, Skadi and Agnar find common ground to get to know the people they have become since the fateful day their betrothal was broken. They’ve got lots of grievances and betrayals to work through to build tension, and tests to grow from to build trust and love for each other.
I loved this story’s romance, centred on an older, powerful queen in her 40s, a younger warrior in his 30s, and the positive body imagery it embraces. Agnar never faulters in his love for Skadi; he cherishes and cares for all of her, and it doesn’t matter to him about her age, her body’s flaws or what she can’t give him. He loves her for her strength, wisdom, and kindness as a queen; her fierce bravery as a shieldmaiden and the loving mother she is to her daughter.
A heartwarming historical romance with beautifully crafted characters, an engrossing story, and a powerful, positive message woven through its narrative about true love that sees beyond age and body image. I ate this up in record time, devouring it in one sitting as it was sublime from the first page to the last. Thank you to Mills and Boon and Lucy Morris for approving my Netgalley request for a digital copy of Reclaiming His Viking Queen in exchange for a fair and honest review.
October 30, 2025
A fast-paced, expertly plotted, true enemies-to-lovers category romance that will satisfy historical and fantasy readers.
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Summary | Viking warrior Agnar has known since he was a child that Queen Skadi was meant to be his bride. But being 10 years his senior put them both in an impossible position, when Skadi must marry someone else to protect her kingdom and her people. That choice will destroy Agnar’s world and later send him on a quest for revenge.
We meet Agnar after he has felled Skadi’s husband and he and his men have overthrown her castle. Refusing to be denied his betrothed’s hand once more, Agnar forces Queen Skadi into marriage and takes his place as King.
Agnar and Skadi soon realize they have been the victims of a grand and evil manipulation for power that places their people, and Skadi’s beloved daughter and heir, in a very dangerous position.
_____
Thoughts | What a fantastic read. Anyone who is tired of two “enemies” that are barely rivals should check out Lucy Morris’ version of this trope. Agnar and Skadi are the definition of enemies-to-lovers: They are locked together in a set of traumatic experiences not of their own choosing, but still put them on opposing sides in a war for power and security.
In a time where a lot of Romance seems afraid of conflict, both externally and between the characters themselves, Reclaiming His Viking Queen goes all in. Agnar never denies he killed Skadi’s husband and will accept nothing less than marriage. Skadi never backs down from the reality that marrying a literal boy wouldn’t have saved her kingdom, nor can she regret her husband because he gave her a daughter she loves beyond measure.
This is a harsh world these people inhabit. Does Skadi try to murder Agnar at their wedding reception dinner? Sure. But even he admits it makes sense as she doesn’t yet have all the facts.
As these two people fight to protect her land and people from forces both inside and out, they increasingly learn to trust each other and eventually find a great love. Skadi believes herself to be too old, too curvy, and with a few too many stretch marks to entice a younger man. Agnar never waivers in his attraction to her character and her body though. He’s able to give her a pleasure she’d not shared with her first husband and it’s very beautiful to see an older, strong woman character get a happily ever after.
Would definitely recommend this read to anyone who enjoys Middle Age and Viking Age historicals, but also to fantasy readers who like big action and plot, a lot of conflict, and a satisfying romance.
———
Harlequin Historical (January 2026)
Genre/Subgenre: Historical Romance, Category Romance
Standalone/Series: standalone
Themes/Tropes: Vikings, forced marriage, revenge, enemies to lovers, widowed heroine, single parent, 40+ year old FMC, age gap (hero is 30, heroine is 40), curvy girl
Steam/Spice Level: open door, in the bed love scenes, slower burn for plot reasons but emotional, steamy, and well executed spicy scenes
Setting: Middle Age, fictional Viking land mass
Religion: they do believe in the Norse gods and it’s lightly touched on
POV: third person, past tense
Character Ages: FMC: 40 MMC: 30
Children: yes, a young daughter to the FMC
__________
Thank you Harlequin Publishing for the Advanced Reader Copy. Expected Publication Date: Dec 30, 2025
_____
Summary | Viking warrior Agnar has known since he was a child that Queen Skadi was meant to be his bride. But being 10 years his senior put them both in an impossible position, when Skadi must marry someone else to protect her kingdom and her people. That choice will destroy Agnar’s world and later send him on a quest for revenge.
We meet Agnar after he has felled Skadi’s husband and he and his men have overthrown her castle. Refusing to be denied his betrothed’s hand once more, Agnar forces Queen Skadi into marriage and takes his place as King.
Agnar and Skadi soon realize they have been the victims of a grand and evil manipulation for power that places their people, and Skadi’s beloved daughter and heir, in a very dangerous position.
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Thoughts | What a fantastic read. Anyone who is tired of two “enemies” that are barely rivals should check out Lucy Morris’ version of this trope. Agnar and Skadi are the definition of enemies-to-lovers: They are locked together in a set of traumatic experiences not of their own choosing, but still put them on opposing sides in a war for power and security.
In a time where a lot of Romance seems afraid of conflict, both externally and between the characters themselves, Reclaiming His Viking Queen goes all in. Agnar never denies he killed Skadi’s husband and will accept nothing less than marriage. Skadi never backs down from the reality that marrying a literal boy wouldn’t have saved her kingdom, nor can she regret her husband because he gave her a daughter she loves beyond measure.
This is a harsh world these people inhabit. Does Skadi try to murder Agnar at their wedding reception dinner? Sure. But even he admits it makes sense as she doesn’t yet have all the facts.
As these two people fight to protect her land and people from forces both inside and out, they increasingly learn to trust each other and eventually find a great love. Skadi believes herself to be too old, too curvy, and with a few too many stretch marks to entice a younger man. Agnar never waivers in his attraction to her character and her body though. He’s able to give her a pleasure she’d not shared with her first husband and it’s very beautiful to see an older, strong woman character get a happily ever after.
Would definitely recommend this read to anyone who enjoys Middle Age and Viking Age historicals, but also to fantasy readers who like big action and plot, a lot of conflict, and a satisfying romance.
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Harlequin Historical (January 2026)
Genre/Subgenre: Historical Romance, Category Romance
Standalone/Series: standalone
Themes/Tropes: Vikings, forced marriage, revenge, enemies to lovers, widowed heroine, single parent, 40+ year old FMC, age gap (hero is 30, heroine is 40), curvy girl
Steam/Spice Level: open door, in the bed love scenes, slower burn for plot reasons but emotional, steamy, and well executed spicy scenes
Setting: Middle Age, fictional Viking land mass
Religion: they do believe in the Norse gods and it’s lightly touched on
POV: third person, past tense
Character Ages: FMC: 40 MMC: 30
Children: yes, a young daughter to the FMC
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Thank you Harlequin Publishing for the Advanced Reader Copy. Expected Publication Date: Dec 30, 2025
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This was my very first Viking romance and I’m sold! For a book under 300 pages, it packed a punch and gave me lots of story to keep those pages turning. Firstly we have Skadi, a Viking Queen widowed when still in her prime by none other than the man originally betrothed to her in childhood. So right off the top you have a vengeful plot with a hero that wants what’s his (Skadi) and will stop at nothing to get her. Skadi is no pushover. If you weren’t aware, Viking women are just as strong and fierce as the men and she’s ready to do death when Agnar comes for her. Skadi’s also mother to Astra and is fiercely protective of her and her youth, refusing to marry her off when various Viking kings have come for her. As heir to an island kingdom Astra would be more likely to birth an heir than Skadi due to her age, so every king within throwing reach is after one of these women to claim as their own.
When Agnar comes for Skadi she believes Astra’s life is at stake for the throne. Here’s where you get a surprise; it’s Skadi Agnar has always wanted and he goes to pains to show her that by a) not taking her upon their wedding night, b) holding up his end of the bargain and not killing Astra, and c) not concerned that he may or may not have an heir, that he really truly wants HER. More stories need to be written about women in their forties as being desirable worthwhile beings and I loved how Agnar appreciated everything about Skadi including her age. She’s almost ten years older than him and always saw him as a child and yet she must reconcile that who they both were when they were betrothed (a child and a teenager) are not who they are now. As a category romance this hit the mark and I will definitely be reading Lucy Morris again. Thank you to Harlequin for my advanced copy. All opinions are my own.
4.5🌟
When Agnar comes for Skadi she believes Astra’s life is at stake for the throne. Here’s where you get a surprise; it’s Skadi Agnar has always wanted and he goes to pains to show her that by a) not taking her upon their wedding night, b) holding up his end of the bargain and not killing Astra, and c) not concerned that he may or may not have an heir, that he really truly wants HER. More stories need to be written about women in their forties as being desirable worthwhile beings and I loved how Agnar appreciated everything about Skadi including her age. She’s almost ten years older than him and always saw him as a child and yet she must reconcile that who they both were when they were betrothed (a child and a teenager) are not who they are now. As a category romance this hit the mark and I will definitely be reading Lucy Morris again. Thank you to Harlequin for my advanced copy. All opinions are my own.
4.5🌟
October 31, 2025
I’d rate 5 stars just for the cover art. Look at this fierce queen! No wonder Agnar is OBSESSED with Queen Skadi for 20 years.
We start with a castle raid and hostile take over. Queen Skadi’s husband is dead, don’t worry it’s no loss. She’s preparing for the warrior that killed him, Agnar, to turn up and try to take over the castle. She had been engaged to Agnar when they were children, but for reasons, she broke the engagement and married someone else. Agnar has NEVER forgiven her or forgotten he is OWED A QUEEN. Now it’s revenge time.
These two are like oil and water at the beginning, he threatens Skadi, her people, her CHILD and thinks she should apologize to him. Skadi has had enough of men and is willing to kill Agnar to spare herself the inconvenience. But needs must and she is forced to give him a chance while she bides her time. Even though Agnar is mad about pretty much everything he’s also hot for Skadi and just really wants to keep her safe, which is more than any man has done for her in her adult life.
It’s Viking time, its enemies to lovers, is a man that’s actually a good father figure and just wants to serve his queen, is a queen that wears battle armor and kicks ass.
Thanks to the publisher for the arc
We start with a castle raid and hostile take over. Queen Skadi’s husband is dead, don’t worry it’s no loss. She’s preparing for the warrior that killed him, Agnar, to turn up and try to take over the castle. She had been engaged to Agnar when they were children, but for reasons, she broke the engagement and married someone else. Agnar has NEVER forgiven her or forgotten he is OWED A QUEEN. Now it’s revenge time.
These two are like oil and water at the beginning, he threatens Skadi, her people, her CHILD and thinks she should apologize to him. Skadi has had enough of men and is willing to kill Agnar to spare herself the inconvenience. But needs must and she is forced to give him a chance while she bides her time. Even though Agnar is mad about pretty much everything he’s also hot for Skadi and just really wants to keep her safe, which is more than any man has done for her in her adult life.
It’s Viking time, its enemies to lovers, is a man that’s actually a good father figure and just wants to serve his queen, is a queen that wears battle armor and kicks ass.
Thanks to the publisher for the arc
December 6, 2025
3
Just a tad over-hyped in my honest opinion. However, since I've never read this author before, I can't say if the hype is true or merely good publicity!
A typical 'hate-to-passionate' love' romance with a setting during the ancient Viking era.
The descriptions are excellent, the interactions with the characters other than the main characters are pretty interesting, and I love Skadis' daughter, Astra.
Now the main male character, Agnar, has had many names - Usurper, Warlord, Wolf Slayer, and with names like these, you wouldn't think he would turn into a semispineless man acting like a little boy, but to my eyes, he does. He just wants to be loved and understood. Yikes. It was just a little too obvious.
The constant inner dialoguing got to me, too. I have been away from the obvious lusty romance for quite a while and thought I would make my re-entry with this...
Well, there you go, a semi-typical haters-to-lovers romance.
*ARC was supplied by the publisher Harlequin Historical, the author, and NetGalley.
Just a tad over-hyped in my honest opinion. However, since I've never read this author before, I can't say if the hype is true or merely good publicity!
A typical 'hate-to-passionate' love' romance with a setting during the ancient Viking era.
The descriptions are excellent, the interactions with the characters other than the main characters are pretty interesting, and I love Skadis' daughter, Astra.
Now the main male character, Agnar, has had many names - Usurper, Warlord, Wolf Slayer, and with names like these, you wouldn't think he would turn into a semispineless man acting like a little boy, but to my eyes, he does. He just wants to be loved and understood. Yikes. It was just a little too obvious.
The constant inner dialoguing got to me, too. I have been away from the obvious lusty romance for quite a while and thought I would make my re-entry with this...
Well, there you go, a semi-typical haters-to-lovers romance.
*ARC was supplied by the publisher Harlequin Historical, the author, and NetGalley.
November 15, 2025
I need to escape to the 800s to a small Northern island for this Viking romance! The world building for this short book was excellent with Norse rituitals. Skadi is 40 and over men messing with her Kingdom and people, she will also do anything to keep her child protected and in line for the throne. Agnar is back after being promised for marriage, he has been obsessed with Skadi for over 20 years so this man has it BAD! But you can see why- she is strong, beautiful, smart, takes care of her people and is a wonderful mother. These two have chemistry but have to work around all the politics of the time and their pasts.
This was a wonderful enemies to lovers Viking romance! Lucy is a favorite and this one did not disappoint! This would also be a great one to try Viking HR! A lot of action, great setting, characters, fast paced, steamy and HEA!
This was a wonderful enemies to lovers Viking romance! Lucy is a favorite and this one did not disappoint! This would also be a great one to try Viking HR! A lot of action, great setting, characters, fast paced, steamy and HEA!
November 2, 2025
This book was very refreshing, I never read a viking romance before but i loved it.
The world building is good and I really liked the attention to details like including Norse mythology rituals.
The FMC is a badass, she reminds me a lot of Lagertha from the show Vikings, a woman willing to sacrifice herself for her people while still being a fighter and not letting herself be abused.
The MMC is super obsessed and it was very nice to see.
The MMC comes back to claim what is his by birthright and he won't stop until he gets it. I really liked that even though he was a very brutal man, he still showed vulnerability when it came to her feelings for him.
I want to thank the author, Netgalley and the publisher for sending me arc in exchange for an honest review
The world building is good and I really liked the attention to details like including Norse mythology rituals.
The FMC is a badass, she reminds me a lot of Lagertha from the show Vikings, a woman willing to sacrifice herself for her people while still being a fighter and not letting herself be abused.
The MMC is super obsessed and it was very nice to see.
The MMC comes back to claim what is his by birthright and he won't stop until he gets it. I really liked that even though he was a very brutal man, he still showed vulnerability when it came to her feelings for him.
I want to thank the author, Netgalley and the publisher for sending me arc in exchange for an honest review
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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