The Sea King

by Jolie Mathis

In this sexy, emotional debut, a beautiful Saxon princess must guard her heart against the formidable Viking who is the enemy of her people...

Kol Thorleksson, the powerful Viking warrior known as the Sea King, owes his life to the young Saxon woman who risked everything to free him from bondage. Two years later, he has returned to Norsex, this time to wreak vengeance on those who plotted to destroy him. He is shocked to discover that the lovely woman who helped him regain his freedom is the sister of the tyrant who sought to take it away.

Not a day has passed without Princess Isabel of Norsex thinking of the handsome Viking who crossed her path. But when her peaceful world is threatened by barbarians, the last thing she expects is to find Kol at their helm. Now, with danger lurking in every corner of her kingdom, Isabel finds herself torn between her sworn allegiance and her traitorous heart.

Genres: Historical Romance, Romance, Medieval Romance, Historical, Enemies To Lovers, Romantic, Viking Romance

295 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 2006

About the author

I was raised by my parents to believe I could do anything I put my mind to. As an Army family, we moved every couple of years to a new location and a new school, and I enjoyed the experience of seeing new places and making more friends. I later graduated from Texas A&M University, and worked in the legal field for the next 10-plus years.

Shortly after the birth of my first child, my mother took me into a used book store and bought me a copy of Shanna, by Kathleen Woodiwiss. How many romance writing careers has that book inspired? So taken was I by the genre, that I read every romance I could get my hands on, and began to craft my own as well.

Jolie Mathis lives in Texas with her husband and two young children. The daughter of a confirmed bibliophile mother, Jolie's earliest memories are of visits to local libraries and bookstores. She enjoys reading, cooking (and eating), flea markets, and any activity involving family and friends.

Reviews

[Oana · Rating 2 out of 5]

1.5 stars

[Paula Quinn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jolie Mathis has put herself at the top of my auto-buy list. (along with only four others) I've been hungry for a good Viking tale, and The Sea King more than satisfied. With an exquisite hand, Ms. Mathis pens a passionate tale of revenge, love and redemption. Kol is the perfect hero, an alpha male who isn't afraid to be gentle. Isabel leaps off the page, leaving the reader immersed in every emotion. Secondary characters also add depth to an already wonderful story. My only regret after reading The Sea King is that Ms. Mathis has no other books out yet. I will be anxiously awaiting her next tale.

[Clover · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book several years ago and have it in my "keeper" pile. Just recently reread it and thoroughly enjoyed it once more. Why? In a word: Vikings. Yep, that's all that bears saying. Vikings, baby. Vikings.

She has a new cover now although I much prefer this older version. Just saying.

[Nicola Sheridan · Rating 4 out of 5]

There were a lot of things I liked about this book. I'm totally fascinated with Vikings at the moment, and I loved the fact that hero falls for a woman with an illegitimate child - and I did not see the surprise coming at end! Who would have guessed it?

Another reviewer referred to this as a 'who's the baby daddy?' romance, and in a manner of speaking it is, but it was also so much more. I really did feel the hero and heroine's connection and their romance was lovely and it honestly did keep me guessing.

All up it was a nice winter's day read, curled up with a coffee and a ginger-nut biscuit!

[Angarad · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful story between soul mates who had to overcome so many obstacles to finally be together.
I loved the multiple mysteries, half truths that left us guessing during most of the book. Despite all the lies and dissimulation, Kol and Isabel´s feelings for each other are true and deep.
The final twist was a great surprise, which is something I greatly enjoy in a book, no expecting the unexpected. And when nobody sees it coming, it is even better, proof that the author has a very creative and ingenuous mind.
A book to recommend.

[Emily Pittsley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Found this in one of those free libraries and admittedly enjoyed it more than I expected 😂

[Alicia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found it to be a little confusing in the beginning trying to discern who was who & figure out what exactly was going on. The author could have been a little more descriptive, introduced the characters a little better. At times I found it too “busy,” too much going on all at once. I liked Kol but I wasn’t a big fan of Isabel although I can’t pinpoint exactly what it was about her character. I’d also have liked to feel more fire/passion, that pent up sexual tension between the two. Not to mention the title is a tad bit deceiving. “Sea King” would lead you to believe water and boats would be a bigger factor in the story, whether they spirited hostages away on a boat or attacked from a ship...something. However, anything to do with ships or the sea was only briefly referenced, a fleeting sentence or two at most. The title did not fit the storyline at all in my opinion.

[Arlene · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book about a Viking warrior and a Saxon princess. The real mystery is who is the father of the Princesses child. I was guessing until the very end. Good character development and written well.

[Jericho McKraven · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted to love it, I did, but I finished reading it yesterday and can barely even remember the names of the main characters. It was just too anticlimactic.

[Becca12348 · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was pretty weird - more than anything else. 2.5 stars, but we’ll round up.

[Janice · Rating 5 out of 5]

I normally favor historicals set in the Regency period, but since this book was written by one of my favorite authors (Lily Dalton) under a different pen name, I thought I’d give it a try. I wasn’t disappointed. Jolie Mathis delivers a great Viking romance with a wonderful hero and heroine and nonstop action. The heroine saves the hero from death only to face him two years later when he comes to kill her brother. How they find the way to true love is brilliant. My kind of catnip!

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderfully rich medieval romance spun with the talent of a superb storyteller! A victory from all aspects. A well detailed plot complex with danger, intrigue, betrayal, lust, love, and sacrifice. Both moments of laughter and tears woven together so magically. Characters to truly love and hate. Only very talented writers can bring both laughter and tears, each in sincere abundance. Another amazing author to follow!

[Pamela(AllHoney) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think the one thing that really kept me going with this novel was the question of "who's the daddy?"
It wasn't a bad novel but it wasn't that great either. The viking theme is not one of my favorite settings but I did feel this author has a lot of potential and I would definitely try another by her.

[Kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book, phenomenal writing. Wow!

[Jaclyn Goss · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book! Perfect for any romance reader, and as a suggestion for any woman looking for some mindless distraction. Well written and enjoyable! I'm disapointed she hasn't written anything since!!

[Ashen · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars. The heroine just annoyed me at times.

[Sherry · Rating 3 out of 5]

Awesome. Fantastic. Hope this author has more.