Torsten's Gamble

Sons of the Wolf #2

by Virginie Marconato

When a ruse ignites desire, only the truth can set them free.

Aife has loved her childhood friend for as long as she can remember. Desperate to make him see her as more than the girl he left behind, she devises a daring plan—and turns to the one man she trusts his brother, Torsten.

Torsten agrees to play along, though the game quickly becomes more dangerous than either expected. Aife’s teasing smiles and sultry glances awaken a hunger he can no longer ignore, while every stolen touch leaves her trembling with confusion and longing. The lines between pretense and passion blur until neither can tell where the act ends and desire begins.

But giving in to their growing attraction means betraying the past—and risking the future. As temptation burns hotter, Aife and Torsten must decide if love born of deception can ever lead to truth… or if some gambles cost too much to win.

In a world of fierce loyalty and untamed hearts, passion becomes the most perilous game of all.

242 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 2, 2025

About the author

I think I became a writer the day I decided to write a (very bad, shamefully close to the real story) version of White Fang when aged nine or ten! As for the Middle Ages I fell in love with it at school during a history lesson, then Kevin Costner’s Robin Hood put its final seal on it all. A girl of twelve then, I never recovered!

Reviews

[Sewanee Kracalik · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow,I'm hooked on this series! They are each so unique and addicting. Aife is not only naive in the ways of love, she's fickle with her ideal mate. She keeps fantasizing on men who are unavailable, in essence sabotaging her own efforts..
Her latest target is her childhood friend who's a total womanizer and doesn't even know she's alive. She decides in a moment to use his brother, Torsten, to make him jealous. Oh what a tangled web she weaves! What does Torsten do when he figures out she's using him? That's what Make's this such a delightful story. I couldn't put it down. I cannot wait to read the next in this series! I barrowed each book on Kindle Unlimited and I'm gladly valunteering this review!

[Fiona · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fantastic story in the series. The story of Torsten and Aife is both different and intriguing./ They have grown up together and Aife believes she is in love with his younger brother Sven. With different trials , talks, kidnapping and family they realize that they have fallen in love with each other. The story takes you through their discovery which is by far straight forward! But the question is at the end will true love workout? . I really enjoyed the story and look forward to the next book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Fanosse23 · Rating 5 out of 5]

When a ruse ignites desire, only the truth can set them free.

This captivating story follows two friends, Torsten and Aife, who never saw each other as more than companions—until a fateful kiss, given for all the wrong reasons, sets them on an unexpected path toward love.

Aife is a refreshingly unique character: an older virgin grappling with self-doubt, believing she lacks the charm to attract a man. In her quest for affection, she sets her sights on Sven, a notorious womanizer known for changing partners as frequently as his shirts. However, it’s Torsten who begins to notice Aife in a new light, sparked by an irresistible laugh that he soon realizes belongs to her. In a bid to make Sven jealous, Aife impulsively kisses Torsten, igniting feelings neither anticipated.

Torsten’s own inexperience with women is thoughtfully explored, with the author providing compelling reasons that enrich his character. His connection with Aife feels natural and unforced, even as both struggle with the implications of their growing attraction. They face the challenge of reconciling feelings born from deception, questioning whether their romance can withstand the truth.

Their journey from friends to lovers is anything but simple. Confusion, insecurity, and emotional battles create tension, yet through every misstep and heartfelt encounter, they remain steadfast in their support for one another. It’s not until a near-fatal accident that they fully grasp the depth of their love.

The story concludes with a deeply satisfying and heartwarming resolution that left me smiling. I adored Torsten and Aife’s journey—once they embraced their feelings, their love story blossomed beautifully. I am looking forward to the next story in this intriguing series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Deborah Durand · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fated Friends

Tired of being overlooked and being insulted by her shallow cousin, Aife tries to make her latest love interest notice her by kissing his brother Torsten. Torsten, who is also struggling with doubts about his manhood, is uncertain about Aife’s sudden interest since they have been childhood friends. A series of misunderstandings, dangerous encounters with Normans, and a terrible accident make them both aware that they are more than just friends.
The author has always made readers feel incorporated in the lives of these family oriented Norsemen. You will feel invested in the maturation of these friends’ relationship into one of intimacy. Wonderful characters, actioned packed, and a well loved trope of friends to lovers make for a very fine read. One of the sweetest parts is the author’s description of what happened when Torsten was one year old and Aife was just born…adorable.
Can’t wait to read about Torsten’s brother Sven…a ladies man…too many ladies.
I have received an ARC from OHB and I am leaving an unbiased review voluntarily.

[Tzippy Sheffi Elgar · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found Torsten and Aife's story's very touching and beautifully written. The author delves into their characters with a lot of care. Both have to deal with their insecurities and it is delivered delicately. I loved how the changes in their feelings for each other, how they discover they had fallen in love with each other due to a kiss made to make another man jealous were explored. I love Torsten's quite strength. He is gentle, artisitic and cares deeply about Aife and his family. As a reader, I fell in love with him immediately. Aife struggles with self-doubt about her looks and ability to attract men. I found her insecurities relatable and moving. There were moments of suspense I was quite unsure how they would end, such as the Normans' attack or Torsten's accident but everything was resolved to the most satisfying end. I highly recommend the story and looking forward to reading Sven's love story next.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Bridget Love to read Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aife and Torsten have history from her birth did they but know it!
Aife has known Torsten all her life but pins for his brother Sven who will never see her but as a friend! Torsten has a reputation as a man unable to function and bed a woman!
After one explosive kiss with Aife he knows there is nothing wrong with him but his body is most discerning!
When a series of events pull them even more together as Aife wants to persuade her cousin that she is attractive to men!
They both share an explosive passion and Torsten risks his life more than once to save Aife!
Can they have a true future together after Torsten is injured and this time he may not perform or even walk again!?
This is a page turner as we learn what is familiar can become brand new when the heart is involved! Bravo I love their chemistry and journey to forever!
I received an ARC copy for my unbiased review!

[Dominique Englebert · Rating 5 out of 5]

In pursuit of real love
Aife is mocked by her cousin because she is neither married nor betrothed at the ‘advanced’ age of almost thirty. She thinks she is in love with her childhood friend, Sven and to make him jealous, she kisses his brother, Torsten, who is very surprised by her action. However, when he discovers the reason, they quarrel. She jumps on her horse and runs, with Torsten in pursuit. Surprised by a group of Saxons, Aife is unseated and falls unconscious. Torsten protects her but both are taken prisoners. They manage to escape and seek shelter in Roman ruins due to a rainstorm. Their forced proximity leads them to reevaluate their feelings for each other. But they are friends. Will they endanger their friendship because of a few kisses?
What will the future hold for them?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sahar's Honest Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

It Started with Deception; Can It End in Love?
Aife kisses Torsten to make his older brother jealous—an inauspicious beginning, if ever there was one. She and Torsten have been friends since childhood, and one impulsive kiss changes the shape of that relationship forever. When Torsten asks why she did it, Aife lies… but the truth has a way of surfacing when it’s least convenient.
When they are caught in situations that put both their lives—and their safety—at risk, Aife and Torsten begin to realize that what binds them goes far beyond friendship and deception. Can Torsten forgive the lie? And will they finally admit that what they’re feeling is love?
This is a steamy ancient historical romance with a dash of suspense. I enjoyed the blend of passion, tension, and emotional risk in this story.

[Roma Cordon · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story takes place in a Norse-Saxon village in East Anglia (England) in the summer of 1071, against the backdrop of Norman hostility and medieval rural life. Aife is warm-hearted, practical, and slightly insecure. Torsten who is a son of Wolf (village leader) is quiet, sensitive, artistic, and a “middle” brother". They are both a little uncertain, a little wounded, and longing for connection. The relationship unfolds with a beautiful balance of tension and sweetness. The middle of the book shifts to suspenseful when the two are captured by Norman raiders. Torsten’s protectiveness and Aife’s courage shine. By the end, Torsten’s Gamble becomes a romance about choosing the right person for the right reasons. A wonderful story about vulnerability and the power of being seen.

[Cherie S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another terrific addition to this thrilling and passionate series
Torsten and Aife were intriguing characters that kept me so engrossed I read this story in one day.
He only had hidden eyes for Aife, but she only had eyes for Sven, Torsten's younger brother.
The journey of discovering their love took them through, many confusing thoughts, a few shocking confessions, conquering many insecurities, a near fatal accident, and not only that but finding themselves captured by the evil Norsemen.
I have enjoyed the entire series and look forward to the next story.
💋Love the cover💖

[Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

A slightly different take on crushes and love. Characters go from friends to lovers as they explore the differences between having a crush fantasy to actually being in love. Keeps reader on their toes with chemistry and depth.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lyn D Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

This second book in the Sons of the Wolf serves was a passionate and exciting Viking friend to lover historical romance. I found the characters' story to be touching and beautifully written and engaging. I enjoyed the heartwarming ending. I recommend reading.

[Josee A · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again, Marconato has knocked it out of the park with this series. Torsten and Aife are wonderful characters who each doubt their own self worth. As they learn how to love each other, they also learn how to love themselves and find confidence in who they are. I love this story and this series.

[Rainelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story was hitting certain spots of enjoyment from the book and other areas of opinion the story was falling flat a little. Not so much to where I couldn’t continue but, I found myself losing interest with the characters because the narrative wasn’t picking up in the excitement or enthusiasm surrounding the plot. I will say that as I was toward the ending of the story when Torsten opened and shared his story with Aife the plot as well as the storyline was breathing to life again. The action during the encounters with the Iceland warriors was great. I moved through the scenes with the anticipation running wild in my mind. Who knew what was to happen behind them rocks. The appearance of Torstens father Clan Leader Wolfe was amazing. He was terrific in the hunt for the Ike men. At the end of the story held its beauty of a romance that a girl could love and dream to at night. I thought the sun- plot of falling for your friend from child hood or in this case the cradle, was a splendid tale. I give this book two snaps and a - Sven you need to slow it down boy. You may come across a girl that will give you something that you really don’t want. I really hate to read about Maewan flaying a circus in the next book, You know how your mother is. Until next time my fellow readers. Read on! I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.