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Viking Lore #1

Enthralled

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He is bound by honor…
Eirik is eager to plunder the treasures of the fabled lands to the west in order to secure the future of his village. The one thing he swears never to do is claim possession over another human being. But when he journeys across the North Sea to raid the holy houses of Northumbria, he encounters a dark-haired beauty, Laurel, who stirs him like no other. When his cruel cousin tries to take Laurel for himself, Eirik breaks his oath in an attempt to protect her. He claims her as his thrall. But can he claim her heart, or will Laurel fall prey to the devious schemes of his enemies?

She has the heart of a warrior…
Life as an orphan at Whitby Abbey hasn’t been easy, but Laurel refuses to be bested by the backbreaking work and lecherous advances she must endure. When Viking raiders storm the abbey and take her captive, her strength may finally fail her—especially when she must face her fear of water at every turn. But under Eirik’s gentle protection, she discovers a deeper bravery within herself—and a yearning for her golden-haired captor that she shouldn’t harbor. Torn between securing her freedom or giving herself to her Viking master, will fate decide for her—and rip them apart forever?

340 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 1, 2015

712 people are currently reading
471 people want to read

About the author

Emma Prince

54 books274 followers
USA Today bestselling author Emma Prince whisks readers away to another time and place with her steamy historical romances—where the passion is legendary, the adventure never ends, and the happily ever afters are guaranteed!

After several years as a college English instructor (where she savored her “fun books”—usually historical romances—on the side), Emma turned her love of page-turning, richly historical stories into a career. She lives in drizzly Seattle with her husband, their daughter (the wee lass) and a crazy cat named Oban (after the town in Scotland or the whisky made there, depending on who you ask).

Emma loves connecting with readers! Sign up for her newsletter at www.EmmaPrinceBooks.com and be the first to hear about the latest book news, flash sales, giveaways, and more. Plus, receive a free historical romance story when you join.

Follow Emma on Amazon and BookBub for alerts on sales and new releases. Or join her on Facebook for loads of fun at: www.facebook.com/EmmaPrinceBooks.

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5 stars
292 (39%)
4 stars
226 (30%)
3 stars
164 (22%)
2 stars
39 (5%)
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18 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
Profile Image for Danielle.
20 reviews1 follower
November 8, 2018
I was highly disappointed in this book. I wanted an amazing slow burn of a romance, as would be expected of a book where the guy destroys her home and makes her his slave. It was far from that.

*Spoilers*

The book starts out interesting enough. The torture/punishment Laurel experiences at the hand of the Abbess made for a very interesting aspect of Laurel’s character. But the moment Eirik entered the scene and took Laurel as a slave the story was very, very flat.

The characters are very one-dimensional. Laurel has little to no development. Eirik is the honorable gentleman, which is unrealistic given the setting. Madrena is the ‘I don’t like you but I’ll come around’ best friend. Grimar is the villain who has no desire for Laurel other than the fact Eirik wants her and he wants Eirik to suffer. I’m not even sure Alaric has a personality beyond the ‘best friend’ role.

Not to mention, the romance didn’t feel real at all. There’s no reason for Eirik to be extremely protective of her other than he’s captivated by her. At least Laurel is attracted to Eirik’s care of her. Despite her being a slave, despite the fact she saw the monks/nuns slaughtered, despite basically everything that would affect a normal woman of 19, Laurel trusts Eirik and basically has next to no resistance to his advances.

And then there’s Eirik’s ‘lapse of control’. They’d been alone for 10 minutes in his home before he’s kissing her, and she reciprocates. His reactions aren’t based off of lust either, despite how the author portrayed them. He falls in love with her for no other reason than the author wanted it that way.

Then there’s the detail of the concept that first time sex always hurts despite how aroused she is. But that’s a common theme that annoys me in all romance novels.

There’s next to no conflict in the story. Grimar is a villain that is no real threat to Laurel and Eirik. He tries to get Eirik killed, kidnaps Laurel. It’s natural to expect a happy ending due to the genre, but Eirik even Eirik falling to fever and being ‘close to death’ is miraculously fixed barely a chapter later. Even then, the few conflicts in the story were stereotypical despite having a very unique premise.

I do have to commend Pierce for the writing itself. I thoroughly enjoyed it, even if I got annoyed with the fact she only described his muscles as ‘corded’ and ‘hard’. However the sex scene was frustrating. I appreciate the importance to detail, but the repetition of description euphemisms and the fact she explained every little movement of the character got beyond annoying. By the end of it, I was less aroused and more wanting the scene to end.

All in all, I do give it a 2 star rating, but it's more of a 2.5. It is enjoyable, but is flat beyond all belief. For the premise, I was hoping for a very emotionally complex story and Pierce just did not deliver.
Profile Image for April.
1,850 reviews74 followers
August 4, 2015
#1 in the new series, "Viking Lore", and what a beginning! Fast paced and adventure filled. "Enthralled", is a historical romance reader's delight. It has everything a romance reader could possibly want, in a powerful, engaging story.
It shows the challenges,culture, the struggles, honor and romance of the Viking warriors.
The sensual tension pops off the page, between the H/H, as well as the danger involved in a woman captured and claimed as a thrall of a Viking.
As trouble brews love blossoms, but can love survive the tension and cultural challenges?
Well written with vivid descriptions and engaging, strong and challenging characters. The storyline is unique and absolutely spellbound for fans of Viking Historical Romance. A well thought-out tale of love, the difference between cultures and the power of love. I can't wait for the next installment in the "Viking Lore" series. Highly recommended for fans of Viking stories, Historical Romance, adventure and darn good reading. Powerful, alluring, and a fantastic read.

*Received for an honest review from the author*

**Cross-posted on My Book Addiction Reviews**


Rating: 4.5
Heat rating: Hot
Reviewed by: April R, courtesy of My Book Addiction and More
Profile Image for Carole Burant.
1,277 reviews36 followers
May 11, 2022
I do so love a good Viking romance once in a while and I really enjoyed this one. Not only do you get the romantic side of the story, one can tell the author has done her research so you also get a lot of historical facts thrown in.

This is Eirik and Laurel's story and it is filled with plenty of adventure, action and a few twists and turns that will keep you reading. I really did love both main characters. Laurel might have started being a meek heroine with lots of fears but she ends up being quite the brave soul. As for Eirik, I adored his honor and how patient and kind he was with her.

In a world when Vikings were to be feared, it's lovely to think that love could make a difference!
Profile Image for Roses.
482 reviews10 followers
January 20, 2020
Liked this story about a Viking who ended up with a northern Christian. Kept my interest enough that I'll check out more by this author. It was told in dual POV's which I always like. The story had some drama that tended to get resolved somewhat quickly but it also kept the pages turning.
Profile Image for BigComfyChairBookReviews.
182 reviews14 followers
February 8, 2018
Best in the Series
Very good. I do prefer Prince’s Highlander books a little better, that genre just appeals more to me. This book appeared accurate and interesting. I don’t know as much about this time period and the Vikings as I do about medieval Scotland, so Prince can get away with more inaccuracies and I wouldn’t notice. I liked Eirik and Laurel a lot. I thought their relationship had an interesting progression and I was excited to read on to find out how it would all work out. I thought the final battle with the boats was a little lame. I wish Eirik had been more heroic in the end.
Overall, I loved the beginning to this series. The plot was engaging, the characters intriguing, and the romance dreamy!
I have read every book published by Emma Prince, she is one of my favorite authors. She is consistent in her writing ability, usually earning 4-5 stars from me This is my favorite of the Viking Lore Trilogy. WARNING: there is sex in this book, it is not erotica, but enough to be a steamy & hot adult romance. Please do not read if you are looking for something PG. Romance-5/5 Steaminess-3/5 Explicitness-3/5
Profile Image for Michelle.
83 reviews17 followers
November 25, 2016
Emma Prince is rapidly becoming one of my favorite authors and Enthralled is a perfect example as to why.

First off, let's talk about the pun in that title. Emma! Girl! That's good. EnTHRALLed. A hearty LOL to that.

Not that that's out of the way, let me say, this book is good. It delivers. Like most good romance novels, it has a total nice guy as the lead character--Eirik is exactly what you want in a male lead. He's huge (seriously, every male lead is the size of a boulder); he's handsome; he's fierce when he needs to be, but he's also super duper sweet. Totally unrealistic, but oh my god, it works. Congrats, Emma.

Laurel is abused, unloved, and alone in the world. Some bad stuff happens, but she totally takes it like a trooper instead of, I don't know, busting down to the fjord and stealing a ship to GTFO as fast as she can (which would be my plan, personally). Instead, she demands to work. She focuses on what she can change. She lusts after our main man Eirik.

And you know what? Things work out. It's good. It's cute. It's simple. Is it gonna change your life? Nah. But like any good sugary sweet candy treat, it's totally worth it.
244 reviews2 followers
August 24, 2021
Laurel has only known hardship and cruelty her whole life growing up at Whitby Abbey. Constantly berated for being born out of sin, she longs for something better.
Eirik is eager for adventure, but when they land on Whitby, he encounters Laurel who immediately captures his attention.
Beaten by his cruel cousin Grimar to make Laurel his thrall, Eirik protects her on their voyage home and eventually manages to retrieve her from Grimar, making her his thrall. But Grimar is jealous and vindictive and for him, this is not over.
Will the obvious attraction that they have for each other grow, or will Laurel try to escape, only time will tell.
Handsome, honourable, strong, kind and thoughtful Eirik cannot get the beautiful, petite, strong and brave Laurel out of his mind, but together they will have to face and beat family feuds, invasions, and a fear of water if their love for each other is to conquer all.
As usual Emma Prince brings her 'A' Game to the start of this captivating and engaging series of love, passion, humour and adventure with her wonderfully descriptive writing.
It was fabulous!
Profile Image for Crystal Butler.
519 reviews3 followers
April 6, 2024
Exciting story

Eiriks’s boat set sail toward Northumbria to raid the monks and take the treasures back home. His cousin Grimar went along against his wishes but Grimar’s father was who allowed them to go.

Laurel lived at the Abbey and had since she was left on the doorstep as a child, she was called the devils child and the nuns did not like her. She was attacked by Brother Egbert right before the attack which he blamed on her trying to escape. When they were attacked Grimar claimed her as his slave and was taken to the boat against Eirick’s wishes. Grimar treats her badly but there is nothing Eirik can do until he hangs her over the edge of the boat after she vomits on his boots and says she is worthless saying he doesn’t want her. Eirik says he will buy her from him and Grimar voiced if you want her go get her and drops her into the sea. Eirik jumps in after her and saves her. Eirik vows he will never hurt her and is now under his protection. This was an exciting story.
Profile Image for Petula.
3,087 reviews86 followers
March 30, 2021
Laurel was abandoned into the less than gentle care of the Nuns and Monks as a baby because her parents weren't married. A child of sin is treated as the lowest of all and punishment is a regular occurrence. Then the Vikings come to raid the monastery.
Eirik is the leader of the raiding party because it was his idea to come to this western land. Not all of his men agree with his rules, or his sense of honour.
A very exciting Viking romance full of battles and danger. Our heroine will need to drawn on previously unknown strength to get through this. Our hero has more enemies than he realizes.
A fascinating look at a very different way of life.
I loved it.
Profile Image for MooseGirl.
792 reviews4 followers
November 14, 2021
Laurel has a tough life at the abbey and is constantly being punished for her very existence. Things get worse when Vikings raid the abbey and capture her. Eirik finds himself claiming Laurel as his thrall to protect her from his brutish cousin.

This was okay, but not great. For me, I was disappointed in Eirik, who wasn't much of a tough Viking warrior at all. It was difficult to believe that he would have any kind of standing in his society. I also had trouble believing in a romance. It was a pleasant enough story, but it didn’t really grab my attention.
40 reviews1 follower
December 4, 2023
The title says it all

Emma P weaves another wonderful story of integrity, love and longing. Her heroine, Violet is innocent, strong and intelligent, but orphaned into a morally repressive abbey. Her capture and enslavement by a brutal Viking during a raid promises a worse life for her. Eirik, the more than capable Viking leader, is immediately smitten, yet she is not his prize. And, his honor and their codes forbid him to claim her. Where can the pull they feel for one another lead?
Profile Image for Ann Gonzalez.
1,500 reviews15 followers
August 6, 2017
Read it

I have always enjoyed Emma Prince's books. I have read most or all of her Highlander Romance books. I occasionally read viking stories, but not often. I am glad I decided to read this book. I will definitely be reading this series. The characters were well written and I would love to pluck Eirik right of the page. Looking forward to book two. Thank you Emma for a great story and having your books available on Kindle unlimited.
Profile Image for Diane.
702 reviews
February 2, 2020
It is obvious that the author did research in order to write this novel. However, she didn't do a good job of making me believe that this story took place during the time of the Vikings. The language that the characters used was too modern. I thought the characters were not well realized and the story was formulaic. This story turned out to be just a romance with a little Viking history thrown in. I won't be reading any of the other books in the series.
57 reviews1 follower
November 11, 2021
Enthralled

What a great story!! I normally read books about Highlanders. It's the kilts!! But I thought I would give this a try! Vikings!! The story has all the elements needed to keep you up late at night or make you call your boss to tell them you can't come in today I am reading!!
Lovely scene with the sharing of flowers!! See there I found a way to say that and not give it away!!
Now read the book people!!
Profile Image for Bettye McKee.
2,188 reviews156 followers
June 16, 2017
Good Viking romance

When Viking raiders attack Whitby Abbey, the abused orphan named Laurel is claimed as a thrall by the cruel Grimar. After torturing and abusing Laurel on the return trip, Grimar tosses her into the ocean.

Eirik jumps in and rescues her and declares that Laurel now belongs to him. This is the cause of much strife when they return to their village.

14
Profile Image for Gigi.
582 reviews
August 13, 2019
Incredibly captivating...

‘Enthralled,’ book one in Viking Lore and was an utterly captivating read! I truly loved Eirick’s character... his strength, honor, and his dedication toward being just. Eirick had the wanderlust for adventure and other lush lands. His fascination with Laurel only hasten his path toward becoming the Jarl, something he was in no hurry in becoming.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Jeanne Johnston.
1,592 reviews15 followers
January 13, 2020
Any time bad guys are getting away with shit, I know a story is going to piss me off--even knowing there's bound to be a happy ending and justice in the end. I almost bailed a chapter or two in, and then cursed myself for not doing so the entire rest of the way. Not a horrible book, just not a satisfying read if unbridled arseholes aren't your thing.
230 reviews1 follower
August 26, 2020
Spellbound

Eirik and Laurels story is.Like a carnival ride. It starts out slow, taking you up towards the top, allowing you to catch your breath before going over. Laurels sad time at the Abby and her rescue from one Viking to another Viking Eirik. The twists and turns of the story was better than any ride.
Profile Image for Shanti  R..
45 reviews1 follower
October 5, 2017
Wonderful story!

Enthralled is an enthralling tale, full of rich details, depth of characters, and thrilling adventure, not to forget steamy romance! As a fan of Emma's Highland stories, I'm loving the Viking lore, as well!
71 reviews
January 13, 2020
A Viking Romance

No pace, excitement or angst to the story. It just meandered along and I was able to put it down too easy. However I liked the relationship between the characters, even though Erik was a indecisive.
187 reviews3 followers
January 17, 2020
Viking Romance

I am usually an avid reader of Regency romance however I did really enjoy this Viking romance. The characters were interesting and the storyline moved along keeping me interested.
Profile Image for Sharon Osburn.
224 reviews4 followers
February 19, 2020
HOT! SEX! Exciting Plot

First the storyline was very good and a good ending. The writer has a good writing style. She poured on the hot steamy explicit sex. I'll read her next book in the series and see how it goes.
84 reviews
May 28, 2020
Liked

I liked the way the author tried to add some historical events to the book it mad it more real. I really enjoyed the interaction between Erik and laurel. I would read this book again
1 review
June 7, 2020
I Love Emma Prince

This is one of my favorite books so far from Emma Prince. There is suspense, adventure and romance. I really love her historical notes at the end of each book. I almost always google the time period to learn more after reading.
Profile Image for Holly.
861 reviews
Read
December 30, 2021
DNF. I didn’t really enjoy the first book that I read by this author. I thought this story sounded interesting, so I thought I would give her another chance. I found the book to be quite boring, and I probably will not read her again.
592 reviews6 followers
January 7, 2023
Action and passion

Wonderful story packed with action and passion. The characters are so real, and the drama that unfolds on the pages will carry you away with truth-like fantasy. This book is entertaining and informative.
Profile Image for Bonnie.
379 reviews1 follower
November 2, 2017
I really enjoyed this book. I loved the story of Eirik and Laurel and how Eirik fought to protect her from his Viking village and their rules. It was a true love story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews

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