As the daughter of a proud Pict chieftain, Elisead’s duty is to make a marriage alliance for the betterment of her people. Yet the forest spirits whisper to her, calling her into the woods to carve in stone the long forgotten markings of the old ways. But when she witnesses a terrifying band of Northmen land on the shores of her village, she senses that her fate lies with the golden leader who entrances her with his dancing emerald eyes and claims her with his forbidden touch.
Desire binds them together…
Alaric sets sail from the Northlands with the weighty responsibility of making a permanent settlement in Pictland. To build an alliance with a local Pict chieftain, Alaric agrees to exchange hostages—and claims the chieftain’s daughter as his leverage. Now, his greatest challenge is to resist Elisead, the auburn-haired beauty who captivates him completely. When the fragile negotiations turn deadly, Alaric must choose between his mission and his desire to protect Elisead from the mysterious forces working against peace between their peoples.
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).
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Perfect Ending to a Marvelous Series A sweet and diverting romance that transported me back to Viking times. I liked Alaric and Elisead. I thought they had a nice romance, nothing overly exciting but it was nice. I loved the ending. I thought killing off a kind off main character was brilliant and something romance authors shy away from too much. I liked how quickly Alaric became protective of Elisead. 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 2nd 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
With Alaric being my favourite character in this enthralling series, I was excited to read his tale, and Emma Prince did not disappoint! Alaric has been given the task of finding a new settlement in Pictland amongst the Pictish people, but as he tries to make an alliance, forces are working against him. Honourable, heroic, handsome and good natured with a likeable personality, he is struck by the beautiful auburn haired daughter of the Chieftain, Elisead. Elisead has been given gifts from the forest spirits, but she tries to hide them, whereas Alaric encourages her to embrace them. In an agreement to exchange hostages during negotiations, Alaric soon realises that someone is trying to kill Elisead and so he becomes even more determined to protect this young woman, whom he is immediately and extremely strongly drawn to. Although she is betrothed to another, and although he promised his Jarl Eirik that he will not fail in his mission, can the two of them put the horrors behind them and forge a new loving future together. Only time will tell. Emma Prince's Viking series finishes on a definite high, as she succeeds in making this tale both captivating and emotional, while bringing all these wonderful characters together again. It was a real page turner and a true success for Emma Prince.
Eirik the Jarl of Dalgaard decides to send Alaric to the west to find land that he can live on. This had been Alaric dream ever since they had raided there 2 years ago. Along with his twin sister and her mate Runin in another longboat they set sail.
Elisead saw the Northman come up on the beach she ran but Alaric thought he saw a red flash and went on alert. He took his crew looking for the perfect spot when he saw the red flash agin, this time he went after it and trapped the person to the river with no where to go. His surprise it was a woman, a beautiful woman, before everyone else got there he let her go. Elisead ran back to the fortress warning everyone as she went. She tells her father that two longboats with Northmen had landed. Seven years ago there had been Northmen and they had beat them back but with terrible costs. Alaric and the rest of the Northman go tot the fortress to talk about settling but Maelcon Mac Lorcan the chief was afraid they were there to raid them, after telling Maelcon they could talk peacefully or they could take the fortress Maelcon decides to let them in but only Alaric, Madrena and Runin and without there weapons. It was agreed that they would swap 1 important person while negotiations were ongoing. Alaric took Maelcon’s daughter and Maelcon took Madrena. So his story begins….
"Desire's Hostage (Viking Lore, #3) by Emma Prince is a captivating Viking historical romance that transports readers into a world of passion, intrigue and fierce alliances. Although it's part of the larger Viking Lore series, this book stands proudly on its own.
In the heart of Pictland, Elisead, daughter of a proud Pict chieftain, faces a daunting responsibility - forging a marriage alliance to secure the future of her people. But destiny takes a dramatic turn when a band of fearsome Northmen arrive on the shores of her village. Among them, the charismatic, golden-headed leader with emerald eyes casts a spell over her heart and draws her into a world of forbidden desires.
Alaric Hamarsson, on a mission to establish a permanent settlement in Pictland, takes on the heavy burden of diplomacy. To seal an alliance with a local Pict chieftain, he agrees to a hostage exchange, claiming the chieftain's daughter as his bargaining chip. But the fiery-haired Elisead ignites a passion he never expected. As negotiations teeter on the brink of violence, Alaric must make a heartbreaking choice: honour his mission or protect Elisead from the shadowy forces that threaten the peace between their peoples.
I liked the characters and the storyline. Was quick at the finish maybe wrapped up too fast. The heroine could have had a stronger inner strength and been more clever at figuring out what was going on after all it was her land and her people. For someone who had some special gift of knowing seems like that part failed. But because of the other past characters we already met they carried the storyline more so especially Alaric. Even his sister was played down too much. I still enjoyed reading it.
‘Desire’s Hostage,’ is the third book in the Viking Lore series, and was a fascinating read. Alaric is charged with taking two longships northwest to cultivate new lands and create a peaceful settlement for his people. And as far as charismatic hero’s go, Alaric comes through in spades. As for Elisead, she proves herself as quite the heroine and skilled carver.
These books can each be read alone, but I recommend as a series. I have really enjoyed Eirik's, Madrena's, and Alaric's stories. This story was a great addition to the series and flowed nicely.
Oh my gosh… This was a wonderful story, and I didn’t figure it out until the end. Emma is the type of author that brings her stories to life and she has such great characters. I love this book so much I read it in record time! Fantastic.
There is nothing that keeps me in a novel but two things: A fine hero and history. Me Prince has become one of my favorite author s. Thank you Me Prince for your wonderful writings.
Alaric was always one of my favorite characters as I read the first two books in this series so I was excited to finally read his story. Overall, I loved it and it is now one of my favorites, my only complaint is that it was a bit lacking on the steam for me and I would've liked to see a bit more interaction between him and the heroine. My favorite aspect was the fact that the Pict villagers were able to learn to coexist with the Vikings and we had a very sensible heroine who was quickly able to realize that she was treated better by the Vikings than she had been by her own family.
**possible spoiler: One thing that bothered me a bit was the fact that this book reveals that Runin and Madrena never married, and she just refers to him as her mate and that they are wholly committed to each other. I know this is just me being entirely too nit picky, but I just would've liked to see the completion of their happy ending. However, I do understand how this works with Madrena's character given her fierce independence.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Another drool and swoon worthy fabulous read in book #three of the fabulous Vking Lore series that you don't want to miss! This is the centered on twin brother Alarec , as the brother from the heroine Madrena, of Shield Maiden's Revenge in book 2. What is wonderful about Ms. Prince's Viking Lore series is you can read as stand alone or in book order. The choice is up to the reader but I highly recommend in book order to connect the character dots per say.
Another rveting adventures with tough choice for the lovers to make that will have readers wondering way the wind is blowing and will keep you guessing throughout the story. This is just the way I like to read as Ms. Prince reels you in and has you hooked to her Pict/Norman world! This exceptional read is lined with true historical facts with some fantasy and .paranormal moments in her fantastic historical romance!
808 AD In this story the Normans are looking for a nice calm peaceful alliance for a settlement but the Picts despise and do not trust the Normans and for good reasons. The Picts will never agree to this alliance even though the Normans are looking for a new settlement with a peaceful calm serene alliance . So when all else fails they both agree to take a hostage from each of their people, a Norman for a Pict. A fair exchange but not just any hostage as the Picts Chiftains daughter Elisead is taken as hostage. They really want this to be peaceful alliance but some of Alarec's actions could ruin all plans and future. Plus as the Norman leader and the Picts Chiftain daughter fall in love which could end in disaster for all especially since she is already betrothed to another! Yet Elisead knows she is tied with this Norman leader as the stones of the forest whispered it so! Does this nymph of the forest. have supernatural. powers or is she a wee bit mad? What will this young couple do ? You will have to read to find out!
A wonderful finale to this spectacular trilogy with breathtaking setting, true history in a heartwarming fictional romance and amazing dialogue that readers won't be able to put down. This attraction between Alarec and Elisead sizzles right off the pages! Has all the elements romance reader love - conflict, drama, adventure, abduction mystery, betrayal, suspense, paranormal, betrayal, villains, love and passion. Anther exceptional Emma Prince tale that readers will be holding onto the edge ot their seats with anticipation! So many twists and turns wondering what will happens next- will it be happiness or dread or a bit of both? Will the young couple find a happy ending or will they be forced to sacrifice their own happiness for their people of different lands? Plus their is a villain in their mist that could make things possibly turn deadly? You will have to read this fast paced riveting page turner to find out!
I highly recommend Desire's Hostage and the entire Viking Lore Trilogy, as it is absolutely spectacular! Happy Reading!
DESIRE'S HOSTAGE by Emma Prince is Book 3 in the amazing "VIKING LORE". Can be read as a stand alone, but I would strongly recommend reading the other two in the series, #1 "Enthralled", and #2 "Shieldmaiden's Revenge". I believe of the three this was my favorite. Once again, Ms. Prince, has written a tale that Wil capture the reader and hold them in awe. Well written with history of the struggles between the Picts and the Norman's in 808 A.D. "DESIRE'S HOSTAGE", is well written with exciting, adventurous, and passionate interaction between the Picts and Norman's. The Norman's are looking for a new settlement. The Picts, want nothing to do with the savage barbarians. They are looking for a peaceful alliance between the Picts' Chieftain and themselves. Blocked by interference, betrayal, and danger. The hero, Alaric, the Norman's leader and heroine, Elisead, the Chieftain's daughter, who is betrothed and Alaric's hostage, find desire and an undeniable attraction. But, will the attraction between the two, destroy Alaric's mission, Elisead's betrothal and jeopardize Alaric's honor and need to protect Elisead may break his alliance. Can their blossoming love survive the struggles, betrayal and danger? Or will it destroy them all? What a fast paced, action packed tale. I absolutely loved this story! I was totally caught off guard and made unawares to who was the troublemaker, his reasons, and his betrayal. WOW! A must read! A keeper, and a tale that was hard to put down. A definite page Turner! Fans of A.D. reads, Pict's, Norman's, history, romance, and suspense, will enjoy "DESIRE'S HOSTAGE". Once again, Ms. Prince had my heart all a flutter. Simply breathtaking! Another hit!
Another Emma Prince novel, another hulking beefcake male lead. Just like Eirik, Alaric is noble and just and honorable. Sorry, what's the difference between them? None? Ok. Good. Gotcha.
That's fine. They're besties, after all, so it makes sense that they are virtually indistinguishable from each other except for their names and plot lines.
I did like the plot of the Vikings sailing to Scotland to settle. Elisead is probably my favorite female character because she seems most realistic. Except for the carving. Thats an interesting and weird plot line (sort of like the falconing in Prince's Highlander's Redemption, just a very odd hobby).
Like Enthralled (still can't get over that pun) and Shieldmaiden's Revenge, this novel is just good. It's not great. It's not, "Oh, I need to reread that IMMEDIATELY." It doesn't give me ideas for my own writing. It's just good. Like a slice of pumpkin pie good. Did I get any nutrients from it? Nah. But did I enjoy it? Sure!
Wow, absolutely amazing! I could not put this book down! In addition to a steamy romance, this book had lots of suspense and 'whodunit' elements. It kept me guessing about who was behind the efforts to keep the hero and heroine apart the entire time, which added to the danger and mystery of the romance.
The romance itself was so yummy! I loved Alaric, the strong Viking who has to learn how to be a leader. And Elisead was an enchanting Pict, almost ethereal and fairy-like. I liked that she was vulnerable but also had an inner strength. I also really enjoyed getting to revisit the characters from the other books in the series--it's always nice to get updates on those other Viking Lore people! Highly recommended!
Great end to the Viking Lore trilogy! I loved Alaric's story and his little forest spirit Elisead. It's especially wonderful when a story has a little bit of pict magic thrown in. Elisead is a misunderstood red haired beauty who runs through the forests and carves what stones speak to her. When Alaric first meets her he is entranced, but there are many obstacles to overcome if he is to act on his feelings. This story is filled with action, adventure, betrayal and suspense. The beloved characters from the first two novels are also part of the tale. I thoroughly enjoyed all three of these entertaining books and would highly recommend them.
Alaric has gone to find a place to claim as a new settlement for his Viking people. Jarl Eriek has tasked him to do so. He finally finds what he thinks their looking for. When they land and disembark a flash of red catches his eye, but also the burnt skulls and bones that are on the sand below their boots.
The Pict chieftain daughter, Elisead, is out walking the forest again. When she stumbles upon an awakening of a past real nightmare, which took place seven years ago, but this is now. It is not a remembrance of what was past, but what is...now. There is danger and she must alert her people.
This was a very good story. This is the conclusion to this series, I believe.
I have really enjoyed this Viking Lore series. Each book tells a much different story. Here Alaric leads an expedition to settle in Pictland.
The author writes good notes. I have taken to reading them first. They contain a great deal of detailed historical information pertaining to the story.
I enjoyed reading this'd informative historical Viking romance. Emma Prince does a fine job of giving historical facts by weaving in a romance story. I would highly recommend it.