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Norse Saga #1
Raider
M/M Viking Historical Gay First Time Romance
The dull misery of Aiden's peasant life in 8th century Northumbria is shattered forever when Norse Vikings land on his shore. The bastard child of a pagan woman who died when he was a child, Aiden's life in the devoutly Christian village has never been easy, but it is unremarkable. Isolated and lonely, he tends his sheep and resigns himself to being alone; at night, however, he dreams of someone— anyone— taking him away from his misery.
His prayers are answered in the last way he would have wished for when a band of Vikings raids his coastal village, burning and killing everything in sight. Just when he is certain they will kill him too, a handsome blond man intercedes, insisting that he wants to take Aiden for a thrall, a slave. The warrior Einarr claims Aiden as his bounty from the raid and forces Aiden into servitude in his house. Despite the collar around Aiden's neck, he can tell Einarr does not treat him as a normal thrall, and the desire in the warrior's eyes is unmistakable.
Taken by brutal barbarians, Aiden struggles with his new place in the world and with the religious upbringing— which tells him that giving into Einarr's advances would be an abomination. Meanwhile, a terrible threat looms on the horizon, threatening to wipe out Aiden's new owners and Aiden with them. Can Aiden resist the affections of the man who owns him? And what will become of him when he's forced to take up arms and fight alongside that man to save his own life? Can Aiden learn the Viking way, forge his own destiny, and choose the life he wants, or will he forever surrender and let himself be tossed by the tides of cruel fate? Aiden can feel himself falling, unsure if Einarr will be there to catch him, or if he wants him to...
Please Note: This book contains Adult Language & Steamy Adult Activities, it is intended for 18+ Adults Only. Novella, approx. 35,000 words in length. HEA (happy ever after ending). Does not end with a "cliffhanger". History purists be warned, some creative historical license has been taken with this work of fiction.
The dull misery of Aiden's peasant life in 8th century Northumbria is shattered forever when Norse Vikings land on his shore. The bastard child of a pagan woman who died when he was a child, Aiden's life in the devoutly Christian village has never been easy, but it is unremarkable. Isolated and lonely, he tends his sheep and resigns himself to being alone; at night, however, he dreams of someone— anyone— taking him away from his misery.
His prayers are answered in the last way he would have wished for when a band of Vikings raids his coastal village, burning and killing everything in sight. Just when he is certain they will kill him too, a handsome blond man intercedes, insisting that he wants to take Aiden for a thrall, a slave. The warrior Einarr claims Aiden as his bounty from the raid and forces Aiden into servitude in his house. Despite the collar around Aiden's neck, he can tell Einarr does not treat him as a normal thrall, and the desire in the warrior's eyes is unmistakable.
Taken by brutal barbarians, Aiden struggles with his new place in the world and with the religious upbringing— which tells him that giving into Einarr's advances would be an abomination. Meanwhile, a terrible threat looms on the horizon, threatening to wipe out Aiden's new owners and Aiden with them. Can Aiden resist the affections of the man who owns him? And what will become of him when he's forced to take up arms and fight alongside that man to save his own life? Can Aiden learn the Viking way, forge his own destiny, and choose the life he wants, or will he forever surrender and let himself be tossed by the tides of cruel fate? Aiden can feel himself falling, unsure if Einarr will be there to catch him, or if he wants him to...
Please Note: This book contains Adult Language & Steamy Adult Activities, it is intended for 18+ Adults Only. Novella, approx. 35,000 words in length. HEA (happy ever after ending). Does not end with a "cliffhanger". History purists be warned, some creative historical license has been taken with this work of fiction.
138 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 1, 2016
77 people are currently reading
255 people want to read
About the author
Jerry Cole
181 books293 followersJerry Cole is a gay author who lives in California & enjoys writing love stories. Jerry has been writing fiction since he was a child. As a young adult, he worked as a freelance writer in the evenings & on weekends. Jerry started writing gay romance stories several years ago, but initially just for his own entertainment & occasionally sharing stories with his friends. In the summer of 2015 he published his first gay romance short story on Amazon. Overwhelmed by the positive response he decided to quit his “day job” & took up writing gay romance full time. When he’s not writing steamy M/M romance he enjoys globetrotting, watching movies with family and friends, working out, & being dragged down the road by his two Great Danes.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
August 28, 2025
A gay viking romance? Say no more.
A new-to-me author, Cole did a great job at writing these characters with depth. This isn’t just a cheesy erotica, even if the cover looks the part.
The setup is classic, a lonely peasant boy, taken as a thrall (slave), and the fierce warrior who claims him.
Tropes/themes:
Prisoner/captive
Protective barbarian
Violence/gore
Forbidden attraction
No cliffhanger, but a second book
I’m off to grab the next story with these characters!
A new-to-me author, Cole did a great job at writing these characters with depth. This isn’t just a cheesy erotica, even if the cover looks the part.
The setup is classic, a lonely peasant boy, taken as a thrall (slave), and the fierce warrior who claims him.
Tropes/themes:
Prisoner/captive
Protective barbarian
Violence/gore
Forbidden attraction
No cliffhanger, but a second book
I’m off to grab the next story with these characters!
June 4, 2016
~3.5~
Confession time: I gave one of Jerry Cole's contemporary romance books 1 star and had no intention of ever reading anything else by this author.
M/M Viking Historical Gay First Time Romance came across my feed, and since I'm a little obsessed with Vikings, I grabbed it via Kindle Unlimited. I didn't realize it was the same author whose book I had one-starred until I was halfway through.
Imagine my surprise when I found myself enjoying this story. I am no expert on Viking lore, but much (although not all) of the story struck me as relatively historically accurate as far as customs and living conditions in 8th century Northumbria (what is now Northern England and Scotland) and Norse Viking lands (present-day Scandinavia).
Aiden, an Englishman with flaming red hair, is captured as a thrall (slave) by blonde Viking Einarr. It turns out that being enslaved frees Aiden in ways he's never imagined.
The plot is summed up in the blurb, so I won't go into it here, but there was a nice slow burn, a gay first time as promised in the title, a couple steamy scenes, a gripping battle, and a HEA (probably unrealistic, but I chose to ignore that).
If you're looking for something raunchy, don't bother. The sexy scenes aren't particularly graphic or abundant, but the writing is nicely descriptive and the story quite engaging. I liked this one and may try another book by this author.
Confession time: I gave one of Jerry Cole's contemporary romance books 1 star and had no intention of ever reading anything else by this author.
M/M Viking Historical Gay First Time Romance came across my feed, and since I'm a little obsessed with Vikings, I grabbed it via Kindle Unlimited. I didn't realize it was the same author whose book I had one-starred until I was halfway through.
Imagine my surprise when I found myself enjoying this story. I am no expert on Viking lore, but much (although not all) of the story struck me as relatively historically accurate as far as customs and living conditions in 8th century Northumbria (what is now Northern England and Scotland) and Norse Viking lands (present-day Scandinavia).
Aiden, an Englishman with flaming red hair, is captured as a thrall (slave) by blonde Viking Einarr. It turns out that being enslaved frees Aiden in ways he's never imagined.
The plot is summed up in the blurb, so I won't go into it here, but there was a nice slow burn, a gay first time as promised in the title, a couple steamy scenes, a gripping battle, and a HEA (probably unrealistic, but I chose to ignore that).
If you're looking for something raunchy, don't bother. The sexy scenes aren't particularly graphic or abundant, but the writing is nicely descriptive and the story quite engaging. I liked this one and may try another book by this author.
September 3, 2019
***** Jerry Cole gives us this refreshing and new series opener that is wonderful !
It's a historical tale of thieves, and struggles, and survival in the time of the Vikings.
Aiden, 23, is a 'bastard," living his simple life of tending sheep,
and trying to find peace in a town run by prejudiced bible preaching phonies. When their village elders try to trick some traders, the traders come back to fight. Aiden is nearly killed, but Einarr spared him, and asked to be able to keep him for himself, a thrall/slave.
Einarr treats Aiden better than his townsfolk ever did,
and life isn't too bad. Einarr has feelings for Aiden, but Aiden had it beaten into him how wrong that was. Through their hard work and talks, and trying to fit in his new surroundings, Aiden became happy to be there. He and Einarr become closer, as Einarr teaches Aiden how to fight, and twice, Aiden has saved a life in the new village. Aiden gets his first times with love, and sex from Einarr, and they are great together. Threats come to the new settlement, and the people fight.
The end has a terrific finish, but not a cliffhanger.
It can stand alone, and it's a marvelous story ! ENJOY !
==========
It's a historical tale of thieves, and struggles, and survival in the time of the Vikings.
Aiden, 23, is a 'bastard," living his simple life of tending sheep,
and trying to find peace in a town run by prejudiced bible preaching phonies. When their village elders try to trick some traders, the traders come back to fight. Aiden is nearly killed, but Einarr spared him, and asked to be able to keep him for himself, a thrall/slave.
Einarr treats Aiden better than his townsfolk ever did,
and life isn't too bad. Einarr has feelings for Aiden, but Aiden had it beaten into him how wrong that was. Through their hard work and talks, and trying to fit in his new surroundings, Aiden became happy to be there. He and Einarr become closer, as Einarr teaches Aiden how to fight, and twice, Aiden has saved a life in the new village. Aiden gets his first times with love, and sex from Einarr, and they are great together. Threats come to the new settlement, and the people fight.
The end has a terrific finish, but not a cliffhanger.
It can stand alone, and it's a marvelous story ! ENJOY !
==========
June 18, 2016
3.5 stars...
Honestly, I wasn't expecting anything when I started reading Raider (actually I was a bit wary - first time reading this author), but I have to say I was pleasantly surprised by this one! Aiden was not one-dimensional character, I liked him as a narrator and his relationship with Einarr was quite sweet.
If you love Vikings (and who doesn't) you know MM romance genre doesn't have much to offer in the way of Viking romantic stories, but if you're looking for one to read I absolutely recommend this one. Yes, there are some flaws to it, like the way they spoke which struck me as too modern. Or the way all the habitants of the Einarr's village were quite accepting of relationship between two men...they didn't see it as Einarr using Aiden for sex, but real relationship between them. Which struck me as a little odd, but who knows, maybe such accepting village really existed.
Anyway,this is a fiction after all and enjoyable at that, so if you fancy Viking love stories, go ahead and read it!
Honestly, I wasn't expecting anything when I started reading Raider (actually I was a bit wary - first time reading this author), but I have to say I was pleasantly surprised by this one! Aiden was not one-dimensional character, I liked him as a narrator and his relationship with Einarr was quite sweet.
If you love Vikings (and who doesn't) you know MM romance genre doesn't have much to offer in the way of Viking romantic stories, but if you're looking for one to read I absolutely recommend this one. Yes, there are some flaws to it, like the way they spoke which struck me as too modern. Or the way all the habitants of the Einarr's village were quite accepting of relationship between two men...they didn't see it as Einarr using Aiden for sex, but real relationship between them. Which struck me as a little odd, but who knows, maybe such accepting village really existed.
Anyway,this is a fiction after all and enjoyable at that, so if you fancy Viking love stories, go ahead and read it!
June 20, 2019
Okay, I wasn't a fan of this week's Bingo category (Roman, Vikings and Celts oh my!) and had a hard time to decide which book to read. Honestly, I wasn't in the mood for long historical descriptions. So I just searched for a book with as fewest pages as possible and available on Kindle Unlimited and started reading it with little enthusiasm.
Well, I was pleasantly surprised that I quite enjoyed it! :)
Not that I actually have the knowledge but I think the historical setting regarding the living, working and fighting aspects were largely realistic. The whole situation with the thrall/slave on the other hand was totally unbelievable, but made it possible for the author to create here a lovely story.
Aiden and Einarr were sweet characters! :)
3.5 stars
Well, I was pleasantly surprised that I quite enjoyed it! :)
Not that I actually have the knowledge but I think the historical setting regarding the living, working and fighting aspects were largely realistic. The whole situation with the thrall/slave on the other hand was totally unbelievable, but made it possible for the author to create here a lovely story.
Aiden and Einarr were sweet characters! :)
3.5 stars
July 18, 2017
uh, hmm, i don't have a lot to say about this (c'mon percy you say this about every 3 star book, it's getting old); it was pretty enjoyable but I don't think I'll be continuing with the next one. i just thought aidan's reactions to being a thrall were pretty unrealistic at times, and there wasn't enough ~angst~ considering the subject matter. but it was free on kindle unlimited and it was fun, so I don't really have any mega complaints!
June 22, 2016
Raider
By Jerry Cole
2016
Four stars
“Raider” is a sweet, straightforward m/m novella, given a very well-done historical setting by an author who knows his way around the English language. As implausible as the idea of a gay Viking might seem, Cole gives it an appropriate context and makes it plausible, and the authenticity of the historical setting made me appreciate, once again, how glad I am NOT to live during the dark ages on the Welsh coast of the British isles.
Aiden is a redhead, a shepherd, and a bastard. Orphaned, he is lucky enough to own a house and a flock of sheep. Barely tolerated by the villagers for his illegitimate birth, he wiles away his days carving little ornamental pendants while watching his flock and pondering the endless gray vision of his life amongst these pinched, narrow, rigidly Christian people. Cole really captures the physical and cultural setting beautifully.
Then one day a group of Viking traders come to town. They have silver. They have goods. On big blond named Einarr takes a shine to Aiden’s carving skills, and trades him a few pieces of fine carving wood for one.
But the morally righteous villagers decide it is both wise and just to cheat the heathen Northmen and in the ensuing disaster, Aiden finds himself carried away by his blond Viking as a thrall. Thus unfolds a surprisingly nuanced story about life in the dark ages, and a love story that is as sweet-hearted as it is unexpected. The plot of “Raider” is as much about Aiden and his discovery of a world outside the limits of his experience as it is about Vikings and their way of life. Lots of nice details bring the plot to life and create a vivid setting against which our fairly forthright characters play their parts.
Jerry Cole advertises this as an “M/M Viking Historical Gay First Time Romance” right on the cover…although from scanning his other books he seems to specialize in “straight to gay” first time romance. Huh. I didn’t know gay guys wrote that kind of story; thus proving “live and learn.” I may not go for those books, but I’ll keep my eye out for more of Cole’s well-crafted work.
By Jerry Cole
2016
Four stars
“Raider” is a sweet, straightforward m/m novella, given a very well-done historical setting by an author who knows his way around the English language. As implausible as the idea of a gay Viking might seem, Cole gives it an appropriate context and makes it plausible, and the authenticity of the historical setting made me appreciate, once again, how glad I am NOT to live during the dark ages on the Welsh coast of the British isles.
Aiden is a redhead, a shepherd, and a bastard. Orphaned, he is lucky enough to own a house and a flock of sheep. Barely tolerated by the villagers for his illegitimate birth, he wiles away his days carving little ornamental pendants while watching his flock and pondering the endless gray vision of his life amongst these pinched, narrow, rigidly Christian people. Cole really captures the physical and cultural setting beautifully.
Then one day a group of Viking traders come to town. They have silver. They have goods. On big blond named Einarr takes a shine to Aiden’s carving skills, and trades him a few pieces of fine carving wood for one.
But the morally righteous villagers decide it is both wise and just to cheat the heathen Northmen and in the ensuing disaster, Aiden finds himself carried away by his blond Viking as a thrall. Thus unfolds a surprisingly nuanced story about life in the dark ages, and a love story that is as sweet-hearted as it is unexpected. The plot of “Raider” is as much about Aiden and his discovery of a world outside the limits of his experience as it is about Vikings and their way of life. Lots of nice details bring the plot to life and create a vivid setting against which our fairly forthright characters play their parts.
Jerry Cole advertises this as an “M/M Viking Historical Gay First Time Romance” right on the cover…although from scanning his other books he seems to specialize in “straight to gay” first time romance. Huh. I didn’t know gay guys wrote that kind of story; thus proving “live and learn.” I may not go for those books, but I’ll keep my eye out for more of Cole’s well-crafted work.
October 7, 2016
One thing, I seem to have a Vikings fetish. I suspected it for a while, now I know for sure :)
Second, it was a very sweet book. With likable characters (Einarr is particularly... practically a teddy bear). Basically, everyone is a good guy (except for some bad guys who are quickly disposed of).
And third... every time when I read about joys of slavery, I want to vomit. When in the middle of the book Aiden was going on and on about how wonderful his new life as a slave is, how he is valued in the village, I wanted to yell: ""But they don't think you're human, you idiot!" Why doesn't someone write a story about an African American man who is so happy being a slave because his life is so much better than in Africa and his master is so kind and caring? No, something's not right, huh? Why then do authors keep slipping this shit about "kind master + contented slave = HEA"?
But - it worked in the end in the story. And the story was really nice. And I think I like Jerry Cole's books. So yeah, I'll keep reading them. Glomp!
Second, it was a very sweet book. With likable characters (Einarr is particularly... practically a teddy bear). Basically, everyone is a good guy (except for some bad guys who are quickly disposed of).
And third... every time when I read about joys of slavery, I want to vomit. When in the middle of the book Aiden was going on and on about how wonderful his new life as a slave is, how he is valued in the village, I wanted to yell: ""But they don't think you're human, you idiot!" Why doesn't someone write a story about an African American man who is so happy being a slave because his life is so much better than in Africa and his master is so kind and caring? No, something's not right, huh? Why then do authors keep slipping this shit about "kind master + contented slave = HEA"?
But - it worked in the end in the story. And the story was really nice. And I think I like Jerry Cole's books. So yeah, I'll keep reading them. Glomp!
May 9, 2016
Even though this book is a bit on the short side, it packs a lot of plot and character development into its pages. It also effectively evokes what lift must have felt like a lowly Englishman named Aiden and a Viking named Einarr during the 8th century as the two cultures violently collide. I especially enjoyed the evolution of the relationship between the two men. If you're a fan of historical fiction and/or M/M romance, check it out.
July 6, 2023
I love a good slave/captor story and this one was so sweet! It’s a novella so it’s light on the details, but it somehow felt like enough. There’s a plausible cause for taking the MC captive that doesn’t make the other MC a bad guy, there’s romance, a little drama, and some sweet family dynamics.
There’s a sequel that has MMM, but I’ll probably skip it because I like my couple exactly how I left them.
There’s a sequel that has MMM, but I’ll probably skip it because I like my couple exactly how I left them.
May 13, 2025
What a brilliant start to the series! Born a bastard, Aiden is an outcast in his small village, spending most of his time in the hills with the sheep. When Vikings come ashore and try to trade with his village, the village try to cheat the vikings which doesn't work out well for them.
Aiden who had gifted the viking Einarr with a carved necklace for his daughter, is spared and claimed by Aiden during the battle.
I did think the middle of the book where Aiden and Einarr get closer could have been expanded a bit, but not to the point of the book being lacking.
It was a fun, short read and I plan to read the rest of the series soon.
Aiden who had gifted the viking Einarr with a carved necklace for his daughter, is spared and claimed by Aiden during the battle.
I did think the middle of the book where Aiden and Einarr get closer could have been expanded a bit, but not to the point of the book being lacking.
It was a fun, short read and I plan to read the rest of the series soon.
December 10, 2017
Let’s get one thing straight first.
I generally don’t read historical M/M romance. I rarely enjoy books in this genre and it is therefore one of my dreaded tasks when it comes to challenges. Which is pretty much the only instance when I really do pick up a historical M/M romance. So for me to give one of these books a high rating is not common since my ratings are solely based on personal preference and enjoyment.
THIS is one of few I’ve really enjoyed. I loved the plot, because YES! there is one, and it is a plot driven novella, not PWP! Shocking, I know, because when originally reading the blurb I thought this would be one of those books where a series of sexual encounters were divided by snippets of plot. Then I saw a couple of friends had reviewed it, one of them giving it 5 stars. That was the one that gave me the courage to actually pick it up. I’m glad I did! Thank you Michael and Andrea!
This turned out to be near perfect. I loved the way the Viking community was portrayed. The scenery was also very nicely described in just enough detail to bring me a sense of being home in one of the small fishing and farming villages dotting the coast here. I really loved the way the relationship between Aiden and Einarr was allowed to develop before anything actually happened.
There were just a few small things that annoyed me much enough to not give it a full 5 star rating. But those were mostly personal preferences and not real issues. The one thing I did want more of was the interactions within the family. You get a rather good sense of a few of the men in the village, but the three females in the household are just sketchy shadows. And then there’s the length... I actually wished it had been a bit longer to flesh out the day to day living a bit more, but it sure contained a lot for such a short book.
I just found out that there is a sequel available. I might even brave it next (when I need to read a historical).
I generally don’t read historical M/M romance. I rarely enjoy books in this genre and it is therefore one of my dreaded tasks when it comes to challenges. Which is pretty much the only instance when I really do pick up a historical M/M romance. So for me to give one of these books a high rating is not common since my ratings are solely based on personal preference and enjoyment.
THIS is one of few I’ve really enjoyed. I loved the plot, because YES! there is one, and it is a plot driven novella, not PWP! Shocking, I know, because when originally reading the blurb I thought this would be one of those books where a series of sexual encounters were divided by snippets of plot. Then I saw a couple of friends had reviewed it, one of them giving it 5 stars. That was the one that gave me the courage to actually pick it up. I’m glad I did! Thank you Michael and Andrea!
This turned out to be near perfect. I loved the way the Viking community was portrayed. The scenery was also very nicely described in just enough detail to bring me a sense of being home in one of the small fishing and farming villages dotting the coast here. I really loved the way the relationship between Aiden and Einarr was allowed to develop before anything actually happened.
There were just a few small things that annoyed me much enough to not give it a full 5 star rating. But those were mostly personal preferences and not real issues. The one thing I did want more of was the interactions within the family. You get a rather good sense of a few of the men in the village, but the three females in the household are just sketchy shadows. And then there’s the length... I actually wished it had been a bit longer to flesh out the day to day living a bit more, but it sure contained a lot for such a short book.
I just found out that there is a sequel available. I might even brave it next (when I need to read a historical).
July 3, 2017
First Viking romance :)
Well, I have to say I really enjoyed this book and I want more! I really liked how descriptive the author was. The only question I had was the use of the word mayor in the book. Other than that it was lovely. The story between the main characters was sweet; I just wished it was longer or maybe turned into a two part series. I definitely will see what more this author has to offer.
Well, I have to say I really enjoyed this book and I want more! I really liked how descriptive the author was. The only question I had was the use of the word mayor in the book. Other than that it was lovely. The story between the main characters was sweet; I just wished it was longer or maybe turned into a two part series. I definitely will see what more this author has to offer.
August 8, 2016
I went into this very intrigued, but weary of what this book would be like and ended up really enjoying it! The characters were interesting and while the story could have been longer and added more depth to the side characters it was pretty darn good. The main characters are well drawn out and thier romance was organic given the cultures and stigmas of the time period.
May 12, 2016
If you ignore the ridiculous cover you get a sweet historical romance, well-written and satisfying. The period stuff benefits from good description and suffers from an awfully modern-sounding way of speaking. Made me want to read a contemporary by this author.
May 1, 2020
Este hombre vio Vikings y se dijo: Ya me lo sé todo!!
Este libro carece de todo, se limita a recordar datos históricos y meter dos tíos en una historia que pretende ser romántica? histórica,? erótica? Pues no es nada de lo anterior.
Este libro carece de todo, se limita a recordar datos históricos y meter dos tíos en una historia que pretende ser romántica? histórica,? erótica? Pues no es nada de lo anterior.
June 24, 2022
Raider, though a bit short, is a fast-paced and enjoyable story. While the language barrier was too easily solved, I did like Aiden and Einarr's relationship as it felt very natural and real.
June 17, 2016
„Raider” is M/M Viking Historical Romance by Jerry Cole. The story’s about Aiden - the bastard child of a pagan woman who died years ago. He has to live in the Christian village, so his life isn’t easy. His life changes when he meets Einar - Viking who saves Aiden from death and becomes his owner.
They were both really likable characters, although I couldn’t connect to them as easily as with other Jerry’s heroes. Also their romance was slow paced. We get some action late in the book.
Apart from that I enjoyed this read and would recommend it.
*I received a free advance reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest & unbiased review.*
They were both really likable characters, although I couldn’t connect to them as easily as with other Jerry’s heroes. Also their romance was slow paced. We get some action late in the book.
Apart from that I enjoyed this read and would recommend it.
*I received a free advance reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest & unbiased review.*
July 25, 2016
If you are able and willing to forget almost everything you know or heard about the Vikings and if you don`t mind that the story could actually never have happened like this, especially concerning the lives and treatment of slaves, you might enjoy this story. Unlikely as it is, it still is fun to read, the writing was great, the MC are loveable and the idea of a Viking falling in love with an english bastard boy is appealing.
So imagine this story happens on another planet and you will have a good time reading it.
I did and would rate it above average at 3.5 stars
So imagine this story happens on another planet and you will have a good time reading it.
I did and would rate it above average at 3.5 stars
June 29, 2019
There just is not much substance here. Aiden is rescued from his dreary existence when Einarr and his crew show up in Aiden's small village. All hell breaks loose when Aiden's fellow villagers try to swindle Einarr's people and Aiden is kidnapped and taken away. The whole thrall thing was odd and Aiden's easy acceptance of being thought of as less than human did not make a lot of sense. I don't think I will be continuing with this series.
March 25, 2018
I enjoy historical fiction. I also enjoy a good romance novel. This novel is a little weak on history, it’s fun romance (who wouldn’t like to be carried away by friendly vikings) and the dirty bits are hot. All in all, this is a fun read. I really would appreciate Mr. Cole boning up a bit on his history, viking culture and battles. However, it’s intended to be fun and it is.
June 25, 2019
3.5 stars
This is not a book I would have chosen to read except in a challenge situation. I have to say I quite enjoyed it. The times are pretty severe and the climate unforgiving, but the author pulled off two caring MCs committed to their Northland village (once MC Aiden accepted his inevitable captivity) with MC Aiden finally finds acceptance.
This is not a book I would have chosen to read except in a challenge situation. I have to say I quite enjoyed it. The times are pretty severe and the climate unforgiving, but the author pulled off two caring MCs committed to their Northland village (once MC Aiden accepted his inevitable captivity) with MC Aiden finally finds acceptance.
May 21, 2016
Love this so much!! EINARR I COULD JUST UGH!! I felt amazing chemistry between the MCs and I gush over the dynamics between all of the other character!!
June 19, 2016
I expected PWP, but there is a plot here.
Better than I expected.
Better than I expected.
August 28, 2016
Interesting story- both characters have a good personality and come together well. Fairly simple plot. Aiden is a survivor for sure.
January 25, 2024
just okay. vikings could ruin my life tbh
September 5, 2024
3.5
Sweet/fluffy kind of romance. The beginning was good, but it felt rushed toward the end.
Sweet/fluffy kind of romance. The beginning was good, but it felt rushed toward the end.
September 3, 2018
✔ Letto! Ho appena finito questo libro fan.tas.ti.co! Sono super felice di averlo letto e conosciuto Aiden e Einarr.
Siamo nel medioevo, Aiden è il povero ragazzo del villaggio inglese dov'è nato e cresciuto. Vive in completa solitudine con le sue pecore, disprezzato dai suoi concittadini governati da un prete fanatico, bigotto e imbroglione. Lo definiscono come un il figlio bastardo di una donna pagana, pertanto tenuto alla larga. I suoi momenti più belli sono quelli in cui può fare magie con un pezzettino di legno trasformandolo in un opera d'arte. È un artigiano autodidatta ma un giovane uomo triste, orfano che purtroppo si è arreso al suo destino di solitudine e miseria.
Einarr è un vichingo, sì ho detto proprio vichingo, anch'io l'ho sognato ad occhio aperto😍😍
Va in giro dalle sue terre nordiche a fare affare con altre terre vicine, o si arricchivano depredando insediamenti costieri britannici, lui e il suo clan non sopportano solo una cosa la disonestà. E nel caso succeda, fanno pagare a tutti, saccheggiando e uccidendo tutti quanti o portando via qualquer esemplari come schiavi. È un barbaro. Un conquistatore. Un pagano, un guerriero.
I personaggi, Aidan ed Einarr, si incontrano quando Einarr e altri vichinghi norvegese attaccano il villaggio di Aidan dopo che gli abitanti del villaggio li hanno ingannati in un accordo commerciale. Einarr reclama Aidan come suo schiavo, dopo aver uccisi quasi tutti, lo porta con sé nel suo villaggio.
Li, Aiden scoprirà la lealtà di un popolo pagano, il loro credo, la loro politica e modo di vivere solidali uno con gli altri. Ma principalmente scoprirà che il barbaro in verità è un orsacchiotto dal cuore d'oro e l'unica cosa che vuole ed essere amato da lui. Scoprirà sé stesso, il suo valore come uomo, come guerriero, come amico e amante.
Aiden nel villaggio vichingo avrà delle opportunità che nel suo villaggio cristiano non ne avrebbe mai avute, anche come uno schiavo riesce a crescere agli occhi dei guerrieri, dimostrando il suo coraggio e la sua fedeltà a quel popolo. Riesce così a conquistarsi la sua libertà e da uomo libero potrà scegliere se tornare a casa o restare.
Ma la sua casa è dove si trova il suo cuore.
Non vedo l'ora di leggere il seguito.
Lettura veloce e divertente. L'autore ha saputo rendere un romanzo storico del secolo VIII abbastanza credibile dato la ricerca che ovviamente ha fatto e per chi ama i vichingo come me, sa che tra di loro l'omosessualità esisteva. Quindi
Per me è ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ e💋
Siamo nel medioevo, Aiden è il povero ragazzo del villaggio inglese dov'è nato e cresciuto. Vive in completa solitudine con le sue pecore, disprezzato dai suoi concittadini governati da un prete fanatico, bigotto e imbroglione. Lo definiscono come un il figlio bastardo di una donna pagana, pertanto tenuto alla larga. I suoi momenti più belli sono quelli in cui può fare magie con un pezzettino di legno trasformandolo in un opera d'arte. È un artigiano autodidatta ma un giovane uomo triste, orfano che purtroppo si è arreso al suo destino di solitudine e miseria.
Einarr è un vichingo, sì ho detto proprio vichingo, anch'io l'ho sognato ad occhio aperto😍😍
Va in giro dalle sue terre nordiche a fare affare con altre terre vicine, o si arricchivano depredando insediamenti costieri britannici, lui e il suo clan non sopportano solo una cosa la disonestà. E nel caso succeda, fanno pagare a tutti, saccheggiando e uccidendo tutti quanti o portando via qualquer esemplari come schiavi. È un barbaro. Un conquistatore. Un pagano, un guerriero.
I personaggi, Aidan ed Einarr, si incontrano quando Einarr e altri vichinghi norvegese attaccano il villaggio di Aidan dopo che gli abitanti del villaggio li hanno ingannati in un accordo commerciale. Einarr reclama Aidan come suo schiavo, dopo aver uccisi quasi tutti, lo porta con sé nel suo villaggio.
Li, Aiden scoprirà la lealtà di un popolo pagano, il loro credo, la loro politica e modo di vivere solidali uno con gli altri. Ma principalmente scoprirà che il barbaro in verità è un orsacchiotto dal cuore d'oro e l'unica cosa che vuole ed essere amato da lui. Scoprirà sé stesso, il suo valore come uomo, come guerriero, come amico e amante.
Aiden nel villaggio vichingo avrà delle opportunità che nel suo villaggio cristiano non ne avrebbe mai avute, anche come uno schiavo riesce a crescere agli occhi dei guerrieri, dimostrando il suo coraggio e la sua fedeltà a quel popolo. Riesce così a conquistarsi la sua libertà e da uomo libero potrà scegliere se tornare a casa o restare.
Ma la sua casa è dove si trova il suo cuore.
Non vedo l'ora di leggere il seguito.
Lettura veloce e divertente. L'autore ha saputo rendere un romanzo storico del secolo VIII abbastanza credibile dato la ricerca che ovviamente ha fatto e per chi ama i vichingo come me, sa che tra di loro l'omosessualità esisteva. Quindi
Per me è ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ e💋
September 14, 2025
This book is just alright. Not bad, but nothing spectacular. The author seems to be particularly skilled with certain aspects, like creating plausible scenes and handling male/male sex realistically (far more than I usually see). However, the story overall feels shallow and almost "cozy" in a way. Given the subject matter, I expected a lot more grit, or at least to feel something deeper while reading it. I really like the characters and the setup, but it just didn't capture me like I had hoped it would. Everything feels... "diet" when I wanted the full experience.
There were also some moments missing from the story, in my opinion. For example, Aiden and Einarr should have had a much larger conversation (or set of conversations) about the extreme circumstances that brought Aiden to Einarr's home... which was Einarr participating in a raid on Aiden's former home and killing everyone he knew basically. It was only briefly mentioned, but not really discussed to any depth between the characters. That's a big missing item for me.
This is book one of a two-book series, and I'd love to read more of these two, but sadly, the second book expands to MMM. That's just not what I'm looking for, especially with this story. These two characters end this book (which is not a cliffhanger) very much in love with each other, not seeking others. I know it will be too difficult a hurdle to try to make myself okay with a third, so I'm stopping here.
This could have been a great book, and an even better series, but it sadly fell flat and remained "average". The most I can give is 3 stars. It would have been 2.5 if not for the good handling of the primary sex scene.
Side note: The religious part didn't shine through very much. Aiden's Christianity didn't affect much of the story, nor the Norse gods for Einarr. That doesn't bother me. Just noting for others.
There were also some moments missing from the story, in my opinion. For example, Aiden and Einarr should have had a much larger conversation (or set of conversations) about the extreme circumstances that brought Aiden to Einarr's home... which was Einarr participating in a raid on Aiden's former home and killing everyone he knew basically. It was only briefly mentioned, but not really discussed to any depth between the characters. That's a big missing item for me.
This is book one of a two-book series, and I'd love to read more of these two, but sadly, the second book expands to MMM. That's just not what I'm looking for, especially with this story. These two characters end this book (which is not a cliffhanger) very much in love with each other, not seeking others. I know it will be too difficult a hurdle to try to make myself okay with a third, so I'm stopping here.
This could have been a great book, and an even better series, but it sadly fell flat and remained "average". The most I can give is 3 stars. It would have been 2.5 if not for the good handling of the primary sex scene.
Side note: The religious part didn't shine through very much. Aiden's Christianity didn't affect much of the story, nor the Norse gods for Einarr. That doesn't bother me. Just noting for others.
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