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Enthralled
He made her his thrall, but she enthralled him.
The newly-widowed Lady Eadlin of Mercia yearns for an independent life in control of her own destiny, but King Edward of Wessex has other plans. When he commands her to marry again to forge another political alliance, she flees to a convent in Kent. During a Viking raid, Eadlin is captured and taken to the English Danelaw where she is out of the king’s reach, but her life is again controlled by a powerful man.
After one last Viking raid, Jarl Thorolf plans to put down his sword and farm his lands, which he realizes is the only way to achieve long-term peace in England. However, the young defiant novice whom he enslaves is King Edward's runaway goddaughter and worth a large ransom.
If Eadlin escapes her captor, she risks falling into King Edward’s hands. If she stays, she risks falling in love with the enemy. Captivated by Lady Eadlin, Thorolf must decide whether to protect her or return her to King Edward and prevent war with the Anglo-Saxons. Will he choose peace or love?
The newly-widowed Lady Eadlin of Mercia yearns for an independent life in control of her own destiny, but King Edward of Wessex has other plans. When he commands her to marry again to forge another political alliance, she flees to a convent in Kent. During a Viking raid, Eadlin is captured and taken to the English Danelaw where she is out of the king’s reach, but her life is again controlled by a powerful man.
After one last Viking raid, Jarl Thorolf plans to put down his sword and farm his lands, which he realizes is the only way to achieve long-term peace in England. However, the young defiant novice whom he enslaves is King Edward's runaway goddaughter and worth a large ransom.
If Eadlin escapes her captor, she risks falling into King Edward’s hands. If she stays, she risks falling in love with the enemy. Captivated by Lady Eadlin, Thorolf must decide whether to protect her or return her to King Edward and prevent war with the Anglo-Saxons. Will he choose peace or love?
- GenresHistorical Romance
120 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 4, 2016
3 people are currently reading
27 people want to read
About the author
Isabella Hargreaves
36 books42 followersAward-winning, bestselling author Isabella Hargreaves is a historian by day and an author in her spare time. She writes Romance through the Ages, with a story to tell from the Regency era to tenth century England, and Australia in the 1920s. She loves writing about strong heroines finding the men to match them. Isabella lives in Brisbane, Australia, where she's butler to three moggies. When she's not reading and writing, Isabella loves horse-riding and scenic walks. She dreams of an around-the-world trip to indulge these passions.
1st, 2022 Romance Writers of Australia Romantic Book of the Year (novella category) for The Wallflower's Christmas Surprise.
1st, 2018 Romance Writers of New Zealand Koru Award (novella category) for Runaway Christmas Bride.
1st, 2018 Romance Writers of Australia 'Little Gems' Short Story competition.
For more information about Isabella Hargreaves see www.isabellahargreaves.com
Follow Isabella at:
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/isabe...
Amazon:
amazon.com/author/isabellahargreaves
1st, 2022 Romance Writers of Australia Romantic Book of the Year (novella category) for The Wallflower's Christmas Surprise.
1st, 2018 Romance Writers of New Zealand Koru Award (novella category) for Runaway Christmas Bride.
1st, 2018 Romance Writers of Australia 'Little Gems' Short Story competition.
For more information about Isabella Hargreaves see www.isabellahargreaves.com
Follow Isabella at:
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/isabe...
Amazon:
amazon.com/author/isabellahargreaves
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
October 24, 2025
Very well written, full of drama, suspense, intrigue, mystery, love, emotions, family, action, abuse, fighting, betrayal and adventure. May have some triggers, please read the warnings. Lady Eadlin is at the funeral of her husband when a man from her godfather, King Edward , arrives. He lets her know that he is to bring her back to court so that she can marry another choice of her Kings. Eadlin runs that night with the help of her "Father" and heads for a convent to hide. Jarl Thorolf is heading to raid some more with his brother before he quits and becomes a peaceful farmer. He raids a convent while the others raid the village and takes Eadlin and her father as his slaves when most of the others were sold into slavery or killed. Thorolf and Eadlin , both have secrets that they do not want to share. But when her uncle's man shows up again , she needs to tell him the truth. They were married before then but as it was a viking wedding the man claims it wasn't real. But now Thorolf has to make a choice - send her back or start a war. He also makes plans on her rescue but only tells her father , realizing that she would be very mad at him. As lots of action to keep you turning the pages and enjoying. Would recommend to everyone.
I received this book and leave this unbiased, honest review.
I received this book and leave this unbiased, honest review.
October 31, 2025
Widowed Lady Eadlin is about to be married again by her godfather, the King's, orders. However, she isn't having that, so she runs away with her protector Cenric. She takes refuge at a convent where she and Cenric are captured by Danes.
There's quite a slowburn romance between the jarl Thorolf who captures her and Eadlin. I wish the two had spent more time together during the story. The conflict is that Eadlin's life with Thorolf is repeatedly threatened by the king and others who wish to ransom her.
There's quite a slowburn romance between the jarl Thorolf who captures her and Eadlin. I wish the two had spent more time together during the story. The conflict is that Eadlin's life with Thorolf is repeatedly threatened by the king and others who wish to ransom her.
October 6, 2025
A wonderful Saxon/Viking story, filled with manipulation and hidden family secrets. My only criticism was this is a standalone novel, while I was hoping for it being the start of a series!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this honest review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this honest review voluntarily.
October 28, 2025
If you love love tall, handsome,rugged, strong all muscled,fierce men with a softie for heart, then this book is for you. This is so second chance at romance. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 10, 2025
Well written drama with plenty of suspense. A quick read with Vikings, family secrets and lots of emotion.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 10, 2018
This novel is filled with so much emotion. Lady Eadlin has been used her entire life and the straw that finally forces her into standing up for herself also propels her into the arms of Thorolf, Viking Jarl who is done with fighting and longs for peace and home. Will he find both with Eadlin? Can she learn to trust him and find her happily ever after? The historical background for this story makes it feel all the more real.
Read Enthralled...you will be.
I received a complimentary copy from the author.
Read Enthralled...you will be.
I received a complimentary copy from the author.
November 7, 2016
Enthralled: A Viking Romance (Divided Isles Series) by Isabella Hargreaves is an interesting Viking Historical Romance. This is a new author to me and I was thrilled to read this title. I wasn't disappointed!
Follow, Lady Eadlin of Mercia, whose King Edward of Wessex's Goddaugter which he plans to marry her off to a wealthy, older political alliance, so she flees to a convert, with the help of a old time friend. And, Jarl Thorolf, a Viking raider who captures Lady Eadlin, when he captures the Convert where she fled. So he enslaves her and the older man who fled with her, to protect her safety. Then, he takes them to the English Danelaw as his Thalls. This, is when the adventure begins....Eadlin may be a young novice but she is determined, and very defiant, so she keeps attempting to escape from her captors. She will never be hold by anithet powerful man, of course, Jarl Thorolf, eventually learns she's the King's Goddaugter and is worth a fortune if he ransoms her back to her godfather. But, will he protect her or send her back to prevent a war and finally find peace with England?
Together, these two lively people fight obstacles, challenges, their feelings for each other, but can they find a peaceful HEA or lose all?
Filled with challenges, adventure, some suspense, a bit of mystery, lots of sparks between the Jarl and Lady Eadlin and the promise of love, peace, acceptance, passion and so much more.
A quick read, only approximately 120 pages, but these pages are packed full of excitement and engaging characters. I read it in one setting. Ms. Hargreaves is an exciting storyteller who will capture your attention and hold you glued to the pages of "Enthralled".
I found "Enthralled", to be an enjoyable and satisfying read. A great Viking Historical Romance!
Fans of Viking Romance, Viking history, quick reads, and fantastic storytelling, will not be disappointed. I hope you will give this story a try, pick up a copy for yourself.
I received a complimentary copy.
Rating: 4
Heat rating: Mild
Reviewed by: AprilR
Follow, Lady Eadlin of Mercia, whose King Edward of Wessex's Goddaugter which he plans to marry her off to a wealthy, older political alliance, so she flees to a convert, with the help of a old time friend. And, Jarl Thorolf, a Viking raider who captures Lady Eadlin, when he captures the Convert where she fled. So he enslaves her and the older man who fled with her, to protect her safety. Then, he takes them to the English Danelaw as his Thalls. This, is when the adventure begins....Eadlin may be a young novice but she is determined, and very defiant, so she keeps attempting to escape from her captors. She will never be hold by anithet powerful man, of course, Jarl Thorolf, eventually learns she's the King's Goddaugter and is worth a fortune if he ransoms her back to her godfather. But, will he protect her or send her back to prevent a war and finally find peace with England?
Together, these two lively people fight obstacles, challenges, their feelings for each other, but can they find a peaceful HEA or lose all?
Filled with challenges, adventure, some suspense, a bit of mystery, lots of sparks between the Jarl and Lady Eadlin and the promise of love, peace, acceptance, passion and so much more.
A quick read, only approximately 120 pages, but these pages are packed full of excitement and engaging characters. I read it in one setting. Ms. Hargreaves is an exciting storyteller who will capture your attention and hold you glued to the pages of "Enthralled".
I found "Enthralled", to be an enjoyable and satisfying read. A great Viking Historical Romance!
Fans of Viking Romance, Viking history, quick reads, and fantastic storytelling, will not be disappointed. I hope you will give this story a try, pick up a copy for yourself.
I received a complimentary copy.
Rating: 4
Heat rating: Mild
Reviewed by: AprilR
July 23, 2017
Newly widowed Lady Eadlin of Mercia does not want to be bartered by the King into another political marriage. So she and a trusted servant escape into the night.
Thorolf Vignirson is a Jarl from the Danelands. He doesn't want to keep raiding he would rather settle down on his land in the Danelaw.
Our brave heroine is in lots of danger , not all of it from the Viking raiders. Our hero is used to everyone do as he says, he is about to come across someone who will not.
An enjoyable adventure into the distant past. With good strong characters.
Thorolf Vignirson is a Jarl from the Danelands. He doesn't want to keep raiding he would rather settle down on his land in the Danelaw.
Our brave heroine is in lots of danger , not all of it from the Viking raiders. Our hero is used to everyone do as he says, he is about to come across someone who will not.
An enjoyable adventure into the distant past. With good strong characters.
November 9, 2016
A fast enjoyable read.
Once again, Isabella Hargreaves has explored outside the Regency period, this time turning to 10th century England, when the country was divided between the Anglo Saxons and the Danes.
This book has everything I want in a story: a well-researched historical setting, realistic and engaging characters you’ll care about, and an action-packed plot. Hargreaves has a unique voice and a great talent for dialogue, which shines through in her latest novella. A fast, enjoyable read.
Once again, Isabella Hargreaves has explored outside the Regency period, this time turning to 10th century England, when the country was divided between the Anglo Saxons and the Danes.
This book has everything I want in a story: a well-researched historical setting, realistic and engaging characters you’ll care about, and an action-packed plot. Hargreaves has a unique voice and a great talent for dialogue, which shines through in her latest novella. A fast, enjoyable read.
February 20, 2017
This was an enjoyable Viking romance with compelling characters and an enjoyable story line. I found it a little on the short side, but there was still enough plot to sink your teeth into.
December 15, 2017
Enthralled is a novella by Isabella Hargreaves.
Eadlin is goddaughter to the King and has already suffered an arranged marriage by him. Since widowed she refuses to participate in another arranged marriage. The only way to get out of it is to run away. That's what she does. She and a faithful warrior get to the safety of a convent where she stays for a year. Before taking her vows the convent is raided by Vikings and she is captured
Jarl Thoralf wants the raid on the convent to be the very last one he does. He is in a position to quit raiding now and wants a settled life for him and his people in English Danelaw. Although he doesn't know for sure, he expects that Eadlin is somebody important. He wants to find out who she is and then ransom her back to her family. In the meantime, she is his 'thrall'.
The more time they spend together the more they find themselves attracted to each other. Can they have a future together? Thoralf needs to ransom her back to the English, if he doesn't and her 'people' find out where she is, there will be war. More fighting that he had sworn they wouldn't need to do again after the convent raid. Of course, Eadlin doesn't want to be found or ransomed, because she will be forced into marriage again. Besides which, how could she ever leave Thoralf when she is falling for him?
Was I enthralled by it? No, I wasn't. Was it good? In places such as the historical aspect of it, very much so. I love stories involving Vikings. In other places where I would have expected more drama, or more detail, such as a particular character learning something that had been a secret, I felt a little let down. The synopsis of this book had me chomping at the bit to read it, and although it promised to be a fabulous story, I was disappointed.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers' copy of this book.
3 Stars
Eadlin is goddaughter to the King and has already suffered an arranged marriage by him. Since widowed she refuses to participate in another arranged marriage. The only way to get out of it is to run away. That's what she does. She and a faithful warrior get to the safety of a convent where she stays for a year. Before taking her vows the convent is raided by Vikings and she is captured
Jarl Thoralf wants the raid on the convent to be the very last one he does. He is in a position to quit raiding now and wants a settled life for him and his people in English Danelaw. Although he doesn't know for sure, he expects that Eadlin is somebody important. He wants to find out who she is and then ransom her back to her family. In the meantime, she is his 'thrall'.
The more time they spend together the more they find themselves attracted to each other. Can they have a future together? Thoralf needs to ransom her back to the English, if he doesn't and her 'people' find out where she is, there will be war. More fighting that he had sworn they wouldn't need to do again after the convent raid. Of course, Eadlin doesn't want to be found or ransomed, because she will be forced into marriage again. Besides which, how could she ever leave Thoralf when she is falling for him?
Was I enthralled by it? No, I wasn't. Was it good? In places such as the historical aspect of it, very much so. I love stories involving Vikings. In other places where I would have expected more drama, or more detail, such as a particular character learning something that had been a secret, I felt a little let down. The synopsis of this book had me chomping at the bit to read it, and although it promised to be a fabulous story, I was disappointed.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers' copy of this book.
3 Stars
November 2, 2025
Her choice.
Events bringing two very different worlds together is always interesting. Love vs political manoeuvring when strength and alliances are important were central to Eadlin and Thorolf’s story. I really liked how this couple navigated their differences to find the one they wanted. I think the historical pieces about conflict between nations and the role of women and religion within society just made me think about where our world has changed today.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Events bringing two very different worlds together is always interesting. Love vs political manoeuvring when strength and alliances are important were central to Eadlin and Thorolf’s story. I really liked how this couple navigated their differences to find the one they wanted. I think the historical pieces about conflict between nations and the role of women and religion within society just made me think about where our world has changed today.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 19, 2025
Another good historical romance!
This has an excellent opening (prologue & first chapters) that really sets the scene and is followed by a good plot with main characters (Eadlin & Thorolf) that develop nicely.
Very enjoyable!
(I was fortunate to receive an ARC however the above is, as ever, my own opinion.)
This has an excellent opening (prologue & first chapters) that really sets the scene and is followed by a good plot with main characters (Eadlin & Thorolf) that develop nicely.
Very enjoyable!
(I was fortunate to receive an ARC however the above is, as ever, my own opinion.)
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews