Ivar the Red: De Wolfe Pack Connected World

The Wolves of Brittany #2

by Victoria Vane

A WARRIOR NEVER SURRENDERS… HER HEART

As the epic struggle to rule Brittany continues, Ivar the Red unexpectedly finds himself in charge of the Norse army after his brother, Valdrik, is severely wounded. Intensely loyal, Ivar is prepared to do everything to see their victory through—except taking a Breton wife. Nevertheless, Lady Emma of Quimper fascinates him more than any woman he’s ever known. Although her highborn status protects her from bondage, Ivar vows to claim her as his own.

Lady Emma of Quimper is determined to defend her home as fiercely as any knight, until she opens the gates to save an old friend from Viking invaders. But her trust has been misplaced, and she finds herself at the mercy of a bloodthirsty heathen—Ivar the Red. Pride keeps Emma from fully surrendering to the conquering lord of Quimper, even when she realizes he’s not quite the devil she imagined.

Ivar has always enjoyed a challenge, especially one from a beautiful Amazon with the heart of a warrior. Though she defies him at every turn, Ivar deals gently with Emma—until she betrays his trust and escapes. Refusing to be made a fool, Ivar sets out to recover his captive who is determined to return to Quimper at the head of an army. When Ivar finds her in the clutches of death, he suddenly realizes she matters far more than his injured pride and sexual desire. He will do anything to save her and give up everything to make her his.

Genres: Historical Romance, Novella, Romance, Historical, Medieval, Historical Fiction

121 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 6, 2016

About the author

ABOUT VICTORIA VANE

Victoria Vane is a bestselling award-winning author of smart and sexy romance. Her books have received many accolades to include the 2016 Red Carpet Award for Jewel of the East, 2014 RONE Award for Treacherous Temptations as well as Library Journal Best E-Book romance of 2012 for The Devil DeVere series. Victoria also writes romantic historical fiction as Emery Lee. Look for her new Highland saga coming summer of 2017.


Contact info:
Email: victoria.vane@hotmail.com Website: www.victoriavane.com
Blog: www.embracingromance.com
Blog:https://wildandwickedcowboys.wordpres...
Facebook: http://on.fb.me/YVeXrf
Twitter: @authorvictoriav Pinterest: http://bit.ly/1vONQZh
Amazon: http://amzn.to/10QMKT5 Goodreads: http://bit.ly/1sccsM4
YOU TUBE : http://bit.ly/1yNtEMP

AWARDS & ACCOLADES
2016 Red Carpet Finalist for ROUGH RIDER
2016 Red Carpet Finalist for JEWEL OF THE EAST
2015 Red Carpet Finals for SLOW HAND
2014 RONE Award for Treacherous Tempatations
2014 Rone Nomination for The Sheik Retold also LASR Best Book 2013 Nominee
THE DEVIL DEVERE SERIES
Library Journal Best E-Book Romance 2012, LR Cafe Best Series Nominee 2012
A Wild Night's Bride
• Night Owl Reviews Top Pick
•IRC Reader's Choice historical romance nominee
Ind'Tale Magazine Rone nominee
The Virgin Huntress
• Night Owl Reviews Top Pick
Ind'Tale Magazine Rone nominee
The Devil You Know
• Night Owl Reviews Top Pick
• The Romance Reviews Best Historical Romance Nominee
• LR Café Best Historical Romance nominee 2012
Ind'Tale Magazine Rone nominee
The Devil's Match
• Night Owl Reviews Top Pick
• The Romance Reviews Top Pick
• LASR Reviews Book of the Month December 2012
• Swept Away by Romance Best Historical Romance of 2012
• LR Café Best Author Nominee 2012
• Swept Away by Romance Favorite Author 2012
Ind'Tale Magazine Rone nominee
A Devil's Touch
Swept Away by Romance Best Novella 2013 nominee
A Breach of Promise , December 2011 Ellora's Cave
• Night Owl Reviews “Top Pick”
• Reading Romances 5 flames and “Pen Award”
• TBR Pile 5stars/Book of the month winner September 2012
• LASR Erotic Reviews 5 STAR/Book of the Month Nominee
• The Romance Studio 5 Sweetheart Nominee
• TRS CAPA Nominee 2012

Reviews

[Sophia · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Wolves of Brittany series continues on with Ivar's story. I really liked Ivar in the first book and the scene where he first encounters Lady Emma is memorable to say the least so I dove in with great anticipation and was not disappointed.

Ivar the Red is book two in the series. I would say it could be read standalone because of all the backtracking to scenes from Breton Wolfe, but the summary scenes painted things in a slightly different light when Ivar is doing the describing and narrating rather than the earlier hero and heroine, Valdrick and Adele. Better to get these in order, I think.

The Ninth Century storyline doesn't change from the first book of the three half brothers- Vikings- who are given the land of Brittany in a treaty between the French King and their uncle if they can conquer Brittany and hold it. In book one, it was Valdrik conquering the Duchy of Vannes and now they have moved on to the lands of Quimper and fight the Count, Emma's father. Political intrigue surrounds them as the other lands of France either wait in anticipation or plot for what they can get out of Brittany's fall.

Ivar the Red was a much more exciting and layered book for me. There is the tempestuous romance and the growing understanding between two people from different cultures, but there are other schemes afoot. Gisela, the conniving and grasping woman from book one, is back and worse than ever even as the intro to others who would take what Ivar and his brothers have claimed. I love how the series seems to be building in tension and leading toward a huge series climax.

In the beginning, I was enthusiastic because Ivar and Emma are a fiery pair and that excitement never diminished. This pair had chemistry- or maybe I should say alchemy since its medieval times. I loved them and came to anticipate their confrontations that just crackled with attraction and anger.

Ivar, for a conquering Norseman, was rather patient and gentle because Emma sure pushed all his buttons and tended to be unrealistic because she was so sheltered. I liked Emma, but Ivar was right- she needed her britches tanned a few times. She would just shoot off her mouth or leap impulsively into action. She's mean to Adele and doesn't seem to get what's going down even when more than one person explains it to her. She is dangerously naive and sheltered at the same time which caused her to not have an accurate assessment when she's working her mini-rebellions and schemes. I don't mean to sound like Emma is unlikable or even stupid. She's not even close, but yes, I was glad when she does eventually clue in. This pair were a great match. The author wrote them with strength, passion, vulnerability, and flaws that they had to work through. And, I did enjoy the way Ivar introduced Emma to the pleasure of passion.

And, now, we head into Bjorn's story. I have seen him as the dark horse through the series because he's quieter and gives little away. I think he's going to surprise me, nicely. This is a perfect series for those who want some fantastic action and passion in medieval times, but need a quick read with good development.

My thanks to the author for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Lori D · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this second installment of The Wolves of Brittany it begins with Ivar the Red. Setting out to conquer Brittany, Ivar is half brother to Valdrik whose story was the first book. Now that Valdrik has secured his land and castle, Ivar is set to take hold of his own property at Quimper and the Lady Emma. But Ivar being the strong, independent warrior, does not want to be tied down and feels no need for a wife. What he doesn't understand is that Emma does not want to be conquered and her people ruled by the Norsemen. Plus she is already betrothed to a neighboring disgusting man and feels she has to honor her father's wishes. Although Ivar is fair and somewhat kind to her, Emma thwarts him every chance she gets; What is unexpected if the sparks that fly between the two, although each resist as hard as they can. Master storyteller, Victoria Vane brings another well researched and engaging tale filed with intrigue, adventure and passion. How can you not love these strong Vikings? Turning the last page I knew there was one more tale to go . Thank goodness!!

[Lori D · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this second installment of The Wolves of Brittany it begins with Ivar the Red. Setting out to conquer Brittany, Ivar is half brother to Valdrik whose story was the first book. Now that Valdrik has secured his land and castle, Ivar is set to take hold of his own property at Quimper and the Lady Emma. But Ivar being the strong, independent warrior, does not want to be tied down and feels no need for a wife. What he doesn't understand is that Emma does not want to be conquered and her people ruled by the Norsemen. Plus she is already betrothed to a neighboring disgusting man and feels she has to honor her father's wishes. Although Ivar is fair and somewhat kind to her, Emma thwarts him every chance she gets; What is unexpected if the sparks that fly between the two, although each resist as hard as they can. Master storyteller, Victoria Vane brings another well researched and engaging tale filed with intrigue, adventure and passion. How can you not love these strong Vikings? Turning the last page I knew there was one more tale to go . Thank goodness!!

[Elaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very enjoyable story. I liked the main characters, Emma and Ivar. Emma was feisty and Ivar was quite nice, considering he was a Viking. Looking forward to #3.
4☆

[Twinsie Talk Angie J · Rating 4 out of 5]

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Ivar the Red by Victoria Vane
I received this book from the author for an honest review.
Before you even begin to read Ivar and fall in lust…er….love with him you MUST read book 1in the series. If not, there are parts of the story you will not understand but besides that, why would you skip out on a hot Viking story???
SO Ivar is feeling caged. He is confused by his brothers need to wed the duchess when he can just take and claim. Ivar doesn’t seem to think any woman will be able to tame his heart….but he hasn’t met feisty, stubborn, heard-headed Lady Emma yet!!
Lady Emma is not thrilled with her father going behind her back to betroth her to a beast of a man all to secure his lands from a Viking attack. When the Vikings DO attack and kill her father, Emma is left to treaty with them. She is stunned that the duchess is actually talking about them kindly…how can that be? They are beasts for sure.
The chemistry and the banter between the two is great. Ivar wants to teach Emma a lesson for humiliating him but at the same time the thought of pushing her off on another burns his soul. Emma wants to hate the Viking but the more she gets to know him and his lineage, the more her heart warms to him.
I am a huge fan of historical and this book made my heart so happy. I loved how this story overlapped the first book and can’t wait for book 3. The last Viking brother needs a HEA too right????

[April · Rating 5 out of 5]

World of de Wolfe Pack: Ivar The Red (Kindle Worlds Novella) (The Wolves of Brittany Book 2) by Victoria Vane is another awesome read! What a magnificent Medevial Viking Romance! Can be read as a stand alone.
I absolutely loved Ivar, the Red and Lady Emma of Quimper, and the battle of will, passion and wits that follows.
Ivar's brother, Valdrik, continues in his struggle to rule Brittany. Ivar, is placed in command of his brother's, Valdrik's, Norse army, when Valdrik is severely wounded in the attempt to secure Quimper. Lady Emma is determined to save her beloved Quimper at all costs, even opening her gates to the enemy. Then she realizes she has been betrayed and his intrigued by the fierce Ivar, the Red.
Well written, fast paced, novella, that will have readers turning pages.
Well-developed, engaging and captivating characters. The storyline is full of danger, secrets, passion and finding true love. But Ivar, and Emma have more to fear, than each other, in a fight to gain control of Brittany, for the Norse Army. There is more involved, than anyone realized.
Will Ivar and Emma find their HEA, find love, and fight against an unknown enemy or lose all?
Ms. Vane has once again shown her knowledge in her research, of Vikings, the Norse Army, with her rich Historical details. A mesmerizing storyteller! Ivar, the Red is a captivating and intriguing Viking Romance. Another awesome read in the fabulous "Wolves of Brittany"! Highly recommended for fans of Kathryn Le Veque’s Kindle Worlds, Vikings, Norse strength, the "World of de Wolfe Pack", romance, historical romance, intrigue, adventure and the epic struggle for Brittany. A must read, for sure! Another awesome read from Victoria Vane! I can hardly wait for the next installment in this intriguing struggle, "The Wolves of Brittany".
Received for an honest review. However, all opinions, insights and thoughts are my own personal opinions.

Rating: 4.5
Heat rating: Mild
Reviewed by: AprilR

[Arlena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Title: World of de Wolfe Pack: Ivar The Red
Author: Victoria Vane
Publisher: Kindle World
Series: The Wolves of Brittany Book 2
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:

"World of de Wolfe Pack: Ivar The Red" by Victoria Vane

My Thoughts.....

I loved this second series of ...The Wolves of Brittany...featuring Ivar The Red [another Viking brother] and Lady Emma of Quimper. I also loved how Lady Emma attempts to defend her home only to find she could not "fully surrender to the conquering lord of Quimper, even when she realizes he’s not quite the devil she imagined," It was so interesting seeing Ivan the Red who had vowed not to take a Breton wife...however, when he "finds her in the clutches of death, he suddenly realizes she matters far more than his injured pride and sexual desire." I don't want to spoil it for the reader other than just saying pick up the good read to see if these two will get their HEA?

This author did a wonderful job of giving the readers a well written novella as we will be waiting for the next series: 'The Bastard of Brittany" featuring Bjorn and Gwened's story.

[Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

You don’t ordinarily think of Vikings as a happy go lucky bunch, but that reminds me of Ivar. Just going through life, fighting and enjoying women with no attachments or emotions involved. That is until he was brought face to face with Emma, a stubborn giantess as he thought of her. He had enjoyed the fighting and killing without roots other than his two half brothers so naturally he had trouble making out exactly what was happening to him to make him become possessive and jealous over Emma. They were enemies, he was the winning of the battle with her father and his men. Victoria Vane writes strong, well developed characters that you can’t help but become interested in them and how their future plays out. I can easily recommend this book (and the whole series) as it is a quick, easy and interesting read. Give it a try to get your Viking on. 😊

[L J · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stubborn wills and humor - fun read.

The second novella in a series of standalone stories, Ivar is one of a trio of Viking brothers come to conquer Brittany. Ivar’s brother has slain the duke at this castle and it should have fallen to the Vikings by now, but the conflict continues. Ivar is stunned that the leader of those resisting them is none other than Lady Emma, daughter of the fallen duke. Ivar is further surprised to find how much he wants her. Emma, is a strong willed, independent young woman who has no plans to acquiesce to Ivar’s commands, and therein lies the conflict.
This is an entertaining story with two characters whose stubborn wills cause more trouble than necessary, but the rewards are sweet. I highly recommend it, and the series as well.

[Debra Hogan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lady Emma of Quimper is an unusual woman for her time. She prefers pants, does not do needlework, and can fight as well as any knight. She is waiting for her father to come back from a political meeting. The politics of the time have been thrown into an upheaval with the arrival of the Norsemen. Ivar the Red is a half-brother to Breton and Valdrick. These three are trying to find land and settle themselves and their men in Brittany. When Ivar meets Emma, it is not love at first sight. Far from it. He takes her prisoner. Ivar takes control of Quimper and shows all the people he is fair and just. Their love story builds beautifully throughout the book. I do love how Ms. Vane writes. I have loved many of her books and plan on reading all she has written.

[Barbara Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are a follower of the DeWolfe books by Kathryn LeVeque, this series of books by Victoria Vane is for you. It begins with the Vikings and how they came to conquer Brittany and settled it the years after 907. Three brothers (Valdrik, Ivar the Red and Breton) decided to claim Brittany, castle by castle, and do it with care and as peacefully as possible. The thought was to marry the noble women and begin to become as civilized as possible for the time period. This clearly lays the ground work for the invasion of England in 1066.

[Ann Gonzalez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Complete but short

I am enjoying the characters from this series, but I must say I would prefer more time with them. Short story, but not lacking.
I would like to know why the subject of Ivar's mom never came up after his return.

[Kathy Brickert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful story!

A great addition to the DeWolfe world! I really enjoyed the back and forth between the main characters! Very well written and humorous! An author im not familiar with, but will be looking for again! Good read!

[Linda Rutland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enemies to lovers

A Viking warrior attacks the keep. Her father is killed and she intends to defend her home with everything in her from these pagan Vikings. But Ivan can't control her and he can't let her go. Great story with a fun romance. Enemies to lovers.

[Monique · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ivar the Red and his Viking brothers continue their quest for Brittany, the next stop to conquer is the Castle of Quimper, in Cornouailles, where Lady Emma is left to hold the fort. Far from being a fragile little flower, Emma is nevertheless a woman, which puts her in grave peril when the enemy appears at the door of the castle. The uncouth Viking warriors however surprise her by being more civilised than she expected, even though she will never submit to one, although Ivar seems less repulsive than the man to whom her father has betrothed her, and who will surely come to save her. Ivar a warrior to his marrow lives in the present, has never thought of settling down, but Fate might have decided for him…

IVAR THE RED is Victoria Vane’s second instalment in her brilliant (The Wolves Of Brittany #2) series in Kindle Worlds, and there is even more action in this book than in the first one! It’s amazing how much Ms. Vane can pack in a novella; there is more substance in IVAR THE RED than in most full novels! While it is book 2, it can easily be read as a standalone; there is the continuing story arc of the conquest of Brittany, but IVAR THE RED focuses mostly on, well, Ivar! Neither Emma and Ivar has ever thought of marriage, and yet in adversity they get to know each other better and acknowledge that they have misjudged each other, and both are also surprised at the attraction, especially Emma. I love that Emma is a tall girl, it’s nice for a change; she is so brave and strong, but they do make an unusual couple!

Ms. Vane has obviously done a considerable amount of research, which pays off in spades, as Medieval France comes alive before our very eyes. The authenticity is in those little details that do no escape a vigilant eye, and which contribute so much to defining time and space, and in IVAR THE RED, it’s all there, from the grandiose description of the Castle of Quimper down to clothing and tableware. Ivar has such a wonderful backstory; I would have read pages more!

In IVAR THE RED, you have fierce battles, treachery, politics, romance, and plenty of fast-paced action with a lot of unexpected twists and turns. Naturally, Victoria Vane’s gorgeous writing flows flawlessly and the storytelling is seamless. Another great story by the incomparable Victoria Vane!



I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Lacy · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I finished Breton Wolfe, I had no idea that I could love the second installment more than the previous, but I was wrong! Continuing where Breton Wolfe left off, Ivar the Red is standing in place for his half brother Valdrik as he makes his recovery. Ensuring that his family can continue their conquering of Brittany, he finds himself trying to make peace with Emma, Lady of Quimper. At the 2nd line of battle in their quest to rule all of Brittany, not only must she submit, and pledge her fealty, but accept that Poher will be the last to fall with the 3 brothers ruling Britrany, with Valdrik as the King. Little does she know that Ivar is not the enemy she has grown to assume all Vikings are, and that not only will she find an ally in him, but a lover as well. Ivar is the unshakeable player who is rough around the edges; the embodiment of a true Viking warrior. Lustful, purposeful, headstrong, and tough.....he never expected to find a Valkyrie in the body of Lady Emma. Match for match, these two drive each other mad in their quests to stay true to their roots despite their clear attraction. I loved every single minute. Twists and turns occurred, surprises rocked me, action ensued, and romance ignited with each turned page! I simply cannot wait for the next installment!

[NhaughtyV says Damn the Zon Save the Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

“What is to be, Emma? Am I your friend or your foe? Your enemy…or your lover?”

Ivar the Red is a fierce warrior helping his brother Valdrik on his quest to conquer all of Brittany. But after Valdrik is critically wounded in battle, Ivar must take up the role of leader of their Norse army. More a soldier than a politician, he has met his match in one Lady Emma. She too is a fierce warrior who will do whatever it takes to save her homestead and protect her people.

Victoria Vane has woven a medieval tale filled with action, lust and betrayal. Can Ivar and Emma swallow their pride and see they are a perfect match for one another? Or will their pride cost them everything…even their very lives.

Oh I loved this story! The author snagged me with it being a Viking tale, but the story kept me reading!! Highly recommend!!!

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

First and foremost, you must read book one in this series. It's truly necessary in order to understand the dynamic between the brothers, their backstory and developments that follow.

Ms. Vane continues her Wolves of Brittany series with a story of Ivar the Red, half brother of the hero in the previous book and Lady Emma, a woman of strength and power, and as stubborn as our hero.

When these two come to blows, everyone needs to run for cover! If you thought book one was great in bringing you closer to the time long past, buckle up. You're in for a ride of your life as we follow these two to their happily ever after.

If you're a fan of the Vikings on History Channel or The Last Kingdom on BBC America, you'll love this story. It develops just like a movie! I highly recommend it!

Melanie for b2b

Complimentary copy provided by the author

[E Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quite a historic romance

In a time when women were expected to obey men, Lady Emma was not one to submit. When Ivar the Red came into her keep, she thought him to be a vile human being. So vile she was willing to run to her newly betrothed, who me she thought was fat, ugly and had rotten teeth. However, things aren't always as they seem.
Ivar the Red did not want to be tied down to a wife and child, he wasn't sure what he wanted. He knew he would support his brother in his quest. When he meets Lady Emma, he might change his mind.
This story was full of battles, deception and a woman who would stand her ground, no matter if it was misguided. Made for an interesting read. I really enjoyed it and couldn't put it down.
I was gifted this book in exchange for an honest review

[InD'tale Magazine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Adventure and love churn this historical novel into a gripping read!

Read full review in the 2016 December issue of InD'tale Magazine.