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Viking Surrender #4
Graeme
Maimed and bitter, Graeme is forced to take a wife from the barbarians invading his shores. Resentful of her invading his solitary life, he vows to bend her to his will. Rinda grudgingly weds a man she barely knows—who hates her nearly as much as she despises him. Yet, despite their shared animosity, the wounded warrior and shield-maiden share an unexpected passion that soon consumes them both. A horde of battle-hardened, ferocious Nordic warriors. A Pictish village at the mercy of its enemies. A harrowing bargain struck for nine fearful and reluctant brides. Delivered into Viking hands, claimed and conquered, each bride must accept that she belongs to her new master. But, as wedding nights bring surrender to duty, will fierce lovers also surrender their hearts? The Highland wilderness is savage, life is perilous, and the future uncertain, but each Viking has sworn protection, and there are no lengths to which a man will not go to safeguard the woman he loves. Begin the journey here... Enter a world of suspense, seduction and adventure, told against the forbidding backdrop of medieval Scotland. Journey together with indomitable heroes and intrepid heroines, as they discover that the raging storms of fear and passion can transform into enduring devotion. 'Graeme' is one of nine powerfully seductive romances in the 'Viking Surrender' series.
97 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2019
156 people are currently reading
77 people want to read
About the author
Gianna Simone
21 books165 followersI'm a proud born-and-bred Jersey Girl with Brooklyn roots. And I still live where it all started - I married my very own alpha male many eons ago, and have an amazing and beautiful daughter, and a teenage hockey-playing son (who charms and frustrates me at every turn). Free time is always a luxury and I spend the bulk of what time I manage to scrounge up lost in the worlds of my own making. I love to read and write hot, sexy and emotional stories about people both glamorous and not-so-glamorous. Be warned - some of my characters can even be downright un-heroic at times, which is part of what makes them so interestingly sexy, in my opinion!
On the rare occasions I'm not taking advantage of that valuable free time by writing, you can catch me poking around in my other favorite twisted historical worlds of the History Channel's Vikings, Sleepy Hollow, Knightfall and even Reign, even though those are either already over, or coming to an end (Yay for DVD's and streaming!) I'm also a huge fan of Harry Potter, Highlander, Charmed (the original), and DragonBall Z! Yeah, a strange fandom medley, but each one features some of the sexiest villains ever. Did I mention I love villains? And of course, let's not forget my beloved NY Rangers.
On the rare occasions I'm not taking advantage of that valuable free time by writing, you can catch me poking around in my other favorite twisted historical worlds of the History Channel's Vikings, Sleepy Hollow, Knightfall and even Reign, even though those are either already over, or coming to an end (Yay for DVD's and streaming!) I'm also a huge fan of Harry Potter, Highlander, Charmed (the original), and DragonBall Z! Yeah, a strange fandom medley, but each one features some of the sexiest villains ever. Did I mention I love villains? And of course, let's not forget my beloved NY Rangers.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
February 4, 2023
A disappointing read. 60% sex content and no story. This author is not for me. I expected a lot better story, for this lady warrior .
May 13, 2020
And I quote Graeme:
"Like it or not, you are my wife, and you will do as I say."
"You need to be punished."
“You refuse to heed my orders, you will be forced to do so.”
""His mouth twisted into an angry sneer. “I did not agree to this.""
The charming Graeme wants nothing more than to make his new wife "submit to his will". He gets off on it - "She was afraid? His cock hardened further." - even when she says no - "“Stop! No more! Please.” Her squirming grew weaker, and choked sobs escaped between her pleading.""
I'd tell you how fucking man hating this makes me feel, but it's time Rinda be allowed to speak, for once.
“And if you show disrespect? Am I to exact punishment from you?” For several moments, he simply stared at her. Then he threw back his head and laughed... "Why do you insist that only I must submit to your wishes, while you disregard mine? Why must I be the only one to adjust to this marriage? You treat me as if I am not worthy, when you know I am more than that... you have shown me no respect, expecting me to abandon all I have earned and submit to every wish of yours, with no consideration of my own...My wishes are to be heeded as well. As your wife, I expect to stand beside you. Not behind you."
Apparently, Graeme doesn't want to be pitied by women. Well, Graeme, I don't pity you. I don't give a fuck about your art either. The only thing I care about is you seeing a strong woman and deciding to bend her to your will.
I'm so disappointed. I thought, of all the books in this series, this would be the one which wasn't as focused on men dominating women. After all, the "Viking Warrior" here is the woman. Alas, she is never truly allowed to be one. By all means, enjoy BDSM. I don't care either way. But BDSM exists within a context and that context should be about pleasure and choice. It absolutely should not be about treating women as chattel, not permitted any self-determination.
"Like it or not, you are my wife, and you will do as I say."
"You need to be punished."
“You refuse to heed my orders, you will be forced to do so.”
""His mouth twisted into an angry sneer. “I did not agree to this.""
The charming Graeme wants nothing more than to make his new wife "submit to his will". He gets off on it - "She was afraid? His cock hardened further." - even when she says no - "“Stop! No more! Please.” Her squirming grew weaker, and choked sobs escaped between her pleading.""
I'd tell you how fucking man hating this makes me feel, but it's time Rinda be allowed to speak, for once.
“And if you show disrespect? Am I to exact punishment from you?” For several moments, he simply stared at her. Then he threw back his head and laughed... "Why do you insist that only I must submit to your wishes, while you disregard mine? Why must I be the only one to adjust to this marriage? You treat me as if I am not worthy, when you know I am more than that... you have shown me no respect, expecting me to abandon all I have earned and submit to every wish of yours, with no consideration of my own...My wishes are to be heeded as well. As your wife, I expect to stand beside you. Not behind you."
Apparently, Graeme doesn't want to be pitied by women. Well, Graeme, I don't pity you. I don't give a fuck about your art either. The only thing I care about is you seeing a strong woman and deciding to bend her to your will.
I'm so disappointed. I thought, of all the books in this series, this would be the one which wasn't as focused on men dominating women. After all, the "Viking Warrior" here is the woman. Alas, she is never truly allowed to be one. By all means, enjoy BDSM. I don't care either way. But BDSM exists within a context and that context should be about pleasure and choice. It absolutely should not be about treating women as chattel, not permitted any self-determination.
October 29, 2019
Rinda was the sister of the Jarl and the only female warrior to have come with the Vikings. She also had no physical knowledge of what to expect between a man and a woman so when Brandr had agreed to the pact between Norsemen and Pict, pairing off nine couples, Rinda was paired with the one man left in the village, Graeme. A warrior himself, he had been injured in one the many defenses forced upon their village and therefore had a limp. Two polar opposites if ever seen. Neither one happy with the lot they'd been handed but would they be able to live with it or will they fight it to the bitter end? This was an enjoyable journey to walk through.
June 12, 2020
A Viking novella with a twist. A female Viking warrior married to a male Pict with a disability, which does not seem to stop him from doing most things, except engage in battle. The story was okay but I found Graeme to be a little too sulky.
What I want to know, is what happened to Alarik between chapter six and the epilogue. I know he was just a minor character but this omission is a glaring continuity error. I will say no more to avoid a spoiler but it truly distracted me. I know these novellas are part of a series but each story (from what I have read so far) seems to stand alone.
If you like Viking stories with a bit of spanking you will probably enjoy this.
What I want to know, is what happened to Alarik between chapter six and the epilogue. I know he was just a minor character but this omission is a glaring continuity error. I will say no more to avoid a spoiler but it truly distracted me. I know these novellas are part of a series but each story (from what I have read so far) seems to stand alone.
If you like Viking stories with a bit of spanking you will probably enjoy this.
February 20, 2020
I read this when it was part of a set (Vikings). Because not much has changed -- with the exception of an epilogue -- I'm going to leave my original review here.
First, a warning: Even though the set is now sold separately, it really does help to read the books in order since each refers to characters and events featured in other volumes. In this particular case, Rinda and Graeme are already married when the story opens.
Now onto the actual book. Below is my opinion; take it for what it's worth.
All the books are enemies-to-lovers stories (in this case neither H nor h wants to get married) and have three (as I saw it) overall themes. One is -- as another reviewer very wisely mentioned -- the importance of moving on from loss. The second is the blending of cultures (particularly welcome in today's anti-immigrant, us-vs.-them world) as each Pict and Viking character shares stories or customs from their respective lands; in this case, Rinda and Graeme . The third is dominance/submission broadly applied to an entire town. That is, the Vikings act as doms (protective providers who rescue the Picts from enemy attacks) and the Picts as submissives (those who swear their obedience in exchange for this protection). Thus, while both the men and women are marrying under duress (rather than just the women), it's the centuries-old marital bargain before the appearance of more modern views of marriage: each partner brings something tangible to the marriage that has nothing do with love or shared interests. In this case, the Vikings bring the brawn to defend the community, and the Picts provide the land. Of course, since this is romance, love does grow between the couples. And, because it's an erotic romance in this particular genre, the sexual acts are described in detail.
I didn't know this author, but will be reading more of her as this was one of my favorites. Overall, this particular story is well-written with few editing or grammatical errors (though I didn't like the pace: the development of the relationship happened too fast given the initial antipathy each had for the other). I particularly loved that she gave us a hero with a disability (far too rare in this genre which prizes young, white, able-bodied H and h's). This is the only tale that has a female Viking warrior and Pict husband, so it also stood out to me for that reason. Rinda and Graeme, despite their protestations, actually have more in common than they think: they both feel like outsiders among their respective tribes. Ultimately, they end up (unlike most in this genre).
4 stars.
Note: I adhere to the ratings system as laid out by Goodreads: 2 stars = it was okay; 3 stars = liked it; 4 stars = really liked it; 5 stars = it was amazing. I gave this book 4 stars because I liked Rinda's strength and Graeme's resilience, and together they made an excellent couple, but I thought that their relationship went from enemies to lovers awfully quickly. I do not think that every book I read is "amazing;" further, I think that it cheapens the rating system to always assign 4 or 5 stars. If a book really earns the 4 or 5 stars (and I realize that this is, to some degree, subjective), I'll give them -- but it certainly shouldn't apply to every book. YMMV, and everyone should enjoy/rate these books as they wish.
Additional Note: I did not receive this book as an ARC; I'm not another author who hosts or is hosted by other authors in this genre on our websites; and I'm not friends with the authors IRL, "friends" on this site, or friends on any social media site. (less)
First, a warning: Even though the set is now sold separately, it really does help to read the books in order since each refers to characters and events featured in other volumes. In this particular case, Rinda and Graeme are already married when the story opens.
Now onto the actual book. Below is my opinion; take it for what it's worth.
All the books are enemies-to-lovers stories (in this case neither H nor h wants to get married) and have three (as I saw it) overall themes. One is -- as another reviewer very wisely mentioned -- the importance of moving on from loss. The second is the blending of cultures (particularly welcome in today's anti-immigrant, us-vs.-them world) as each Pict and Viking character shares stories or customs from their respective lands; in this case, Rinda and Graeme . The third is dominance/submission broadly applied to an entire town. That is, the Vikings act as doms (protective providers who rescue the Picts from enemy attacks) and the Picts as submissives (those who swear their obedience in exchange for this protection). Thus, while both the men and women are marrying under duress (rather than just the women), it's the centuries-old marital bargain before the appearance of more modern views of marriage: each partner brings something tangible to the marriage that has nothing do with love or shared interests. In this case, the Vikings bring the brawn to defend the community, and the Picts provide the land. Of course, since this is romance, love does grow between the couples. And, because it's an erotic romance in this particular genre, the sexual acts are described in detail.
I didn't know this author, but will be reading more of her as this was one of my favorites. Overall, this particular story is well-written with few editing or grammatical errors (though I didn't like the pace: the development of the relationship happened too fast given the initial antipathy each had for the other). I particularly loved that she gave us a hero with a disability (far too rare in this genre which prizes young, white, able-bodied H and h's). This is the only tale that has a female Viking warrior and Pict husband, so it also stood out to me for that reason. Rinda and Graeme, despite their protestations, actually have more in common than they think: they both feel like outsiders among their respective tribes. Ultimately, they end up (unlike most in this genre).
4 stars.
Note: I adhere to the ratings system as laid out by Goodreads: 2 stars = it was okay; 3 stars = liked it; 4 stars = really liked it; 5 stars = it was amazing. I gave this book 4 stars because I liked Rinda's strength and Graeme's resilience, and together they made an excellent couple, but I thought that their relationship went from enemies to lovers awfully quickly. I do not think that every book I read is "amazing;" further, I think that it cheapens the rating system to always assign 4 or 5 stars. If a book really earns the 4 or 5 stars (and I realize that this is, to some degree, subjective), I'll give them -- but it certainly shouldn't apply to every book. YMMV, and everyone should enjoy/rate these books as they wish.
Additional Note: I did not receive this book as an ARC; I'm not another author who hosts or is hosted by other authors in this genre on our websites; and I'm not friends with the authors IRL, "friends" on this site, or friends on any social media site. (less)
November 9, 2019
Loved Graeme and Rinda
Rinda was raised as a warrior like her brothers. She is use to respect in her village. She is struggling to adapt to the village her brother has claimed and to the wounded warrior he married her to.
Graeme was gravely injured in battle, only fought so hard to recover for the sake of his beloved wife. Only to loose her not long after to an illness. His injury preventing him from protecting the village, he has become withdrawn and surly. Now he has been forced to take a Viking shield maiden as a wife. He is determined to have her submission. Rinda is determined to be his equal. The place they seem to connect is in bed. Then she learns what he does all day.
Fast paced and steamy. Spanking and bondage for punishment and pleasure. Graeme is dominate and frequently cruel to Rinda. Her submission starts to break down his walls. Part of a multi author series, and could be read as a stand alone. A nice epilogue to wrap up their story.
Rinda was raised as a warrior like her brothers. She is use to respect in her village. She is struggling to adapt to the village her brother has claimed and to the wounded warrior he married her to.
Graeme was gravely injured in battle, only fought so hard to recover for the sake of his beloved wife. Only to loose her not long after to an illness. His injury preventing him from protecting the village, he has become withdrawn and surly. Now he has been forced to take a Viking shield maiden as a wife. He is determined to have her submission. Rinda is determined to be his equal. The place they seem to connect is in bed. Then she learns what he does all day.
Fast paced and steamy. Spanking and bondage for punishment and pleasure. Graeme is dominate and frequently cruel to Rinda. Her submission starts to break down his walls. Part of a multi author series, and could be read as a stand alone. A nice epilogue to wrap up their story.
January 6, 2025
In book three in the multi-author Viking Surrender series, Rinda is the only female Viking among her fellow warriors. She is respected and no one questions her strength. After her brother and jarl, Brandr, makes a deal with the Pictish village of Achnaryrie, she must marry one of the last surviving men from the village.
Graeme was injured in battle and can no longer defend his home and people. The last thing he wants is Rinda as his wife, but he’s determined to tame her and prove he’s man enough to handle a warrior woman.
I couldn’t connect with either Rinda or Graeme. She submitted to his dominance and seduction every time, and never backed up her strong words with actions. I typically like BDSM stories, but he was far too overbearing.
3 Stars
Graeme was injured in battle and can no longer defend his home and people. The last thing he wants is Rinda as his wife, but he’s determined to tame her and prove he’s man enough to handle a warrior woman.
I couldn’t connect with either Rinda or Graeme. She submitted to his dominance and seduction every time, and never backed up her strong words with actions. I typically like BDSM stories, but he was far too overbearing.
3 Stars
November 11, 2019
Book four in the Viking Surrender series a very good story with a great storyline that kept me turning pages. Graeme and Rinda do not want to be married to each other but because of her brother Brandr they are. I enjoyed reading as these two get their happy ending. The different Authors in this series have put out a very good set of stories. I will be reading the rest of the books in this series. I read a copy of this book through K.U. and I am voluntarily reviewing.
June 14, 2020
Graeme gets a bride
In this series all the brides are from the pict village except Rinda. She is a Viking and must marry Graeme who is a maimed pict warrior. They resent each other and have a rough start. She feels that she no longer belongs anywhere.
Graeme is stern and unyielding and punishes her for being disobedient. She enjoys it but is confused. They must learn to accept and support each other.
In this series all the brides are from the pict village except Rinda. She is a Viking and must marry Graeme who is a maimed pict warrior. They resent each other and have a rough start. She feels that she no longer belongs anywhere.
Graeme is stern and unyielding and punishes her for being disobedient. She enjoys it but is confused. They must learn to accept and support each other.
November 17, 2019
Graeme and Rinda
Very good sexual tension here. Neither wish to be married but must accept the union for the future of their clans. She is a warrior in her clan and has to become accustomed to being a wife. Graeme has to learn how to love a determined woman. They have to accept their differences and love each other anyway.
Very good sexual tension here. Neither wish to be married but must accept the union for the future of their clans. She is a warrior in her clan and has to become accustomed to being a wife. Graeme has to learn how to love a determined woman. They have to accept their differences and love each other anyway.
December 7, 2019
Graeme and his warrior wife.
Graeme is Book 4 of the Viking Surrender series. The wounded warrior is bitter and prefers to be alone all due his injuries Rinda finds herself married to Graeme per her jarls order. Now the fun begins. I just loved the story and looking forward to reading more from this series.
Graeme is Book 4 of the Viking Surrender series. The wounded warrior is bitter and prefers to be alone all due his injuries Rinda finds herself married to Graeme per her jarls order. Now the fun begins. I just loved the story and looking forward to reading more from this series.
September 10, 2021
Good Storyline
Graeme has been bitter and resentful ever since he lost his ability to defend his people due to his injury. After his wife died from her illness, he preferred his solitude. When the Viking Jarl commends his warrior sister, Rinda to marry Graeme, sparks fly. Not pleased with this match they eventually work through their differences.
Graeme has been bitter and resentful ever since he lost his ability to defend his people due to his injury. After his wife died from her illness, he preferred his solitude. When the Viking Jarl commends his warrior sister, Rinda to marry Graeme, sparks fly. Not pleased with this match they eventually work through their differences.
November 4, 2022
Good Story!
This wasn’t my favorite I did not like Graeme at all till the end. I felt Rinda was dealt a crap hand. He was an awful person. I’m glad they loved each other and I would have like to see them have children. And I was sad that Alarik died. Now on to my next one Magnus. 💜💜💜💜
This wasn’t my favorite I did not like Graeme at all till the end. I felt Rinda was dealt a crap hand. He was an awful person. I’m glad they loved each other and I would have like to see them have children. And I was sad that Alarik died. Now on to my next one Magnus. 💜💜💜💜
February 7, 2024
One of my least favorites in the series. I am not sure why, I just couldn't get on board with this couple. I feel like the author almost tried to make Graeme more of a Viking like personality in his actions and I just didn't like it. I feel like his spankings and hard handling of Rinda just didn't come across as genuine to me. Decent read but, just not my favorite.
December 19, 2020
Still love it
I read Graeme first as part of the Viking Surrender collection. This was then and remains my favorite. The new ending adds an element of sweetness to Rinda and Graeme's relationship. Love and trust have brought out the best in them both.
I read Graeme first as part of the Viking Surrender collection. This was then and remains my favorite. The new ending adds an element of sweetness to Rinda and Graeme's relationship. Love and trust have brought out the best in them both.
June 17, 2020
Ok
This book was an ok read. It didn't have any action unless you count all the sex and dominance scenes. I still like this series and will read more.
This book was an ok read. It didn't have any action unless you count all the sex and dominance scenes. I still like this series and will read more.
July 27, 2022
Did not like this story as much as the 3 before. Are you trying to tell me a Viking Shield Maiden would allow anyone to treat her so disrespectfully? Very disappointed.
April 23, 2022
The characters never really make sense, their thoughts don’t illuminate their actions, and there is no impetus for their change. She gets ‘magic sexed’ into accepting her husband and he just walks away, then returns minutes later having done an emotional 180. The reader doesn’t even see his thought process. The domestic discipline parts are awkward, as if the author doesn’t really understand the concept. The sex scenes have some hot moments. However, though the sex is constantly alluded to, there aren’t that many full scenes and they are a little stilted when they are there.
November 13, 2019
3 stars (maybe 4 stars if you enjoy these authors: Kate Pearce, Jess Michaels).
I’ve read the entire series of books. My review will be the same for all book. Some were more enjoyable to read then others however the series as a whole and each individual book to me is still 3 stars (half I would give 3.5 stars). You can read each book within 1-2 hours; quick reads.
These books/series are worth a read but didn’t really have me excited about interacting with the book where I could not put it down (skimmed through parts of the books). It lacks the excitement and well roundness of my personal markers for a great read throughout the book.
There was a lack of development and interest in main characters in some of the books (which I found irritating). I enjoy secondary characters and there were a few moments in the books, enough info was provided that I read the series.
There were a handful of humorous scenes in most of the books. I do prefer well written humour and this series lacked in that department.
I found the movement of the books ‘choppy at times’ especially around the story telling overall.
The writing /conversation of the book was not the style that gets me engaged and partner with the books characters to enjoy this book past a first read.
There are MAJOR sexual scenes throughout the book (kissing, oral, love making) and SPANKING in all the books.
Read this book/series once and that is enough for me.
I wouldn’t cross a few of the authors out of my potential reads in the future.
My individual star rating for each book
Viking Surrender books 1-10
1. Prologue 3.5
2. Brandr 3.5
3. Ragnar 3.5
4. Graeme 3
5. Magnus 2.5
6. Thorolf 3.5
7. Garth 3
8. Jerrik 3
9. Steinn 2
10. Bjorn 3
I’ve read the entire series of books. My review will be the same for all book. Some were more enjoyable to read then others however the series as a whole and each individual book to me is still 3 stars (half I would give 3.5 stars). You can read each book within 1-2 hours; quick reads.
These books/series are worth a read but didn’t really have me excited about interacting with the book where I could not put it down (skimmed through parts of the books). It lacks the excitement and well roundness of my personal markers for a great read throughout the book.
There was a lack of development and interest in main characters in some of the books (which I found irritating). I enjoy secondary characters and there were a few moments in the books, enough info was provided that I read the series.
There were a handful of humorous scenes in most of the books. I do prefer well written humour and this series lacked in that department.
I found the movement of the books ‘choppy at times’ especially around the story telling overall.
The writing /conversation of the book was not the style that gets me engaged and partner with the books characters to enjoy this book past a first read.
There are MAJOR sexual scenes throughout the book (kissing, oral, love making) and SPANKING in all the books.
Read this book/series once and that is enough for me.
I wouldn’t cross a few of the authors out of my potential reads in the future.
My individual star rating for each book
Viking Surrender books 1-10
1. Prologue 3.5
2. Brandr 3.5
3. Ragnar 3.5
4. Graeme 3
5. Magnus 2.5
6. Thorolf 3.5
7. Garth 3
8. Jerrik 3
9. Steinn 2
10. Bjorn 3
November 9, 2019
This bride/groom from the Vikings anthology is a flip flop of the other pairings. Graeme is the last of two men in the village. He is a warrior but was hurt in battle and is lame. He has also lost his wife to the plague and is mean and bitter. Rinda is the Viking jarl’s sister and she is given to Graeme in marriage. Rinda is a warrior and does not wish to submit to a husband. Graeme does not want a wife. But he realizes there is no way out and tries to make the best of the situation. Rinda believes that since he is lame and she is a warrior, she will have the upper hand. Graeme immediately dispels that notion and proves to her that he is exceptionally strong and not going to allow her insolence. And so begins the battle of wills. Graeme is a very handsome man. In spite of herself, Rinda is incredibly attracted to him and the battle turns to passion. While she struggles for the upper hand, she finds strength in her submission. Their journey to find common ground is passionate and fiery. A great love story!
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews