Beloved Viking

Viking Hearts #1

by Ree Thornton

A DELICIOUS HISTORICAL ROMANCE NOVELLAThe shield-maiden must marry…Heir to her father’s Jarldom, Rúna Isaksson will soon ascend to replace him as the leader, but first, she must marry a warrior from another clan to form a powerful alliance. When her father creates a contest to determine the strongest suitor, Rúna demands to compete as well—if she wins, she can choose her own husband. However, she’s shocked to discover that her first love is amongst the competitors, the man who abandoned her without looking back. She must not let him win.A Viking warrior haunted by a dark past…Jorvan Eriksson has returned from seeking his fortune to claim his childhood sweetheart, but the girl he left behind has become a battle-hardened shield-maiden with no intention of forgiving him. Jorvan has changed too—he now fights a darkness that lurks in his mind. Somehow, he must conquer his demons to out-maneuver the other suitors and win the Viking games for Rúna's hand. Though victory alone will never be enough. He won’t settle for anything less than reclaiming the future Jarl’s heart.PLEASE This Viking historical romance novella is part of the Viking Hearts Series, however it can be read as a standalone. Content includes steamy scenes and has a HEA.

Genres: Romance, Historical Fiction, Historical Romance, Fantasy Romance, Adult, Novella

84 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 29, 2020

About the author

Ree lives on the beautiful Sunshine Coast of Australia with her Viking husband, two rambunctious mini-Vikings, a flock of broody hens and a very cheeky husky.

Her Viking Hearts Series is an ode to the celebrated strength of both men and women, and a culture that is connected to nature and lives in tune with the cycles of the seasons. She loves to craft stories that pull readers into worlds with vivid settings. She often writes about bold heroines and their lovable heroes as they find their way to each other and their happily ever after.

Reviews

[Illusode · Rating 2 out of 5]

2 Stars
Flatlined

I tried. I've been poking at the story for months, but I'm done for now. Dnf'd, could not complete it. I like the elements of it: historical romance, ancient vikings, shield maidens. However there's just something too much like a trainwreck in the progress of the story. You know what's coming, and it's going to be a mess. Too much lead up to that big mess. I just can't anymore. Maybe I'll pick up later when my headspace is clearer.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon today (2/5/2021)! 🎁

[T. · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

I received this ARC via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving an honest review. As I’ve said before, I always give honest reviews whether people appreciate them or not.

Rúna Isaksson is a Shieldmaiden and her father’s only heir. Her father wants her married (and reproducing) since he’s getting old and has arranged for men from other clans to come and compete for her hand. To say she is displeased is an understatement. You see, three or four years before she was completely in love with Jorvan Eriksson and thought that love was returned. But Jorvan basically picks up and sails away to pillage for his fortune and she was so broken that she trained and worked tirelessly to become the Shieldmaiden she is now, and she is determined to choose her own husband. She’s also completely enraged that the Eriksson family sent one of their sons to compete for her! That Eriksson son is actually Jorvan. He’s been considered dead for at least a year or more but he’s come back… a changed man. He’s determined to fight for the woman he loves even if she hates him because he left her.

I have to say that Rúna and Jorvan have quite the rocky relationship when he returns. She has no idea why he left and is almost overcome with fury whenever she thinks about or sees him. Don’t get me started about when he wins a competition or two. Both of them, especially Jorvan, have some serious issues they need to work through, some more intense than others. We get to meet Valen, Jorvan's oldest brother, as well as Ásta, Rúna's good friend in this. Valen’s story is the second book in the series, Forbidden Viking (which I’ll be reading next) and Ásta’s story is the third in the series, Winter Viking. This is a quick read, but with the two of them still so impassioned with each other, it really is a powerful love story!

[Space Cowgirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Though He Walks In Darkness🐺🔪

ADULT Historical Viking🐺⛵🔪 Second Chance Romance💕 and Adventure⛵🔪.

Runa💃💋🔪 is the only living child of her father , the Jarl. As a fierce shield maiden, she wants to choose her husband. Her father gives a competition for her hand, the men competing are masked. If Runa💃💋🔪 wins over the men in the completion of fighting skills, she gets to choose which man she wants.

Among the men is Jorvan🐺🍆⛲🔪, her former love 💘. He broke her heart💔 when he left her and went away, and she is extremely bitter. Circumstances concerning why he left her are much more complicated than she is aware of. Jorvan🐺🍆⛲🔪 has returned a scarred🔪 and broken man in some ways, but his 💘love for her is what kept him alive.

ARC Provided by Booksprout 🌱
I also got this ebook with Amazon📚 Free.
Opinions Expressed here are entirely my own.

I enjoyed this interesting look at ancient Viking customs, superstitions, and lives. The entire novella is about the competition for Runa's hand. This story of a second chance love 💘 is a very emotional one!

[Doodle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Entertaining Viking romance. I enjoyed this story. It has a unique premise and strong characters. I enjoyed the competition aspect of this story and the way Runa and Jorvan regarded each other. Runa's initial anger toward Jorvan is completely justified and I appreciated the fact she didn't just melt into his arms. He had to prove himself after breaking her heart and he didn't resent her for that. I was intrigued by the other characters in this novella as well and will look into the other stories in this series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing story of a shield maiden Runa who was abandoned by the man/Jorvan she loved five years ago. Much has changed for both of them and some things not for the better. Runa sworn to never love another after Jorvan. Jorvan had suffered greatly as a prisoner of a mad seer/ seiðkonur who killed his best friend and all his shipmates and ràpèɖ him over and over again. The darkness that consumed him was great. The emotional struggles and physical pull between he and Runa still existed. Runa fought and fought. Her father the Jarl had decreed all suitors for Runa's hand would be won by her questions being answered and each suitor had to overcome trials in a challenge of games. This is a heartbreaking story of second chances. A must read. You will not be disappointed.

[Sara Munoz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an interestingly well-written book 1 in The Viking Hearts Series with well developed characters. The story and characters interested me from the beginning and I read it cover to cover without stopping. I liked the characters while watching them grow together and they worked well together. I found this book to have great word building which made me feel apart of the story as it unfolded. A must read for any fan of Viking stories.
This Viking historical romance novella is part of the Viking Hearts Series, however it can be read as a standalone in a 3 book series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kath · Rating 3 out of 5]

Victory to the Viking

I loved the writing style and compelling story of Runa the girl being betrayed and losing the love of her life. Full of determination to never give her heart and trust to another she trains hard to become the best fighting shield maiden to lead her people. Years later as her father is aiming she knows she needs to make a strong match to help her lead her people and a contest is devised for her to those a husband and partner. However, the boy they all thought was dead returns as a battled scared man made all the stronger for the adversity he has had to bare. Will be win her hand and heart, read to find out.

[Elizabeth McDaniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Runa was the Jarl’s daughter and next to earn the title. Her love had left her broken hearted when she was young. Jorvan was forced to leave his love Runa because the Jarl thought he wasn’t good enough. Now Runa was to be wed by a competition. Jorvan, along with others vied for her hand as well as Runa did herself. This tragic but romantic love affair had betrayal, danger, lies, distrust, magic and love/hate mixed in. Fun read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lenna Wright · Rating 4 out of 5]

Went by very quickly and the ending was here and done, which caused me to scream out “That’s it?”
They fell in love as young adults but being caught by her father and forced to leave only to have one heck of a battle of his life, Jorvan will have a tough life. The only light he will have is his love for Runa. When he finally returns to claim her, she’s basically ready to choose her husband. Did he return in time to claim his love or is he too late and has to watch as she chooses another??

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC from the author thru Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving my review. This is an interesting tale between Runa and Jorvan. It is the first book that I have read by Ree. I enjoyed the storyline and the characters. They have a rough history and a future that is a struggle to get to. It is a short story that is packed full

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tc · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 1st book in The Viking Hearts Series. It is a very good way to start a new series. This is the 1st time I have read any of Ree Thorton's books and it certainly won't be the last. This is Runa and Jorvan's tale. The characters were superb in their conception, I just loved them This is a short story that is packed full of adventure, betrayal and anything else that makes a great read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Cherie S · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Viking And The Firefly:
My first time reading this author and I think I was expecting much more that what I got due to the reviews that have been posted. I struggled giving 4 stars but it did keep my interest to the end.
An enjoyable story of recapturing ones lost love.
Good plot. Interesting characters. I really liked Jorvan the H.
It could have been much better with a little more heat.
Intimacy before marriage:
Heat level 1 out of 5.

[E Ironsides · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very good love story

I enjoyed the read, but I didn't feel anything inherently viking about it. It was a feel good second chance love story very worth the time it took to read it, but it could have been any two warriors anywhere and during any era. I wanted to be gripped in suspense or action or a valorous intent, but I never felt compelled beyond inquisitiveness about the HEA. Very well written though with a touch of aloofness from the mains.

[Sonia Bellhouse · Rating 4 out of 5]

A new take on the familiar subject matter and an entertaining read. These two characters are destined for each other but how they get there is the crux of the story. He hurt her once, now she wants to hurt him, but events are not all that they seem. Zips along at a good pace and holds the readers' interest. Well written and engaging.

[BigGirl BigBooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such detail has been given to the world Author Ree Thorton has created. There is power behind this story. It is a love story of sorts but also is about saving your family and keeping your identity. A wonderful start to a series that I'm happy I stumbled upon. And to prove Vikings are a universal curiosity...this author is from Australia.

[Urszula · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well created story. Great reality of vikings with interesting background that adds to the story. Well developed characters and relationships among them plus strong characters. Twists and turns of action. Enjoyable and relaxing read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful introduction to a new to me author. I love a Viking romance when it’s well written and this one is fantastic. It’s the first book in a series and the author has done a great job with her world and character building. It’s a fast-moving enjoyable read. Onto book 2!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Patrice Veilleux Roth · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ohh…Like one of those Harlequin Romance stories

Not at all what I was expecting. I recently read some amazingly well written Norse historical fiction and thought this was more of the same…nope, nada. This must be for people who like those bachelorette TV shows or something with some Viking surroundings thrown in. Definitely not for me.

[Angelica Larsson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well-written book with an intriguing storyline that I loved reading. I enjoyed the plot and the characters. Love the ambiance of the book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Robyn Middleton · Rating 1 out of 5]

Oops this is a bodice ripper.

I thought this was an historic novel , but turns out , after 57% of this I got to the part where the missing and rubbing against each otnef. Sorry not my mind if story.

[Aj · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short Viking romance, second chance at love and a well written story that kept me engaged. Rúna and Jorvan are strong characters and literally have to fight their way back to each other to capture their true heart's desire.

[Lisa · Rating 1 out of 5]

Quick, boring, hea

It's really droll. There is no character development. It's a very fast read and amateurishly written. This book is more of a novella with one lame sex scene and a shield maiden that's a crybaby.

[Debra Avery · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well written. . . Just not for me.

[F E W Timberlake · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good storyline, well written. A couple of very minor editorial errors but there's not many books out there that don't have editorials. Loved the characterisation.

[Reader03 · Rating 4 out of 5]

A woman and her first love both fight for their chance to head the clan together. I voluntarily received this book for an honest review.

[Ana * · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love second chance romances and this is a really good second chance romance, set in the Viking period, Runa and Jordan are in for the battle of a lifetime

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written and entertaining with world building that is descriptive and immersive. This had great pacing. This is a great historical viking romance novella.

[mike stensrud · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read

Recommended read this book a one should not have to use w twenty words . I already said it was excellent

[Danielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

For this being my least liked genre, it was actually pretty good. It was a quick read.