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Married to a barbaric beast, Gladys cannot believe her bad fortune. A rough and raw Norseman has taken to her home and her bed as if it’s his right. But never fear, she has plans to do away with him, to rid him from her life…for good.

Steinn is thankful to the gods for his good luck. His new bride Gladys is a sexy little wild cat with curves and an ass to die for. Admittedly she needs a little training, and a fair bit of discipline, but he’ll take her in hand if it’s the last thing he does. Won’t he?

Steinn is one of nine provocatively sensual tales within the Viking Surrender series.

Stories 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.

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.

123 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 1, 2019

100 people are currently reading
66 people want to read

About the author

Lily Harlem

249 books686 followers
Meet your next sexy as f*ck book boyfriend!

You'll love my Alpha male heroes and the women who (try to) tame them, so dive into my vast selection of steamy romances and be prepared to stay up late into the night being seduced by kinky dukes, hot hockey players, masterful Vikings and badass bikers. (To name a few!)

And to get you started, and my way of saying 'welcome to my world', grab a FREE ebook of your choice from my website www.lilyharlem.com

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5 stars
73 (46%)
4 stars
40 (25%)
3 stars
30 (19%)
2 stars
8 (5%)
1 star
6 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
167 reviews4 followers
November 3, 2019
Taming of the Shrew, Viking style! Widowed Gladys is against Eithne’s plan to wed the Vikings for protection. Gladys is sour and a miserable woman. But Steinn feels that the gods have sent him to Gladys. She is beautiful but feisty. She embarks on a plan to rid herself of this big Viking but Steinn metes out discipline to thwart her at every turn. Who will win this battle for love? This is a hot and steamy read. Luckily it was a short read because I didn’t want to put it down. As much as I disliked Gladys, I loved this story. Now on to the next bride!!
Profile Image for Vana.
214 reviews2 followers
June 24, 2020
My least favourite of what I have read so far. Includes a rape scene. Not my cup of tea. Steinn comes over as a little slow witted, a barbarian in the true sense of the word.
I liked the heroine. At least she showed some gumption, especially the scene about the nettles.
It was okay as far as the plot went but I got to wondering, 'just how thick can Steinn be?'
Profile Image for JD (on semi-hiatus).
984 reviews219 followers
November 1, 2019
Trigger Warning: This story contains rape! Not "dub-con" or "non-con" or whatever people are calling it, but actual rape where the victim is terrified, cries, says "no" repeatedly, nearly chokes on the rag her rapist has gagged her with, and is so mentally and emotionally distraught over it that she tries, quite rightly, to kill her rapist (which the author treats as slapstick; I guess because it's funny to watch a victim try to get away from her rapist).

When this story was part of the original set of Vikings, I noted in my review that it was the only one to feature rape (though there is non-consensual domestic discipline in some of the others, the sex, at least, is alwasy consensual). I was not the only reviewer to say this (in retrospect, I should have rated this story more harshly than I did: in re-reading it, the brutality of the rape is much worse). In response, Ms. Harlem has added a disclaimer that was absent from the original book:
Trigger Warning

Vikings were not known for their political correctness or involvement in the women’s rights movement. This story stays true to that and the Viking hero takes what he wants when he wants from his new bride - including sex. All is well, and many orgasms are enjoyed.

There’s deep love too, but if sexual scenes of said nature upset you, then please take care of yourself when reading the story of Gladys and Steinn.

Let's unpack Ms. Harlem's "Trigger Warning" since it and the comical tone the author uses throughout (Steinn loves his new wife so much that he can't fathom her hatred for him) are the reasons she gives for why her depiction of rape is okay:

1) "Vikings were not known for their political correctness or involvement in the women's rights movement." Just so I understand: if someone objects to rape, they're being "politically correct" or a "feminist?" It's not that it's a violent and illegal act that anyone -- no matter what their personal/political beliefs -- should feel is horrible? Okay, got it. I'll remember next time that a man is arrested for rape that his actions just weren't "politically correct," and the next time I read of a woman recounting her rape, I'll remember that if that pesky "women's rights movement" didn't exist, she wouldn't see it as rape at all. Glad we got that out of the way...

2) "This story stays true to that and the Viking hero takes what he wants when he wants from his new bride - including sex." So, here Ms. Harlem pulls out the history card. I imagine her thought process went something like this: "I just have to represent sex this way -- where the hero just 'takes what he wants' -- because that's what people did back then," she said to herself over her keyboard, "after all, this story is set in the past and has to be historically accurate." Absolutely, Ms Harlem, historical accuracy is key! You see, I and all your other readers read the BDSM/DD genres for the history! Not only that, but we carefully peruse every historical detail, rating authors' books on how factual they are. With that in mind, let me do that now. Hmm, let's see, is everything in this book true to the time period? Well, I'm not sure that people in the 10th century said "plaything," “Are you wet for me?,” "we can work with that,” “your pussy is hugging me," or “More…like that, with your…cunny." Could it be that Ms. Harlem, then, is not interested in actually being historically accurate, but, rather selectively so? Could it be that she just wanted to write a rape scene because it's "hot" and "non-con" and "dub-con" and "dark" and "groovy?"

3) "All is well, and many orgasms are enjoyed." Ah, yes, the age-old defense put forward by rapists everywhere: "But she wanted it," the rapist told the judge. "Her body responded. Who cares if she kept saying 'no' and told me she didn't want it afterwards? The only thing that matters is how her body reacted." Enough said.

4) "There’s deep love too, but if sexual scenes of said nature upset you, then please take care of yourself when reading the story of Gladys and Steinn." Say it with me, Ms. Harlem: those "sexual scenes of said nature" is yet another euphemism for rape (perhaps it will now replace the overused "dub-con" and "non-con"). If rape is your fantasy, then have the guts to own it.

Ultimately, the problem with Ms. Harlem's insistence that we should excuse Steinn's rape of his new wife because it's "true" to the time period ignores that we, the readers, don't live in that time period, but in ours. All art has three different time registers: the era in which it was created, the era it represents (if it's a performing or literary art, such as film, theatre, or, well, literature), and the era it's received. Only the last is not fixed since, for example, audiences watched Hamlet in its original production (around the late 1690s), its many revivals throughout the centuries, and the umpteen film versions (the first made around 1900 and the most recent in 2018, in the UK, anyway). I can assure you that the 2018 audiences view the play very differently from the 1690s audiences -- and they should. We cannot forget the world in which we live, not even to abide by Ms. Harlem's directive regarding "truth." Thus, when books set in the past are read by us today, we will find classism, sexism, abelism, homophobia, racism, etc., jarring; and, for me, I don't like to be taken out of my reading when I encounter any of those, including acts that we now view as horrible, such as rape.

If anyone is still reading this (I know it's long), one possible response is that I should lighten up since this is only a book about sex. Perhaps, but the problem is is that all art, even the frothiest escapist fantasy or hardest-core erotica, represents some kind of ideology and, at times, it's difficult to forget it and enjoy the kink. This is one of those times. YMMV, particularly since the rape victim grows to care for her rapist (for me, that just made it worse).

Finally, let me also add that Steinn is yet another in the long, long, long list of H's in these books who assure the h's that they will never hurt them, and then proceeds to do exactly that (in this case, he spanks her for -- horrors! -- refusing to forget instantaneously and at his orders the dead husband she loved and is still in mourning for). But, even this very tired and very frustrating trope used in far too many books of this genre is the least of this story's problems.

1 star. If you want to read the stories in this set, I strongly suggest Ragnar or Magnus since, well, these men manage to have erotic and fulfilling sex without raping their wives.
Profile Image for Kaj Samuelsson.
Author 1 book13 followers
January 15, 2022
This book did not connect with me and I give it 2 stars. It felt a bit flat and disjointed, spiced up with sex to cover the flatness.
Profile Image for Barbara.
1,865 reviews6 followers
June 29, 2020
Gladys meets her match

This one was a little tougher to enjoy than other stories in the series. Steinn is really a brute and Gladys isn't kind. It helps that his heart is in the right place but he doesn't treat her very well in the beginning. If he didn't misunderstand what she wanted there would be no redeeming him.

Gladys is mean. He deserves some bad thoughts and discomfort but she escalates things quickly. Of course there is a happy ending but I'm not sure she deserves it to come fairly easily. Overall it was good but it would have been better if he was less of a brute and she wasn't so mean. I guess they deserve each other.
Profile Image for Brandy.
172 reviews5 followers
July 20, 2020
Good

First let me say that you need to make sure to read the warning at the end of the blurb as this book IS NOT for everyone. With that being said it’s a good read. I wasn’t sure I wanted to read more about Stein because he seemed really dense to say the least but he started showing he had intelligence towards the middle so I continued. Gladys’ was very enjoyable although she had a mean stubborn streak and everything worked out in the end. I wish the story would have been longer because I’d love to know if they had anymore children but you can’t have everything. I hope you enjoy this book!!!
49 reviews4 followers
August 14, 2020
Rubbish

This is pure unadulterated hardcore pornography. There’s no romance whatsoever. Since when did the Vikings know about butt plugs and know to use modern day vulgar words? Utterly ridiculous and absolutely laughable. Honestly this writer needs to stop writing such trash if she has no idea how. If there was a negative review number I’d have given a negative 10! Awful thing! If I want to watch porn I know where to get it, don’t want to be deceived to reading it in books masquerading as ‘romance’! Total waste of my time!!! Thank goodness I didn’t have to pay for it!
361 reviews
February 7, 2024
I thought the ending of this was good, however, I cannot rate this higher than 2 stars because, Gladys has absolutely 0 redeeming qualities. Steinn tries so hard to be kind but, firm and show her love and support - she is absolutely evil. She literally tried to murder him several times. I just couldn't even enjoy the book because, Gladys was such a c*nt. Spicy scenes were good but, Gladys just ruined it for me.
Profile Image for Mindy.
2,147 reviews4 followers
October 25, 2022
Good Story!

I enjoyed this story very much. I loved the characters and storyline. Had an issue with her name. Every time I read her name I thought about Samantha Stevens neighbor Gladys. 😂😂😂. She and Steinn and Yaron will live happily ever after. On to my next story by Lily. 🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🔥🔥
Profile Image for Maggie May.
909 reviews12 followers
February 3, 2022
A simpler storyline than some of the other books in the series, but frankly more enjoyable because of its simplicity. The only downside is that little effort was made to portray historical accuracy or even come across as vaguely historically set.
Profile Image for Bea Tea.
1,206 reviews
June 15, 2023
The guy was an adorable, oblivious himbo. Top points for that. But she... well she was straight up trying to murder him, in really devious, awful ways. It's hard to cheer for a HEA when one of them is actively trying to poison or main the other one.
1,681 reviews5 followers
June 7, 2021
Brilliant

Another brilliant book gripped from the start I couldn't put it down well written and a great story line hooked from the start
Profile Image for Letschat1974.
821 reviews10 followers
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
Profile Image for Kat Ryker.
788 reviews43 followers
November 14, 2019
I absolutely loved the story of Steinn and Gladys. In fact, I'm not sure where to start to review it. Because this is THE Lily Harlem, of COURSE there were great, steamy scenes. And because it was a Viking novel, there was an incredibly sexy Viking, along with his rather reluctant bride. This book was hot and hilarious all at the same time. Wait until you read about the interesting ways Gladys used to drive Steinn from what she considered HER home. I was chuckling through most of the book. Except when my Kindle combusted. Then I wasn't chuckling any more.

Lily Harlem writes erotica very, very well. She has captivated me with this book, because Steinn falls in love with Gladys at first sight, and Gladys has a tough time letting go of the past and remembering that she has a gorgeous, live, sexy Viking right in front of her. Oh don't worry, she comes around eventually...but the "getting there" is half the fun!

I always loved Vikings, now I'm lusting after them. WTG, Lily. Let's do this again!
Profile Image for Rhonda Hicks.
4,670 reviews83 followers
October 29, 2019
Reading Steinn and Gladys' story about broke my heart. There were several times I found my eyes filling with tears over Steinn's goodness and his belief in what the gods had blessed him with. Lily Harlem painted such a picture it melted my heart with the way he absolutely worships her. But Gladys already had a husband she'd loved. Just because he died doesn't mean she hasn't hung onto that. Powerful and passionate these two will take you on an emotional rollercoaster you won't want to get off of.
Profile Image for Annie.
1,883 reviews13 followers
November 8, 2019
Loved Steinn and Gladys

Steinn feels blessed to have been chosen to marry one of the women in the village.
Gladys is angry that she has been forced to.take one on the Vikings as husband. She lost her beloved husband and no on can replace him.
Steinn takes pride in his role as husband and already feels love for Gladys. Gladys hates her new husband and is plotting ways to force him to leave and when that fails, how to kill him.
Fast paced, and steamy. Contains forced submission, toys, and spamming for pleasure and punishment. A great epilogue to wrap up their story.
Profile Image for Gloria Garcia.
509 reviews2 followers
December 9, 2019
Oh my word.... the best yet!!

The Viking and his ice maiden. Gladys is is none too happy to be married to the barbaric foreigner in her home. The shenanigans that she comes up to rid herself of the barbarian. Will she succeed or will Steinn melt her heart? I definitely enjoyed this entertaining story!
Profile Image for SG Barron.
153 reviews
December 13, 2019
This book has been hard to continue reading. The author does an outstanding job in making Gladys an abhorrent character who doesn't deserve the gift she was given. What an absolute BITCH!!! Steinn is definitely too good of a man for her. While she thinks he is stupid and barbaric, her own actions show that she is projecting herself onto him. Women can only hope to find such a wonderful man.
Profile Image for Jill  Kirtley.
1,488 reviews11 followers
October 29, 2019
Fantastic!

Steinn is a fantastic romance. With a hot dominating Viking and a strong, sassy, unyielding bride, plus danger, bloodshed, and sexy spanking. What’s not to love. It’s an absolute must read!
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews

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