À la merci du Viking (Les guerriers d'Odin t. 1)

Sons of Sigurd #1

by Michelle Willingham

Ils étaient venus conquérir des terres. C’est leur âme qui a été conquise…

Royaume de Maerr, Norvège, IX e siècle
Depuis la tragédie qui a coûté la vie à tous les membres de son clan ainsi qu’à son père, le roi Sigurd, Alarr n’a plus qu’une idée en tête  : se venger de ceux qui ont perpétré ce terrible massacre. Et plus particulièrement de Feann de Killcobar, le guerrier irlandais qui a instigué l’attaque et laissé sa marque sur le corps d’Alarr lui-même. Pour accomplir sa vengeance, l’intrépide Viking s’introduit en Irlande avec la ferme intention d’enlever la fille adoptive de Feann, une jeune femme répondant au nom de Breanne. Mais rien ne le prépare à sa confrontation avec la flamboyante rousse  : aussi belle que farouche, Breanne fait immédiatement vaciller toutes ses certitudes…

Genres: Romance, Historical Romance, Fiction, Harlequin, Historical, Historical Fiction, Viking Romance

298 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 1, 2021

About the author

Rita® Award Finalist Michelle Willingham has published over fifty books and novellas. Currently, she lives in Virginia with her family and is working on more historical romance novels. When she's not writing, Michelle enjoys baking, playing the piano, and avoiding exercise at all costs. Visit her website at: www.michellewillingham.com or interact with her on Facebook at www.facebook.com/michellewillinghamfans.

Reviews

[Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 - "I am yours…" Stars!

They say a change is as good as a rest, and my first foray into Viking romance was definitely a change I will be embracing more of going forwards.

I completely lost myself in what was happening, and new-to-me author Michelle Willingham’s storytelling, keeps you invested from the offset. It had a little bit of everything – romance, intrigue, sword fighting, as well as some hot sexy-times, and I loved every second of it.

I cannot recommend Stolen by the Viking highly enough, and if like me you haven’t read romance set in this time before give it a go, I think you may be pleasantly surprised like I was!

ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.

[Sarah Mac · Rating 2 out of 5]

Another day, another blah harlequin. 👽

The Viking plot had potential, but it never really got off the ground—too much navel-gazing, too much meandering, too much instalove. Yawn. 🥱 I never felt like the MCs had any real sexual tension or connection because by chapter 2 they’re already battling possessive Lusty Feels; we’re repeatedly told of their blossoming love, but it never felt visceral or real—instead it struck me that they were only wanting each other because the author dictated it. Indeed, Lusty Feels is the extent of their relationship, given 90% of their pagetime together is traveling or getting it on. Yaaaaaawn. 🥱🥱 By the time Alarr finally sets his nebulous “revenge plan” into motion…sorta…it’s too late because she’s already talked him out of it…sorta…so nothing happens yet again. Then we drop the Viking storyline in favor of a wedged-in, messy, & confusing detour re: Breanne’s mother & treason & petty Irish kings & Oisin, aka Token ThrowAway Villain Dude, & by then I really DID NOT CARE. I wanted to read about a family of vengeful Viking brothers, goddammit! The brothers are barely there, the Viking feel is slim to none, & I don’t GAF about boring Breanne’s boring family. Yaaaaaaaaaaawn. 🥱🥱🥱

…But take heart, gentle reader! We’re assured of Breanne’s consent & Alarr’s only taking her by her consent & consent being given at every stage & consent, consent, consent…I GET IT, OKAY?? ALARR IS NO RAPEY OLD SKOOL VIKING. How many times do we have to bring up the fucking consent?! Not to mention Alarr’s anger that Oisin wants to “subjugate” Breanne via their forced marriage, or how nobody noticed a beautiful girl being fostered in a king’s household. Lol. Seriously? Can we at least attempt SOME aura of the past? I’m so tired of picking up historical romance & finding a modern romance dressed in vintage clothes.

As my GR friend Sandi would say: 2 stars, 1 for the story & 1 for the cover. 😶 (No, really; the cover *is* pretty decent. This guy looks too old to be Alarr—he’s more like the oldest brother, I’d say?—but at least he’s rugged & warrior-looking.)

[Lynsy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was really fun! I liked both Breanne and Alarr, even though they could both be slight noble idiots at times. I'm really looking forward to Rurik's book!

Full review at Little Book Jockey.

[Lissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have mixed feelings about this book. It's obvious that the author has put quite a bit of research into the time period, which I always appreciate, but the first half of the book was so incredibly dull at times that I could barely push forward with reading it. Once more of the plot is revealed it was more interesting to me, but it took a while to get there.

I really liked the character of Breanne and how she grew in the book. She went from very mild mannered and not being really aware of herself as a person in her own right to being a fucking badass QUEEN who was determined to save herself and the men she loved. *chef kiss* I also liked the character of Alarr, who had quite a bit of character growth as well. He went from being fueled by revenge and having a death wish because he thought he was useless to being the warrior he used to be and vowing to protect his new queen with his life and sword. Moar plz.

The writing style just didn't mesh with me well; I think it had to do with all of the short and choppy sentences in the book, perhaps? Altogether, this was an okay read, but I won't be reading it again.

[Leo · Rating 2 out of 5]

The blurb sounded intruging and I was in the mood for a viking romance, however I didn't enjoy it very much. Not sure why bu I didn't like the romance between the two and I didn't find the other plot lube very exciting to read about

[Abi Mallett · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was in the mood for a Viking romance but unfortunately this was a miss for me. I have read other books by this author that I enjoyed, just didn't gel with this one.

I felt that the romance relied too much on insta love or rather lust. I never felt any tension or that there were any real stakes. Both the hero and heroine made idiotic decisions at times and were just down right annoying. Lol.

The villains were very villainy and rather two dimensional. The writing style itself was great, just really could not get invested in the story.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good start to the new series. It opens with a joyous occasion that turns to tragedy. Alarr is about to marry the lovely Gilla, an arranged marriage, but one he looks forward to. But before the wedding can take place, uninvited guests attack. His bride and his father are killed, and Alarr is viciously attacked. Two years later, Alarr has regained some of his fighting ability but feels he will never be the warrior he once was. He is determined to take his revenge on King Feann and plans to use the man's foster daughter to get close to him.

Breanne was abducted from her home and sold to a slave trader. For two weeks, she waited for her foster father to rescue her, and has about given up hope. She thought he loved her as if she were his own, but maybe she was wrong. Breanne won't give up without a fight, though, and hatches a desperate plan to escape. She might have succeeded, too, if a Norseman hadn't caught her.

I enjoyed the first encounter between Alarr and Breanne. Though he stopped her escape, he bought her from the slaver. She was afraid of his intentions but refused to show her fear. Alarr admired her spirit, and because he was raised to treat women well, he showed her some kindness. He meant her no harm, as he was only going to use her as a tool to get close to her foster father. Neither expected to feel sparks of attraction.

Breanne believes that Alarr is her savior, no knowing that he was responsible for her abduction. She is more and more drawn to him as they travel toward her home. She feels cared for instead of ignored. Alarr is attracted to Breanne also, but thinks that he is no longer good enough for any woman. Breanne is horrified when she finds out Alarr's true intentions and wants to convince him not to kill Feann. Her methods are not unusual, and it isn't long before they form a deeper connection. I ached for Alarr, whose desire for vengeance is wrapped up in his self-perceived loss of manhood. Even his growing feelings for Breanne can come to nothing because of it.

There are other players in the game that neither is immediately aware of. Breanne has a rejected suitor who won't give up making her his. Breanne's mother, who she believed to be dead, was exiled to another holding. A visit between Breanne and her mother shows her to be another person who wants to use Breanne for her own purposes. Breanne is torn over the right thing to do.

I hurt for both Breanne and Alarr. Their feelings for each other were strong, but neither believed anything could come of it. Breanne doesn't know what Alarr's intentions are, and staying with him without a commitment is just asking for heartache. She also doesn't want to leave her homeland. Alarr wants Breanne for his own, but besides his lack of belief in himself, he doesn't think he will survive his fight with Feann. There is a heartbreaking scene between the two as they push each other away.

The confrontation between Feann and Alarr is exciting to watch as Alarr pits his diminished skills against the fit, but older Feann. The ending of the fight was not what I expected, and made unlikely allies of the two men. Breanne's return to her mother placed her in unexpected danger. She was furious at the betrayal and horrified by the fate that awaited her. I loved that she wasn't going to give up without a fight, and laughed out loud at the way she used her head. The confrontation between Oisin and Alarr was a nail-biter, and I enjoyed seeing how Alarr fought smart as well as hard. The ending was terrific. I especially liked Alarr's support of Breanne and belief in her abilities. Their big moment at the end was sweet and romantic, as they bring out the best in each other.

I liked Alarr's younger half-brother, Rurik, who went along with Alarr on this trip. It's easy to see that there is both love and respect between the two men. Rurik is also very protective of Alarr, which causes a little tension between the two men at one point in the book. Rurik had his reasons for accompanying Alarm on his trip, which we learn a bit of. I'm looking forward to his book and learning more about what he discovered.

[Romanticamente Fantasy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cassandra Gold - per RFS
.
Buongiorno mie care Fenici e ben trovate. La storia di cui mi appresto a parlare oggi, racconta di dolorose perdite e nuovi amori, battaglie e cavalieri, passioni e tradimenti e di come, in mezzo alla disperazione più completa, possa apparire anche all’ultimo momento una luce di speranza.

Il giorno delle nozze di Alarr con Gilla tutto era pronto per festeggiare un’unione, che avrebbe portato al suo clan vichingo pace e prosperità. Una strana sensazione però stringeva lo stomaco dello sposo. Un’imboscata colse tutti di sorpresa; Re Feann, monarca di un lontano regno d’Irlanda, al comando di un suo drappello, interruppe la cerimonia facendo una strage per rivendicare un antico torto subìto. A quella drammatica giornata sopravvisse solo Alarr, ferito gravemente alle gambe proprio da lui. La vergogna per non aver difeso la sua famiglia e la sua sposa, unita alla tragedia di non poter più combattere come prima sui campi di battaglia, lo spingono alla vendetta. Così, insieme a suo fratello Rurik, decidono di far rapire Breanne, figlia adottiva di Feann, per ricattarlo. Le cose non vanno come nei piani; il fato pone la ragazza sulla strada del guerriero non più come una pedina da usare, ma come una donna d’amare. Riuscirà Alarr a sapere chi davvero ha ordito il massacro che ha spezzato molte vite, rovinando anche il suo futuro, e a non cadere nelle malie della bella principessa? E Breanne troverà alfine la verità sulle sue origini, riuscendo finalmente a godere del calore di una vera famiglia?

Una storia complessa, romantica e drammatica allo stesso tempo, erotica ma non troppo. Sicuramente estremamente sensuale, ma anche carica di sentimento e di tradizioni. Appassionante e coinvolgente ti trasporta in un’epoca in cui la vita e la morte si decidevano sul filo di una lama e in cui l’onore di una donna dipendeva dal valore di un uomo. La trama si divide tra il senso del dovere di Alarr di vendicarsi e di morire per questo, e il bisogno e la necessità di Breanne di trovare una collocazione sociale. Adottata dal re Feann alla supposta morte dei suoi genitori, la ragazza viene cresciuta come una di loro. Nonostante questo, lei sente di non far parte di quel popolo, di essere una straniera in quella casa, tanto che dopo il suo rapimento ordito da Alarr, nessuno si preoccupa della sua sorte, adducendo scuse e ipotesi poco plausibili. Lei così ha la conferma di dover fare qualcosa per cambiare la sua vita. L’occasione le si presenta proprio alla risoluzione del suo rapimento, quando Alarr compare al mercato di schiavi salvandola da una fine orribile. Così il bisogno si mischia con l’amore e lei si lega in modo indissolubile al vichingo, vivendo con lui ogni sorta di avventure. Dal canto suo Alarr, sa che deve morire e che la ragazza non può essere al sicuro con lui. Le sue capacità di guerriero non sono più quelle di un tempo a causa della menomazione inflitta alle gambe il giorno del suo matrimonio con Gilla, quindi fa credere a Breanne di non provare nulla per lei. Ma l’amore, si sa, viaggia su una corsia preferenziale e ha un fato tutto suo.

Come in ogni buon romance, la storia ruota intorno ai due protagonisti; l’aspetto storico però non viene trascurato, dando uno spacco significativo della cultura dell’epoca. Il romanzo è molto accurato, sia nelle descrizioni dei particolari, sia in quelle delle ambientazioni. La trama ha uno svolgimento interessante, non arrivando al colpo di scena, ma stupendoti comunque con significative rivelazioni. Lui è forse sin troppo cavaliere, considerando il periodo storico, e dà sfoggio di un senso dell’onore più unico che raro. Ma la cosa mi piace molto, in ogni caso. Breanne vede in lui prima un nemico poi un salvatore; alla fine è l’unico che in realtà le dimostra del vero interessamento al di fuori di qualunque utilità possa avere per i suoi piani. Commovente il suo slancio nei suoi confronti. Una donna intrepida, disposta a qualunque cosa per proteggere le persone che ama, cosa che denota nobiltà d’animo. Insomma, una coppia di anime perse che insieme ritrova equilibrio e un motivo per vivere. E come un angelo custode, Rurik veglia sul suo fratellastro in modo che non s’immoli, mentre insegue i suoi nobili propositi, e veglia anche di quando in quando sulla sua bella rossa che gli ha rubato il cuore e l’anima, facendolo rinsavire un po’.

Non voglio scendere più nei dettagli, vi dico solo che la storia vale la pena di essere letta, per trama e colpi di scena. Un’avventura che vi regalerà dei momenti meravigliosi.

Ora vi lascio tra le pagine dell’amore care fenicette.

A presto!

[Barbee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book: Stolen by the Viking
By Michelle Willingham

Series: Sons of Sigurd, Book # 1

Reviewed by: Barb Massabrook (of)

1)Celtic Barb’s Tartan Book Review Blog
2)Administrator of Celtic World of Historical Book Reviews
3)Administrator of Tartan Book Reviews
4)Administrator of Purple Tulip Book Reviews

Heat Rating: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 Sizzling Hot!

Overall Rating: Five Stars and Five Kilts

The kingdom of Maerr, Norway—ad 874

The hero of this story is Alarr Sigurdsson whose wedding was destroyed by an enemy. Along with the deaths of his father, bride-to-be, including many other wedding guests. Alarr himself was savagely attacked and cut down by Éireann-King Feann, who took away his manhood and life as a warrior. As he couldn’t even walk for nearly a year from all the injuries King Feann inflicted on him. Now Alarr walks with a limp, has problems running, he can’t balance a sword the way he used to, plus his scars from his injuries give him pain at specific times. He feels like half the man he used to be, he can no longer be the great warrior he once was.

Now that his main purpose in life as a warrior was cruelly taken away, feeling death would have been a much better choice. Alarr could be rejoicing, drinking, feasting and being honored in the afterlife, with the Gods and his fallen soldiers in Valhalla. So he feels only anger, fury, rage, bitterness, and resentment in his cold, dark,empty, heart. All he wants now is vengeance, revenge, retaliation and retribution. He needs to murder King Feann, even though he knew it meant forfeiting his own life too. During this quest was his best friend and younger half brother Rurik, who only wants to keep his older sibling safe.

For the best solution to get the murder result Alarr wants, is to take away someone or something King Feann cares for. So Alarr decides to abduct his foster daughter, Breanne O’Callahan. A young woman he has cared for since she was two years old. He will lie and manipulate her, thinking he is returning her home only for the ransom.

Alarr found and paid off one of King Feann’s traitorous soldiers to abduct Breanne for him. He gave the soldier strict instructions, Breanne was not to be harmed in any way and he was to bring Breanne to Alarr. As Alarr would never ever hurt a woman he was taught by his mother at a young age to always be kind to women. He only needed her as a hostage and that was all. However this traitorous soldier betrayed Alarr too, by selling Breanne to a human trafficker as we would call him now, Alarr hunted the traitor who betrayed him, but most importantly he finally tracked Breanne down and saved her.

Alarr was horrified to see the vicious treatment of these captured women, in chains and collars at this barbaric market! Alarr was instantly drawn to Breanne which was unexpected, unwanted, and complicated. It would only end in regrettable results as he would never marry again. Though he could not help himself for desiring her, as she was a woman of perfection. The most beautiful woman he had ever laid eyes on! In addition she was also intelligent, interesting, courageous and brave too. He wanted her from the first time he saw her, but knows he’s not good enough for any woman! Yet he could not help himself from desiring this beauty.

Breanne thinks Alarr is her savior not her abductor once she realizes he is bringing her home for ransom. She has no idea he wants to murder her foster father. She knows it was wrong to be attracted to him, yet he had been kind and saved her life. She has felt lonely and an outsider most of her life, except by her foster father. Now his beautiful deep blue eyes set her in a trance and his physical form without a trace of fat is very attractive to her. To Breanne, Alarr has saved her more than once, as her foster Father, nor any of his men, have not come looking for her at all!

Yet how will Breanne react when she realizes Alarr’s true plans? Wanting to murder her beloved foster father! Also there is an abusive, brutal, man from Breanne’s past, who wants to harm her for rejecting his former marriage proposal! Breanne feels lonely, worthless and her feelings for Alarr change, as she starts to open her heart. Breanne looks at Alarr as her heart’s desire, not her captor. Even though she knows it’s wrong to want a Lochlannach man, her people’s enemy! She knew her family would never approve, but she feels betrayed by them and doesn’t care. Feeling Alarr is the only one who really cares and understands her.Than she comes up with an offer once she finds out Alarr want to murder her foster father where he might die too. Breanna prays he will accept her offer, and change his mind, to save her foster father and himself too. Yet will she find out her blue eyed Lochlannach’s true betrayal? It will most likely shatter her heart and destroy her! Plus will Alarr even survive this fierce King’s fury knowing he had abducted his beloved foster daughter for all this time!

This and so much more happens in this first book of the Sons of Sigurd series. It was a riveting, fast-paced, page-turning, action-packed, awe-inspiring, novel that readers will absolutely love. It is filled with all the elements historical romance readers love and even more for Viking romance fans. There is murder, human trafficking, treachery, mystery, prejudice, suspense, abduction, betrayal, vengeance, hatred, retaliation, retribution, forgiveness, hope, faith, passion, love and so much more.


In so many ways the hero and heroine are similar, as they both have low self-esteem and self-worth, feel lonely, isolated and unloved.Though they are really loved by others, but just don’t see it yet. It is not true at all, but it is how they actually feel. However in many ways they are different too. He has a biological father that ignored him and she had a foster father that adored her. I found so many elements both big and small of this novel totally fascinating!

I have read every book Michelle Willingham has ever written, as she is one of my all time favorite authors. It does not matter which historical genre: whether it is Scottish, Irish, Viking or regency historical. I absolutely have loved each and every one and she never disappoints with her storytelling gift.

I absolutely recommend this first book which is an absolute masterpiece in my opinion! I can’t wait to read the other 4 novels in this exhilarating “Sons of Sigurd” series! I absolutely loved Stolen by the Viking so very very much!

Sons of Sigurd Series

Stolen by the Viking by Michelle Willingham -
Print book released now, the digital ebook will be released on March 1, 2020

Falling for her Viking Captive by Harper St. George

Conveniently Wed to the Viking by Michelle Styles

Redeeming Her Viking Warrior by Jenni Fletcher

Tempted by Her Viking Enemy by Terri Brisbin




Disclaimer: I received an advance readers copy through the author and Harlequin Publishers. I voluntarily agreed to do a fair review and blog. All thoughts, ideas and words are my own.


Pre-Order Ebook Links

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B07VZ5...

https://m.barnesandnoble.com/w/stolen...

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https://www.kobo.com/us/en/search?que...+

https://books.apple.com/us/book/stole...

[Melinda · Rating 3 out of 5]

An emotional quest for revenge

Breanne gets thrown into a plot of revenge by being stolen and sold at a slave market. Her new master wants to use her to get revenge against her foster father.

Breanne is a strong character who didn't deserve to be used for revenge but she handled things like a champ. I like when authors make women who are smart enough to assess a bad situation and make decisions on common sense rather than blindly running off to a worse situation.

Alarr was a little too focused on revenge for my taste, especially since he hadn't even liked his father or loved his bride.

Let's talk about why I gave this a mediocre three stars instead of four. It hit two hardcore pet peeves of mine, too much introspection and gross sex scenes. I don't mind introspection but paragraphs filled of inter turmoil becomes boring and then when it is repeated, it's like, "Okay already! I get it!"
I love a good sex scene but it's unrealistic and barf inducing when they just hop up and dress without some kind of cleanup. Ewww! I get that they were in the 9th century and cleanliness was not a thing but gross is gross.

This usually isn't a problem but did anyone else think the cover was nice with the old dude who looks like Ned Stark?

I really did like the story though and will be continuing the series and reading other works by this author.

[Sheila Loosevelt · Rating 1 out of 5]

dnf’d at 36%

First time reading a harlequin romance and I must say, I’m not a fan. This started out r*pey and only got more-so. The female LI is bought as a slave by the male LI, and while he might not actually be buying her as a concubine but rather for vengeance reasonings, it is a gross situation. Over a quarter of the way through and there’s been no actual development, though the characters have kissed and done some heavy petting. I don’t get the attraction and it is not even remotely explained besides the female LI being afraid of getting sexually assaulted by the man who BOUGHT her and then deciding it wouldn’t be so bad?.? I’m lost.

[Heather · Rating 1 out of 5]

Long and drawn out with minimal plot. The writing was overly simple and repetitive. I just could not enjoy this book.

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was so thrilled to see Michelle Willingham was writing a new Viking historical romance, she is my favourite romance author and the first book I read by her was To Sin with a Viking.

I really enjoyed Stolen by the Viking, in particular the intensity of the situation and that both the leads had their own minds and agendas. Great opportunity for lots of drama.

I look forward to continuing the series which, has different authors for the different books.

[Keicia · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5⭐️
The story is ok, but there are many details that were not well explained and therefore were very inconsistent. It seemed the author was in a rush to finish it, to show that everything was going to be ok with the characters and didn’t have time to develop the details properly.

[Molly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I do not know why this book got three stars since I really enjoyed it. I really liked the writing style and plot. The characters were great. Breanne was my favorite character. I hope you will give it a chance. I do not want to give spoilers.

[Trudy Miner · Rating 3 out of 5]

Viking Alarr is bent on revenge so he buys the foster daughter Breanne O Callahan from the slave market just before she was up for sale. His goal, to get her to her foster father so he could kill him. Grateful as she was to be saved from slavery, Breanne was still a captive and Alarr wasn't talking about why. During the long journey to Eriann, captor and captive became more than that. What would Alarr do when they reached Breanne's foster father?

I have read and been enthralled by many of this author's books. However, something was missing in this one. For one, there was too much sex, something that, while there, wasn't the heart of her other books. The plot seemed to able about too. I am very disappointed by this book. Her other books are on my Keeper Shelf because they are that good; this one won't be.

[Harper St. George · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full of adventure, intrigue, and passion, this is an excellent start to the Sons of Sigurd series.

[Mariateresa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Un matrimonio dovrebbe essere un evento gioioso, non una carneficina come accade ad Alarr il giorno delle nozze con Gilla, dove parte della sua famiglia viene uccisa da parte di qualcuno che ha tramato per uccidere re Sigurd e i suoi famigliari. Questo qualcuno è re Feann che vuole vendetta per la sorella Saorla, scappata con Sigurd nelle terre del nord e là ridotta a vivere come una concubina.
Feann risparmia la vita a Alarr, ma gli lascia un ricordino: lo ferisce ai polpacci, rendendolo zoppo e con un equilibrio precario e questa è un’onta peggiore della morte perché per un vichingo perdere la sua capacità di combattere è togliergli valore, ciò che lo rende un uomo.
Feann si fa giustizia e se ne va, pensando di aver chiuso una volta per tutte il capitolo “vichinghi”, ma Alarr non è uno che dimentica.
Così un anno dopo, in compagnia del fratellastro Rurik, si reca in Irlanda per mettere in atto il suo piano: si è organizzato per rapire la figliastra del re e, con la scusa di chiederne il riscatto, uccidere l’uomo che gli ha portato via un futuro glorioso.
Le cose, però, non vanno esattamente come si era immaginato: Brianne invece di essere rapita e consegnata a Alarr, viene venduta a un mercante di schiavi, per cui Alarr deve intervenire per riprendersela.
Agli occhi di Brianne- che intanto cercava di scappare in tutti i modi dal mercante e, forse, ci sarebbe riuscita da sola- lo straniero appare come un salvatore. Non sa chi sia, né perché abbia fatto in modo di accaparrarsela, ma gli è grata. E più lo osserva, più gli piace: è affasciante e tormentato, e dietro i modi bruschi, gentile e rispettoso.
E lui, dal canto suo, non si aspettava di trovare così bella la fanciulla attraverso cui dovrebbe compiere la sua vendetta.
Non si aspettava che Brianne fosse sveglia, intelligente e pronta a “sporcarsi le mani” in lavori umili e di fatica, né che vedesse nei suoi occhi lo stesso desiderio che anche lui prova quando sono insieme.
Tutto questo complica le cose, ma Alarr cerca di non dimenticare perché è lì e chi deve raggiungere. L’idea di portarla subito da re Feann va in fumo quando scopre che il re è assente da giorni, in viaggio in qualche terra del regno. Così Alarr, Rurik e Brianne si fermano in un villaggio vicino e aspettano.
Inutile dire che i giorni insieme sono densi di avvenimenti, di emozioni, di pensieri e Alarr e Brianne si rendono conto ben presto di dover dar sfogo all’attrazione che sentono. C’è talmente tanta elettricità nell’aria che rischiano di incendiar qualcosa.
Non era previsto, meno che mai voluto- lei dovrebbe sposare un uomo delle sue terre, Alarr invece si sente indegno, inadatto a proteggerla e a starle accanto come merita per via della sua menomazione- ma l’intensità di ciò che provano li investe e li travolge. Tanto che i piani del “lochlann” vacillano e inizia a pensare a sbocciargli nel petto un’idea di un futuro diverso, che non finisca con la morte di qualcuno.
Ma succede che, dal passato, spunta la madre di Brianne che, a sua volta, ha un piano ben preciso, e la ragazza si troverà divisa tra l’amore per lo straniero e il sentimento che prova per una madre che credeva morta.
Intanto re Feann torna e per Alarr si presenta l’occasione che cercava.
Come finirà la storia?
Chi avrà vendetta e chi no?
Ci sarà lieto fine per una donna che cerca qualcuno a cui appartenere e un uomo troppo legato al passato per riuscire a immaginare un futuro? Scopritelo in questo romanzo che si legge abbastanza bene, ma che forse è un po’ troppo arzigogolato!

Quando si prende in mano un Harmony più o meno si ha l’idea di cosa aspettarsi, si va sul sicuro.
E le aspettative anche stavolta non vengono deluse!
Mi è piaciuta la complessità di Alarr, anche se mi sarebbe piaciuto molto se l’autrice avesse approfondito un po’ di più l’interiorità del protagonista.
Lo stesso discorso vale per Brianne, che cede prestissimo al fascino vichingo, ma che si pone molte domande riguardo al suo padre “adottivo” e al ruolo che lei dovrebbe o potrebbe rivestire: c’è una profonda necessità di libertà in lei che si scontra con la lealtà verso l’uomo che l’ha cresciuta come sua figlia senza esserne obbligato.
Mi ha lasciato perplessa, invece, il ruolo di Treasa, madre snaturata e folle che spunta come il coniglio dal cilindro a movimentare la situazione (a mio avviso non ce n’era bisogno, bastava già la storia principale).
Resta aperto il finale, che vede il giovane Rurik andare alla ricerca di risposte sulla sua famiglia (questo romanzo è il primo di una serie intitolata “I figli di Sigurd): un modo per invogliare a leggere il seguito per tutti quelli che sono rimasti colpiti dalla saggezza del fratellastro di Alarr.
Io non so se proseguirò, intanto il mio voto per questa storia è 3 stelle e mezzo. Mi ha aiutato a riprendermi dalle “sculacciate” e dal testo senza capo né coda dell’altro libro che aveva per protagonista un vichingo.
Ps. Che dolce Alarr quando chiama “sotnos” Brianne! Cuoricino di panna sotto tutti quei muscoli e cicatrici! Adorabile!

[Debora · Rating 4 out of 5]

La storia inizia con l'uccisione della sposa di Alarr nel giorno del loro matrimonio, Gilla era una ragazza davvero dolce che lo conosceva da quando erano piccoli, ma purtroppo perde la vita per mano di alcune persone che volevano vendicarsi del padre di Alarr, per fortuna lui ed i suoi quattro fratelli riescono a scappare, ma durante gli scontri viene ferito ad entrambe le gambe e anche dopo un'anno non riesce a muoversi più come vorrebbe, per lui poi che era un guerriero questo significa che la sua vita è finita, cerca la vendetta e fa rapire la figlia della persona che lo ha menomato, ma viene tradito da chi doveva consegnargliela e portata da un mercante di schiavi, riesce per fortuna a prenderla e portarla via con sé, nel loro viaggio cominceranno a conoscersi e la passione sarà sempre più grande, con loro ci sarà anche uno dei fratelli di Alarr che quando viene a sapere che vuole morire vendicandosi decide di rapirla e portarla a suo padre, ma il piano va in fumo quando vengono inseguiti da Oislin uno dei figli bastardi del re che la vuole da sempre, Alarr li raggiunge prima che possa succedere qualcosa, e li salva, lei così la sera chiede la verità e lui le dice tutto, andando avanti viene anche a sapere che la madre che credeva morta in realtà è solo in esilio e decide di andare da lei, e quando si ritrovano si rende conto che vede in lei solo un'opportunità per riprendersi le loro terre, decide di tornare a casa e quando parlerà con suo padre verrà a scoprire che era andato al matrimonio per vendetta verso il padre dei due ragazzi, ma alla fine qualcun'altro lo aveva ucciso e lui aveva deciso di uccidere la sposa del figlio, lei è molto arrabbiata da quello che dice e prova a non far combattere suo padre e Alarr, ma vedendo che non sentono nessuno dei due torna da sua madre che la porta in segreto nelle loro terre, in realtà per farla sposare al figlio bastardo del re che voleva un castello e soprattutto lei, riesce a non farsi violare, e il giorno dopo sia suo padre che Alarr arrivano a salvarla, si conclude la storia con loro che regnano sulle sue terre e si sono sposati, mentre il fratello che era andato con lui per cercare vendetta e risposte ripartirà per continuare a portare da solo avanti la missione.

[Caitlyn Callery · Rating 4 out of 5]

I started to read this book at bedtime, intending to read a few chapters a night. Big mistake. I sat up all night to finish it. I wanted to know how it was going to work out - not the HEA which I knew was coming - it is a romance, after all, but the machinations, the revenge Allarr wants so badly and the trouble it causes, I really wanted to know these elements of the story and I wasn't disappointed. A satisfying story line is key for me and this book had it.

One quibble: when characters have unusual names with difficult spelling, it jars because I come out of the story to figure out how they are pronounced. I decided Feann would be Finn, but Danr? Hafr? Ath Cliath? Styr? I realise they are probably authentic Viking names but please take pity on modern, non Viking readers.

I found the character of Breanne compelling - I am a reader who usually remembers the romantic hero well but frequently struggles to recall so much as the heroine's name, even half way through the book, so the fact that Breanne made a lasting impression on me is high praise indeed. She was a perfect mixture of innocence and bravado, and worldly wise intelligence.

I liked Alarr too, on the whole, although there were times I wanted to shake him. There were instances in the story where his self pity annoyed me. Yes, he'd suffered, he'd been left with life changing injuries, and he was clearly clinically depressed - understandably. But there were occasions when he seemed to wallow in it and I lost sympathy for him. I was much more enamoured of his brother, Rurik, who had common sense and vision. Allarr's recurring self pity lost the book a star.

Him aside, the book was great, and the storyline stayed with me all day.

I look forward to reading Rurik's story in Book 2.

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I purchased this book because I like Michelle Willingham and several other of the authors that contribute to this series of the Sons of Sigurd. I have learned from the past that it is good to read series in order! So, I made a grand attempt and purchased all 5 in the series!
I was underwhelmed with this one. It started out good, the detailed beginning prologue, kidnapping and the H, Allarr ,rescues the h,Breanne, and thus their romance begins! Well, it is all convoluted. I am glad I got to read about the wedding massacre that sets off this series. I had a hard time staying focused and reading this. Maybe it is Harlequin reqiurements...things were predictable? What really annoyed me and I almost stopped reading was the Allarr and Breanne kept talking and discussing plans for revenge of him not killing her foster father ...during SEX!! The details of said sex scenes were more graphic than I like, not what I remember from Willingham! Was it a requirement for this series? There was a lot of internal dialogue which was annoying as well, found myself skipping parts to get to something more exciting parts. They didn't seem like vikings either, felt like later. Maybe it was the lack of detailed description of places and clothes etc.
I am a long time historical romance reader and the writing was just not mature? I guess I have been spoiled! I was surprised with one plot twist that I did not see coming and the end was fairly exciting and kept my attention although somewhat rushed with unbelievable fight scenes alliances. There is still some confusion over who did what to whom and who caused the wedding massacre. Will find out more in book #2!
I am looking forward to Rurik's story I think I like his personality more than Allarr.

[Alice · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first novel in the Sons of Sigurd series opens with a bang and leaves you on the edge of your seat. Stolen by the Viking tells the tale of Alarr as he seeks vengeance for his murdered father (who never gave him enough attention) and his bride (poor innocent Gilla). In his quest, he meets his enemy's foster daughter Breanne, a fiery woman who is bent on thwarting him at every turn while also being irrevocably drawn to him. Ensue steaminess.

The characters of Breanne and Alarr are complex and intriguing. Alarr's pain is palpable throughout the novel, and you really sympathize with him. Meanwhile, Breanne is determined to live life by her own rules despite feeling alone and abandoned by her foster family. The supporting cast was also intriguing, even if there were some inconsistencies in their natures. Breanne consistently bemoans no one is looking for her and when she does make it back to her home, folks avoid her like the plague, and yet, we're told she was dearly missed.

The plot, even with some holes, was exciting. There's always something just around the bend to keep the reader engaged, which is good, because the writing isn't spectacular. There's a lot of mulling over why the characters can't be together, and the reasons never change. It slows the narrative down and makes it feel repetitive.

Overall, it's an enjoyable and action-packed story full of heart if you just sit back and relax as an Irish Queen takes the throne with her Viking warrior husband at her side and don't think too hard.

[Caroline · Rating 5 out of 5]

I honestly, enjoyed reading Stolen by the Viking.

I felt for Alarr immediately. He was a warrior, that was wounded during an attack that killed his intended. He no longer feels like the warrior he once was. He’s on a mission for revenge. Caring about nothing except taking the life of the person who killed his loved ones.

Along comes Breanne O Callahan, whom he bought in a slave market. Unbeknownst to her, she was part of his plan. She’s the spark that’s been missing in his life. But will his desire for revenge destroy their love?

I honestly, enjoyed reading Stolen by the Viking. I enjoyed how the writer develops these two characters. They are two strong willed survivors, in a battle between betrayal and love.

I was given an advanced copy of this book for an honest review. Loved it!

[Alice · Rating 2 out of 5]

Costretta da due sfide di lettura a leggere un romance con protagonista un vichingo e vagamente erotico. Gli do due stelle, perché ha una parvenza di trama che non sarebbe neanche pessima, se non ci fossero i classici stereotipi della donna che deve essere , cito testualmente, marchiata dal maschio, il quale esercita il suo potere e possesso attraverso tutti gli strumenti che ha a disposizione.
La traduzione non è delle migliori.
La storia narra di Alar, un vichingo in cerca di vendetta, poiché gravemente ferito durante un attacco in occasione del matrimonio, nel quale perderanno la vita il padre Sigurd e la promessa sposa.
Per fare ciò deciderà di rapire la figlia del suo aggressore Breanne ma se ne innamorerà.
Spero di non dover mai più leggere questo genere di libri.
Non fanno proprio per me.

[Diana · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very boring read, the first half I've almost have up ....very repetitive ,the main character thoughts were the same on and on the same things explained ,it got tedious .The writing also was too simple ,not engaging at all like a boring lecture .Too bad about the historical facts if they were well documented or not this book made me not care.

[EliseBeethoven · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved how fierce Breanne was, and that Alarr loved her strength and bravery. Also, I quite enjoyed the territorial family planning schemes. I liked that she helped him with healing not the other way around. Yes, there was some insta love and men acting foolishly out of honor (in my 21th century eyes), but overall I truly enjoyed the story.

[Dori · Rating 5 out of 5]

Keep it up!!

Favorite author! Absolutely love her! She writes the most in depth deep stories without over writing. You feel like you are in what she's writing.

[Chrissy · Rating 1 out of 5]

Trigger Warning: abuse, graphic

DNF at the beginning. Too dark for my tastes.

[Jane Lewis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. There were twists and turns with a surprise ending.

[Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review to come!