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Medieval Heroes #2
Viking's Prize
Beset by prophetic dreams since the time she was a child, Elienor knew the Norsemen would storm Brouillard castle—she saw it in a dream. She saw the death of many. And she saw him—the golden-haired Viking who would claim her for his prize...
Jarl Alarik Tryggvason sought revenge against the French count for reneging on a bargain; what he got was a dark-haired beauty with violet eyes. Beguiled by her fiery spirit, she arouses him, body and soul... but in a land full of strife, Alarik risks everything to love the woman whose dreams hold their future in thrall.
Please note: Based on a true story, this novel reflects a sometimes harsh Viking culture.
Jarl Alarik Tryggvason sought revenge against the French count for reneging on a bargain; what he got was a dark-haired beauty with violet eyes. Beguiled by her fiery spirit, she arouses him, body and soul... but in a land full of strife, Alarik risks everything to love the woman whose dreams hold their future in thrall.
Please note: Based on a true story, this novel reflects a sometimes harsh Viking culture.
334 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 1, 1994
701 people are currently reading
738 people want to read
About the author
Tanya Anne Crosby
152 books1,148 followersTanya Anne Crosby is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of thirty novels. She has been featured in magazines, such as People, Romantic Times and Publisher’s Weekly, and her books have been translated into eight languages. Her first novel was published in 1992 by Avon Books, where Tanya was hailed as “one of Avon’s fastest rising stars.” Her fourth book was chosen to launch the company’s Avon Romantic Treasure imprint.
Known for stories charged with emotion and humor and filled with flawed characters Tanya is an award-winning author, journalist, and editor, and her novels have garnered reader praise and glowing critical reviews. She and her writer husband split their time between Charleston, SC, where she was raised, and northern Michigan, where the couple make their home.
Known for stories charged with emotion and humor and filled with flawed characters Tanya is an award-winning author, journalist, and editor, and her novels have garnered reader praise and glowing critical reviews. She and her writer husband split their time between Charleston, SC, where she was raised, and northern Michigan, where the couple make their home.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 109 reviews
March 31, 2021
The hr ruined this book. She was an ungrateful, shrew. I couldn't stand her. The h was a little too compassionate to be your typical viking. He was very loveable and tried so hard to win over the hr. I'm still baffled why he cared for the witch.
Not the author's best work (thank God)!!
Not the author's best work (thank God)!!
November 7, 2021
Viking captive
Alarik is seeking revenge for an attack on his men that killed many. He sees a woman at the tower and doesn't understand why she doesn't warn everyone. She has the sight and does not want anyone to know that she had a vision and went to see if their holding was really being attacked by Vikings. Alarik take a her captive and back to his home. Their is a battle of God's going on. The Christian one or the Gods of Myth? The Vikings at his holdings are torn in half wondering which one is the true God! Olav, the King does with a heavy hand and he is Alarik half brother. There is another hall brother who might be a turncoat and there is so much information thrown at you during this story that my head ached. Ultimately it was a love story and Alarik falls in love with his prisoner. And she him of course. There is an ousted disgruntled soldier who joins with a man who wants his daughter to marry the H and they work together to kidnap the heroine. The scene where The king throws himself into the water was very strange. I don't know why he did it and it didn't make sense. Plus the bad guys killed a cute puppy and that was heartbreaking!!! Good read and free in KU and safe.
Alarik is seeking revenge for an attack on his men that killed many. He sees a woman at the tower and doesn't understand why she doesn't warn everyone. She has the sight and does not want anyone to know that she had a vision and went to see if their holding was really being attacked by Vikings. Alarik take a her captive and back to his home. Their is a battle of God's going on. The Christian one or the Gods of Myth? The Vikings at his holdings are torn in half wondering which one is the true God! Olav, the King does with a heavy hand and he is Alarik half brother. There is another hall brother who might be a turncoat and there is so much information thrown at you during this story that my head ached. Ultimately it was a love story and Alarik falls in love with his prisoner. And she him of course. There is an ousted disgruntled soldier who joins with a man who wants his daughter to marry the H and they work together to kidnap the heroine. The scene where The king throws himself into the water was very strange. I don't know why he did it and it didn't make sense. Plus the bad guys killed a cute puppy and that was heartbreaking!!! Good read and free in KU and safe.
June 23, 2013
Captivating!
Wow, What an awesome book! From the first page and through out I was totally captivated. I literally could not put the book down. This was a fast read and one that you wanted it to last forever. It is also one of those ones that has such a happy ending that you just want to hug the book in the end.
The characters are well built and you immediately feel for Elienor as she becomes the captive and taken away from everything she knows. she is feisty and strong willed and I love that about her. But hold up, the Vikings though are brutal savages in some instances may keep you in shock but there are a few who are sensitive and will have you swooning or your head spinning - LOL
Alarik - the swoon worthy golden-haired Viking will have you melting, I fell in love with him instantly and I can see how easy it would be for the captive to fall in love with her enemy especially if he is anything like Alarik and to be king as well - LOL I'd be saying "take me!" LMAO! The romance between them built up slowly but climaxed in the end with some erotic spiciness that melted the pages.
The story and its plot is beautifully written, the author did an excellent job capturing the feel of emotion between the characters and their circumstances. Showing the difference in reality of life styles between the vikings and the French was amazing. The feuding between the two cultures kept the deceit back stabbing and traitorous upsurging of ones territory on the edge of your seat exciting. The excitement never dulled and I only wanted more in the end.
Brilliant Writing and I look forward to reading more works by this author. I recommend this to all those historical romance readers.
Excellent Read!
Wow, What an awesome book! From the first page and through out I was totally captivated. I literally could not put the book down. This was a fast read and one that you wanted it to last forever. It is also one of those ones that has such a happy ending that you just want to hug the book in the end.
The characters are well built and you immediately feel for Elienor as she becomes the captive and taken away from everything she knows. she is feisty and strong willed and I love that about her. But hold up, the Vikings though are brutal savages in some instances may keep you in shock but there are a few who are sensitive and will have you swooning or your head spinning - LOL
Alarik - the swoon worthy golden-haired Viking will have you melting, I fell in love with him instantly and I can see how easy it would be for the captive to fall in love with her enemy especially if he is anything like Alarik and to be king as well - LOL I'd be saying "take me!" LMAO! The romance between them built up slowly but climaxed in the end with some erotic spiciness that melted the pages.
The story and its plot is beautifully written, the author did an excellent job capturing the feel of emotion between the characters and their circumstances. Showing the difference in reality of life styles between the vikings and the French was amazing. The feuding between the two cultures kept the deceit back stabbing and traitorous upsurging of ones territory on the edge of your seat exciting. The excitement never dulled and I only wanted more in the end.
Brilliant Writing and I look forward to reading more works by this author. I recommend this to all those historical romance readers.
Excellent Read!
April 5, 2019
I wavered between a 2 or 3* rating. h was annoying and fell flat as a character imo and the story and other characters weren’t robust enough for my tastes
July 22, 2013
It's another Viking book! I love me some Vikings!!
What kind of man was this? - that he could slay her with his gaze, yet touch her as gently as one would a tender babe? In the darkness his eyes were sinister pits that seemed to bore into her very soul. They had to be black as pitch in color, for they were, indeed, blacker than the night that engulfed them.
Meet Alarik. A Viking Lard. And he is out for revenge. He was double crossed and sent into a trap that was meant to kill him. Now him and his men have sailed to France to kill the man who set them up. They raid his keep and kill anyone who gets in their way.
But then Alarik comes across a pair of violet eyes
Elienor.
With one look, she captures him so completely that he takes her without a second thought. But after she witnesses his ruthlessness, she vows to always hate him and treat him as the enemy.
But that doesn't discourage Alarik. He will have her and he will wait until he has her acquiescence, because he knows he will get it.
Elienor also has the gift/curse of second sight. She dreams of Alarik regularly and as the pieces of her dream come together she starts to realize his life could possibly be in danger. Elienor fights him, and fights her growing concern over his fate. She finds it harder and harder to resist when he continually surprises her with his gentle touches and kind gestures. And before she even realizes it she finds herself attracted to the enemy.
And what started out as a need to possess the woman with the alluring violet eyes turns into a love that brings a Viking warrior to his knees.
And I LOVED it!!
All of it!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
FAVORITE QUOTES
This quote takes place on the longship, after Alarik takes Elienor and they sail back to his homeland. They have just docked and are getting ready to set foot back on land.
"Gather your belongings. We've arrived."
Elienor bristled at his choice of words. "Pray, do you mean all my many coffers, my lord Viking?" she asked with a slight smile of defiance.
Alarik frowned at her.
"But there are so many!" she continued flippantly, lifting her chin, meeting his icy gaze straight on. "It would take hours to pack them all!"
Without warning, Alarik sauntered forward, seizing her by the hand and hauling her out of the tent after him.
Dread shot through her at the reality of this new world she was entering, so different from her own.
The drastic change in weather, the uncanny chill in the air alone was staggering. Nevertheless, she concealed her fear valiantly behind bold words.
"Alas, shall I go with the dress on my back?" she asked sarcastically, wincing at the brightness of the sunlight. "Will we send for the coffers later?"
~Elienor
December 16, 2013
This book was just wonderful! It was a welcome adventure and so different for me because I had gotten tired of the formula of REGENCY and even HIGHLAND NOVELS (say it's not so!!!!), without even realizing it. Who knew how exciting a Viking romance would be??!!! This audiobook will pique your interest and melt your heart with Braden Wright's swoon-worthy voice. Wright does such a great job with all of the voices....Well, especially with Alarik's strong, masculine voice. He did well with the female voices as well.
VIKING CULTURE:
I love learning about cultures, and each moment of this book was somewhat of a suspense because in so many of the circumstances between Elienor of Baume les Nonnes and Alarik Trygvason, I was not sure about how the Hero would treat the heroine because his cultural, value system was unfamiliar. I mean, in a similar circumstance I could assume what an English gentleman or a Fierce Highlander would do....but certainly not a Viking warrior!
Well, Alarik came across Elienor at the the end of a siege where he came in like a flood and plundered Brouillard castle in France. Elienor was of immediate interest to Alarik because, well really, he found her to be the most beautiful woman he had seen....to him she had no equal with her sable hair & violet eyes (well, that makes sense since most Vikings are blonde right?...LOL). She was also of interest because she was betrothed to his French enemy. Alarik decides to take Elienor with him, by force, to his homeland in the north.
THE VIKING WARRIORS ARE NO GENTLEMEN:
Well, regarding the Viking crew, there are not many among them who showed a tenderness for the care of women. Alarik tells his warriors before they set sail home to bring whatever pleases them as their booty. So, Elienor meets this criteria for Alarik, and there is another woman ( a French maid, Clarice) who is captured & taken on board as well. Clarice is injured and is in a lot of pain on the ship during the voyage. The men don't pay the woman a lot of attention. THis shows how impulsive and uncaring the Viking men are. They impulsively wanted the women, but become angry with Elienor when she begins to request water and materials to care for Clarice. The poor ladies were also exposed to the sun as well. The men close to the women mistreat them (more like push them back to the corner). Alarik & another warrior come to their rescue....eventually...
Another interesting finding......If the Scottish culture uses the word, "lass" as a term of endearment for a woman, and the British use the term "lady" for a woman of both higher class and one in high regard; well, the Vikings refer to women as "wenches." Yeah, it doesn't really matter if the woman they are referring to is noble, common or whatever...women are "wenches."
HERO:
I LOVE a relationship that develops among the leads in which the Hero falls in love first and must wrestle his own self-conflicting ideas against love as he risks everything to win the affection of his heroine. And, that is exactly what happens to Alarik in his regard for Elienor.
Alarik is the "jarl" of his clan and is a strong, fierce warrior and leader--He has to be. The Vikings live in a remote, very cold somewhat barren land where only the strong survive and have a place in their society. Alarik's affection for Elienor becomes evident and very public which I believe makes him somewhat vulnerable.
This man experiences a torturous, passionate, deep, and insatiable love for Elienor. He demonstrates a type of hunger for her and longs to be worthy of her true affection that comes out of her free will. It was humorous to see him struggle, in that, even though he used some harsh words with Elienor, in his mind his thoughts of her are always warm. Of course, his words eventually catch up to his thought process and the man just can't help but adore Elienor!
HEROINE:
Elienor, a woman of French and noble descent, has more to lose in this relationship (as it always is with the women..arg). As a French woman, she is brought to this foreign land that she must adapt to. She has immediate enemies in a jealous woman who wants Alarik (Nessa), Nessa's father (another Nordic leader/jarl) and an evil warrior who wants her dead as she is perceived as a threat because of Alarik's love of her.
To add on to Elenor's worries, she has a gift of "sight/vision" and sees some impacting future events. She is hesitant to share this part of herself with Alarik because of her fear of being accused of being a "witch" and perhaps meeting the same early, vicious death as her mother (who also possessed the same gift). Ultimately, Elienor does fall for Alarik and develops a deep love for him, but she's more cautious. She learns to give in as he melts her heart, step by ravishing step..... :-)
FINAL THOUGHTS:
Overall this was a great read/listen. The adventure was great & I love how both Alarik and Elienor save each other in the end. One of the lovely parts of the romance is where they both shared beautiful words of love & commitment with one another in one of the last scenes.
I also I loved how Alarik prayed for Elienor. There were very interesting perspectives on faith and religion in this book, yet this topic was pursued with taste.
The love scenes are steamy and the epilogue was very sweet.
WISHLIST:
Even after reading this book, I felt like just a little something was missing and I think that was related to the missed opportunity of intimacy between Elienor and Alarik. In that, I wish she would have disclosed her "vision/sight" gift to him personally. He finds out about her gift through another. Eh, just a missed opportunity...that's all.
Also, I think the villains got away too lightly in the end. I was more upset with them and angry for the wrong they did to Elienor throughout the book. I would have liked to have seen both the female and male perpetrators (the ones who stayed in the couple's lives) apologize and show more remorse and gestures of repentance....Maybe I would have been content to see them groble...LOL
VIKING CULTURE:
I love learning about cultures, and each moment of this book was somewhat of a suspense because in so many of the circumstances between Elienor of Baume les Nonnes and Alarik Trygvason, I was not sure about how the Hero would treat the heroine because his cultural, value system was unfamiliar. I mean, in a similar circumstance I could assume what an English gentleman or a Fierce Highlander would do....but certainly not a Viking warrior!
Well, Alarik came across Elienor at the the end of a siege where he came in like a flood and plundered Brouillard castle in France. Elienor was of immediate interest to Alarik because, well really, he found her to be the most beautiful woman he had seen....to him she had no equal with her sable hair & violet eyes (well, that makes sense since most Vikings are blonde right?...LOL). She was also of interest because she was betrothed to his French enemy. Alarik decides to take Elienor with him, by force, to his homeland in the north.
THE VIKING WARRIORS ARE NO GENTLEMEN:
Well, regarding the Viking crew, there are not many among them who showed a tenderness for the care of women. Alarik tells his warriors before they set sail home to bring whatever pleases them as their booty. So, Elienor meets this criteria for Alarik, and there is another woman ( a French maid, Clarice) who is captured & taken on board as well. Clarice is injured and is in a lot of pain on the ship during the voyage. The men don't pay the woman a lot of attention. THis shows how impulsive and uncaring the Viking men are. They impulsively wanted the women, but become angry with Elienor when she begins to request water and materials to care for Clarice. The poor ladies were also exposed to the sun as well. The men close to the women mistreat them (more like push them back to the corner). Alarik & another warrior come to their rescue....eventually...
Another interesting finding......If the Scottish culture uses the word, "lass" as a term of endearment for a woman, and the British use the term "lady" for a woman of both higher class and one in high regard; well, the Vikings refer to women as "wenches." Yeah, it doesn't really matter if the woman they are referring to is noble, common or whatever...women are "wenches."
HERO:
I LOVE a relationship that develops among the leads in which the Hero falls in love first and must wrestle his own self-conflicting ideas against love as he risks everything to win the affection of his heroine. And, that is exactly what happens to Alarik in his regard for Elienor.
Alarik is the "jarl" of his clan and is a strong, fierce warrior and leader--He has to be. The Vikings live in a remote, very cold somewhat barren land where only the strong survive and have a place in their society. Alarik's affection for Elienor becomes evident and very public which I believe makes him somewhat vulnerable.
This man experiences a torturous, passionate, deep, and insatiable love for Elienor. He demonstrates a type of hunger for her and longs to be worthy of her true affection that comes out of her free will. It was humorous to see him struggle, in that, even though he used some harsh words with Elienor, in his mind his thoughts of her are always warm. Of course, his words eventually catch up to his thought process and the man just can't help but adore Elienor!
HEROINE:
Elienor, a woman of French and noble descent, has more to lose in this relationship (as it always is with the women..arg). As a French woman, she is brought to this foreign land that she must adapt to. She has immediate enemies in a jealous woman who wants Alarik (Nessa), Nessa's father (another Nordic leader/jarl) and an evil warrior who wants her dead as she is perceived as a threat because of Alarik's love of her.
To add on to Elenor's worries, she has a gift of "sight/vision" and sees some impacting future events. She is hesitant to share this part of herself with Alarik because of her fear of being accused of being a "witch" and perhaps meeting the same early, vicious death as her mother (who also possessed the same gift). Ultimately, Elienor does fall for Alarik and develops a deep love for him, but she's more cautious. She learns to give in as he melts her heart, step by ravishing step..... :-)
FINAL THOUGHTS:
Overall this was a great read/listen. The adventure was great & I love how both Alarik and Elienor save each other in the end. One of the lovely parts of the romance is where they both shared beautiful words of love & commitment with one another in one of the last scenes.
I also I loved how Alarik prayed for Elienor. There were very interesting perspectives on faith and religion in this book, yet this topic was pursued with taste.
The love scenes are steamy and the epilogue was very sweet.
WISHLIST:
Even after reading this book, I felt like just a little something was missing and I think that was related to the missed opportunity of intimacy between Elienor and Alarik. In that, I wish she would have disclosed her "vision/sight" gift to him personally. He finds out about her gift through another. Eh, just a missed opportunity...that's all.
Also, I think the villains got away too lightly in the end. I was more upset with them and angry for the wrong they did to Elienor throughout the book. I would have liked to have seen both the female and male perpetrators (the ones who stayed in the couple's lives) apologize and show more remorse and gestures of repentance....Maybe I would have been content to see them groble...LOL
April 16, 2014
Story Rating ~ 4 stars
Hero Rating ~ 4.5 Stars
Heroine Rating ~ 4.5 Stars
Romance Rating ~ 4 Stars
Heat Level ~ 3.5 Stars
Ending ~ 4.5 Stars
Overall Rating ~ 4.5 Stars
The beginning of this book started off really exciting. Shortly afterwards I found myself thinking it was just ok. In the middle the story really picked up and grabbed my attention BIG TIME! It kept a good strong hold on me until the very end.
I really liked the H&h in this story. Elienor had dreams that gave her sight into the future and I thought that was a nice touch. She was very protective of the things she cared about, brave when faced with danger and spoke her mind.
Alarik was a strong and fierce Viking Jarl. I loved how he also protected every he considered MINE.
There was also a lot of excellent secondary characters that added so much to the overall story.
The sex/love scenes were well done and VERY SENSUAL.
The ending included a FANTASTIC epilogue. I have to say that this is the type of epilogue that I wish all my reads would include. I LOVED looking into the future, knowing how things went for Elinor and Alarik. I must confess that the ending and then epilogue alone raised my rating by a 1/2 a star.
Hero Rating ~ 4.5 Stars
Heroine Rating ~ 4.5 Stars
Romance Rating ~ 4 Stars
Heat Level ~ 3.5 Stars
Ending ~ 4.5 Stars
Overall Rating ~ 4.5 Stars
The beginning of this book started off really exciting. Shortly afterwards I found myself thinking it was just ok. In the middle the story really picked up and grabbed my attention BIG TIME! It kept a good strong hold on me until the very end.
I really liked the H&h in this story. Elienor had dreams that gave her sight into the future and I thought that was a nice touch. She was very protective of the things she cared about, brave when faced with danger and spoke her mind.
Alarik was a strong and fierce Viking Jarl. I loved how he also protected every he considered MINE.
There was also a lot of excellent secondary characters that added so much to the overall story.
The sex/love scenes were well done and VERY SENSUAL.
The ending included a FANTASTIC epilogue. I have to say that this is the type of epilogue that I wish all my reads would include. I LOVED looking into the future, knowing how things went for Elinor and Alarik. I must confess that the ending and then epilogue alone raised my rating by a 1/2 a star.
November 14, 2014
I finished "Viking's Prize" a few days ago and am delighted that it has lingered with me because I wasn't ready to let go just yet. Or, maybe I just wasn't ready to let go of Alarik! Alarik - Viking warrior, strong leader, handsome, virile. Yeah, that's probably it. No, that is really not it. This story was so much more than just a hot hunk intent on getting into his captive's panties (if they even wore those back then). Ms. Crosby wrote a very engaging story with captivating characters and a surprising amount of history. It really sucked me in and had me clamoring to know more about the era. Good job, Ms. Crosby, to get this girl who is not fond of history to Google King Olav (who is based on a real person) and Nordic mythology. Not only did I learn something educational, I learned I really loved this book and Tanya Anne Crosby's writing and plan to see what other adventures of hers I can immerse myself in.
April 11, 2021
I read this book for a challenge. If I had not, I would of DNF it. It just was not for me.
September 7, 2021
Vanilla_91 - per RFS
.
Con La preda vichinga Tanya Anne Crosby ci porta in tempi lontani, tra guerrieri valorosi e lotte di potere.
La protagonista, Elienor, è una nobildonna francese imparentata con la famiglia reale; tuttavia, tale legame non l’hai mai protetta o favorita, anzi è stato solo causa di sofferenza.
Mentre è ospite a casa del suo promesso sposo, il castello viene attaccato e la ragazza rapita dal capo vichingo Alarik, che rimane stregato dalla sua bellezza. Elienor dovrà adattarsi a un mondo rude e primitivo, molto diverso dal convento nel quale è cresciuta, ma soprattutto dovrà imparare a dare un nome allo strano sentimento che, giorno dopo giorno, la rende sempre più sensibile al fascino del suo rapitore. Quando finalmente ne avrà la possibilità, tornare a casa sarà davvero ciò che desidera?
Sin dal primo incontro tra i protagonisti, la trama segue quelle che possiamo considerare un po’ le dinamiche standard dei romanzi rosa, ma ciò non giova alla lettura. Al libro, a mio parere, manca quell’elemento distintivo e originale, quel qualcosa capace di fare la differenza e che porta una storia a emergere e a essere ricordata, anche se simile ad altre.
L’autrice ha puntato davvero molto sul lato romantico, finendo con l’oscurare ed eclissare tutto il resto. Lo sviluppo sentimentale, infatti, è davvero molto dolce e trova ampio spazio nella narrazione, ma finisce anche con lo snaturare i personaggi. Per farvi un esempio: provate a immaginare il contesto in cui la storia è ambientata: una società vichinga in cui vige la legge del “solo il più forte sopravvive”. Quanto sarebbe stato credibile e apprezzato un capo che corre dietro alla sua prigioniera e ne accontenta ogni capriccio?
La scelta di voler enfatizzare cosi tanto il sentimento, fino a renderlo una vera ossessione per i protagonisti, penalizza l’intera storia. Durante la lettura ho avvertito anche la mancanza dell’effetto sorpresa, visto che in molti punti è stato davvero semplice prevedere gli avvenimenti. Per tutti questi motivi, non mi ha pienamente convinta.
A mio parere, il romanzo è un po’ fiacco e ho faticato a mantenere viva l’attenzione e la curiosità fino al termine. Devo ammettere, ahimè, di aver saltato alcune pagine appesantite da descrizioni eccessivamente minuziose, che rendono l’esposizione poco fluida.
In conclusione, personalmente, posso considerare La preda vichinga una lettura leggera e senza pretese, incapace di suscitare in me emozioni forti e durature.
Una lettura veloce, ma che mi ha lasciato ben poco.
.
Con La preda vichinga Tanya Anne Crosby ci porta in tempi lontani, tra guerrieri valorosi e lotte di potere.
La protagonista, Elienor, è una nobildonna francese imparentata con la famiglia reale; tuttavia, tale legame non l’hai mai protetta o favorita, anzi è stato solo causa di sofferenza.
Mentre è ospite a casa del suo promesso sposo, il castello viene attaccato e la ragazza rapita dal capo vichingo Alarik, che rimane stregato dalla sua bellezza. Elienor dovrà adattarsi a un mondo rude e primitivo, molto diverso dal convento nel quale è cresciuta, ma soprattutto dovrà imparare a dare un nome allo strano sentimento che, giorno dopo giorno, la rende sempre più sensibile al fascino del suo rapitore. Quando finalmente ne avrà la possibilità, tornare a casa sarà davvero ciò che desidera?
Sin dal primo incontro tra i protagonisti, la trama segue quelle che possiamo considerare un po’ le dinamiche standard dei romanzi rosa, ma ciò non giova alla lettura. Al libro, a mio parere, manca quell’elemento distintivo e originale, quel qualcosa capace di fare la differenza e che porta una storia a emergere e a essere ricordata, anche se simile ad altre.
L’autrice ha puntato davvero molto sul lato romantico, finendo con l’oscurare ed eclissare tutto il resto. Lo sviluppo sentimentale, infatti, è davvero molto dolce e trova ampio spazio nella narrazione, ma finisce anche con lo snaturare i personaggi. Per farvi un esempio: provate a immaginare il contesto in cui la storia è ambientata: una società vichinga in cui vige la legge del “solo il più forte sopravvive”. Quanto sarebbe stato credibile e apprezzato un capo che corre dietro alla sua prigioniera e ne accontenta ogni capriccio?
La scelta di voler enfatizzare cosi tanto il sentimento, fino a renderlo una vera ossessione per i protagonisti, penalizza l’intera storia. Durante la lettura ho avvertito anche la mancanza dell’effetto sorpresa, visto che in molti punti è stato davvero semplice prevedere gli avvenimenti. Per tutti questi motivi, non mi ha pienamente convinta.
A mio parere, il romanzo è un po’ fiacco e ho faticato a mantenere viva l’attenzione e la curiosità fino al termine. Devo ammettere, ahimè, di aver saltato alcune pagine appesantite da descrizioni eccessivamente minuziose, che rendono l’esposizione poco fluida.
In conclusione, personalmente, posso considerare La preda vichinga una lettura leggera e senza pretese, incapace di suscitare in me emozioni forti e durature.
Una lettura veloce, ma che mi ha lasciato ben poco.
January 2, 2024
3 stars
This was an entertaining story but with no heart. It was more of an interesting fictional Viking tale than an angst ridden historical romance. Although the MMC was obsessed with the FMC in a Coulter or Lindsay hero way, I wasn't drawn in the same. The requisite kidnapping, OW, competitive sibling etc. were all present but it all felt lightweight.
This was an entertaining story but with no heart. It was more of an interesting fictional Viking tale than an angst ridden historical romance. Although the MMC was obsessed with the FMC in a Coulter or Lindsay hero way, I wasn't drawn in the same. The requisite kidnapping, OW, competitive sibling etc. were all present but it all felt lightweight.
November 28, 2022
DNF. I rarely stop a book part way through, but the writing was cliched and clunky and the heroine was driving me crazy in a way I don't think she's meant to grow out of by the end. She 'acted before she could think' with alarming regularity for a situation where people's lives are genuinely at stake *eye roll*, and was just kind of childish and entitled. I think her self sacrificing for particular individuals was supposed to help endear her, but it seemed much more to do with her own martyrish tendencies, or heavy-handed need for an excuse to take some 'bold stance', than it was actually about the other people.
From the blurb I knew that the Vikings were coming to attack but she had foreseen it. Which had definite potential. I imagined she'd likely have used that information to put some sort of plan in place even. No. I went on with several more scenes, but overall I just can't take it.
From the blurb I knew that the Vikings were coming to attack but she had foreseen it. Which had definite potential. I imagined she'd likely have used that information to put some sort of plan in place even. No. I went on with several more scenes, but overall I just can't take it.
November 28, 2022
CW: kidnapping, slavery, death of a teen, graphic fight scenes/murders, pagan religion, forced conversion
I really wanted to like this one, but I just couldn't get over how not believable this book and the characters were. I know the author did some research and based this on a real king and his fake kinsmen, but ultimately it just fell flat. I did appreciate that the fights and overall Viking lifestyle seemed fairly good (aka gruesome), but I actually don't think that it went far enough in some cases. Like I really had to suspend disbelief that Elienor .
I also had a huge problem with how often Elienor's sight was mentioned, she never confides in Alarik about it, and then . The character development wasn't there for me either. Elienor went way too quickly from "this dude killed a kid right in front of me who meant something to me" to jumping into his bed. Just no. There are far, far better books with this trope out there. I highly suggest you read one of those.
I really wanted to like this one, but I just couldn't get over how not believable this book and the characters were. I know the author did some research and based this on a real king and his fake kinsmen, but ultimately it just fell flat. I did appreciate that the fights and overall Viking lifestyle seemed fairly good (aka gruesome), but I actually don't think that it went far enough in some cases. Like I really had to suspend disbelief that Elienor .
I also had a huge problem with how often Elienor's sight was mentioned, she never confides in Alarik about it, and then . The character development wasn't there for me either. Elienor went way too quickly from "this dude killed a kid right in front of me who meant something to me" to jumping into his bed. Just no. There are far, far better books with this trope out there. I highly suggest you read one of those.
June 29, 2017
3 Stars -- **Possible Spoiler Alert**
I enjoyed the Audiobook - great narration by Braden Wright and the story kept my interest but I think it was missing some depth to the characters. I liked the plot but I did find myself wishing the author would of added more direction to the story line and Elienor's dreams/visions. If I remember correctly, he was gone for several months and Elienor did little to nothing. I was frustrated that she never really shared her visions. It was explained time and again about her fears but I still feel like she could had done more to help Alarik - but then that may have changed the ending and the author's vision for this book.
A few side notes... I'm not sure I ever really got lost in this story - rather it was just another book. I found the Cook very likable and wish she would of had more of a part in the story - she was Alarik's Aunt and could had brought so much more to the story. Finally, in my opinion, I think the ending was a bit too forgiving and I can't even remember if the bad guys just simply sailed away or what happened to them.
I used a credit but I think it's worth waiting for it to go on sale. I will definitely be looking out for more books narrated by Braden Wright!!
I enjoyed the Audiobook - great narration by Braden Wright and the story kept my interest but I think it was missing some depth to the characters. I liked the plot but I did find myself wishing the author would of added more direction to the story line and Elienor's dreams/visions. If I remember correctly, he was gone for several months and Elienor did little to nothing. I was frustrated that she never really shared her visions. It was explained time and again about her fears but I still feel like she could had done more to help Alarik - but then that may have changed the ending and the author's vision for this book.
A few side notes... I'm not sure I ever really got lost in this story - rather it was just another book. I found the Cook very likable and wish she would of had more of a part in the story - she was Alarik's Aunt and could had brought so much more to the story. Finally, in my opinion, I think the ending was a bit too forgiving and I can't even remember if the bad guys just simply sailed away or what happened to them.
I used a credit but I think it's worth waiting for it to go on sale. I will definitely be looking out for more books narrated by Braden Wright!!
April 15, 2015
I didn't know what to think of this story at first. It wasn't what I was expecting but I did enjoy it. I did not like the ending. The ending
Alarik was sexy and has peaked my interest in finding other Viking romances.
Story 2.5 could have been a 3 if the ending was better.
Narrator - 4
The narrator has such a sexy voice. SEXAYYYY
Alarik was sexy and has peaked my interest in finding other Viking romances.
Story 2.5 could have been a 3 if the ending was better.
Narrator - 4
The narrator has such a sexy voice. SEXAYYYY
November 8, 2013
TANYA DOES IT AGAIN !!!! TOTALLY LOVED *VIKING'S PRIZE* AS ALWAYS ANOTHER WINNER!!!!, October 4, 2013
Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: Viking's Prize (Kindle Edition)
Ya! Ya ! Ya! Still in my Swedish voice in my head. This books is AMAZING! Tanya Anne Crosby is one of best writers I know in this genre and if you look at my reviews you will see I have read and reviewed many of her books and she will never get less then 5 stars from me as her writing is so wonderful and she is definitely a master at her craft as a glorious story teller! This book totally wowed me as this author ceases to amaze me, as only a few books have I read more then once and yes this is the second time for Viking's Prize but it has been a mere nineteen years!
It is about heroine Elienor of Baume les Nonnes, a French noble girl called a Franc in this period of time who is has recently left a cloister where she had lived most of her life due to her mother's second sight with true prophet visions being accused of using witchcraft and being a witch. Therefore burned at the stake when poor four year old Elienor was forced to watch her mother screams as she was being burned to death! Also she was abandoned by her father and sent to a cloister to live with the nuns in exile for most of her life. Although the Abbess and others would of liked Elienor
to take her vows and become a bride of Christ she got noticed from french Count Phillipe of Brouillard days before she was to take her vows to become a nun. Elienor got released by her noble Uncle Robert as she accepted this marriage proposal. Elienor's biggest fear is being accused of witch craft as she too fears she has second sight like her mother which distresses her greatly and she keeps this deep dark secret to herself for fear of being burned liked her mother.
Now enter the hero of this book as Norseman Viking leader Jar Alarik Trygvason who had been betrayed recently from Count Phillipe of Brouillard who had killed half his men under the guise of friendship, trust, and treaty.Well you just don't betray a man like Alaric and all he wants now is his revenge and slaughter! Yet before he and his men yet approach River Seine of Count Philipe's lands and holding. Elienor has dreams of these foreigner attacking the castle and killing near everyone. She wakes up and goes to the tower lookout and sees them coming, but is not certain if its real or in is she still dreaming. Elienor does not warn anyone until much too late. Where Eilenor is hiding Alarik finds her and lets just say her beauty with the long dark hair, violet eyes and translucent skin knocks his socks off well if they wore socks back then. He who has never in all his days has ever taken a hostage finds he must have her at all costs he does not realize its love at first sight as I felt it was. As Alarik feels love is a weakness and does not have a very high opinion of the fairer sex. Elienor again is taken away and is frightened,yet she still speaks her mind although she feels she must hate him for all the bloodshed this Norseman she also is confused as she feels both hate and attraction as he always approaches her tenderly as he is pretty much obsessed with having her, but never by force or rape. So now Elienor goes from noble woman to thrall although she is never treated as a thrall by him. Of course there are many not happy by his decision that think he should just throw her overboard or slit her throat and be done with het!
This book is really wonderful as I loved so many character but his Aunt Alva knew right away even before Alarik realizes he must love this French woman as he has never had thrall all his people in his household are free woman and men. He has no taste for slavery as so many others in his position do. Of course as in every good book there is also mystery, suspense, and the love scenes are sizzling hot which I loved! There is a lot of jealousy between a several characters and betrayal from someone who is related to Alarik. Of course there is the Dane's daughter Nissa whom is very cruel to Elienor but only wants to marry Alarik to make her father happy as she is secretly in love with Alarik's younger brother Bjorn.Although Bjorn who loves Nissa has nothing to offer the Dane Ejnar to accept the marriage and the Dane Ejnar is very corruot wicked evil man as well, as is Red Hrolf who just gave me chills another pure evil one!
In Vikings Prize even the secondary characters have fascinating story lines! It is very fast moving promise you will never get bored that is for sure. Being an animal advocate, I love when authors put animals in there storries and I loved the puppy Mischief and the love/hate relationship with Alarik I found totally hilarious! I thought the epilogue was also excellent as I always enjoy epilogue's in books and wish all authors did this.
If you love the television series Viking this book is definitely for you for sure. Tanya Anne Crosby always does her research, as even though this couple is all fiction from this authors wonderful talent there is some interesting facts to the character of Alarik's brother Olav and the way he rules his people. I found it fascinating how Ms. Crosby molded his character part fiction and part fact without giving anything away. I love reading about Norsemen and this time period in history and the brutal way they lived, but I find them a passionate race of people as well. Vikings Prize is one of those books that have you so captivated you can't put it down as time gets away from you. It stays with you even when you finished the book so yes I definitely recommend it .
Since the holidays are coming I thought I would mention another book Mischief and Mistletoe By Tanya Anne Crosby a sweet romantic holiday novella and you can see in my reviews. Also his authors next release is January 15, 2014 called Highland Steele set in historic Scotland as I for one can't wait to read it. Tanya Ann Crosby has a rare gift as you feel you are part of her stories whenever you read one of her books. Totally loved VIKING'S PRIZE just to be clear!!! :):):)
Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: Viking's Prize (Kindle Edition)
Ya! Ya ! Ya! Still in my Swedish voice in my head. This books is AMAZING! Tanya Anne Crosby is one of best writers I know in this genre and if you look at my reviews you will see I have read and reviewed many of her books and she will never get less then 5 stars from me as her writing is so wonderful and she is definitely a master at her craft as a glorious story teller! This book totally wowed me as this author ceases to amaze me, as only a few books have I read more then once and yes this is the second time for Viking's Prize but it has been a mere nineteen years!
It is about heroine Elienor of Baume les Nonnes, a French noble girl called a Franc in this period of time who is has recently left a cloister where she had lived most of her life due to her mother's second sight with true prophet visions being accused of using witchcraft and being a witch. Therefore burned at the stake when poor four year old Elienor was forced to watch her mother screams as she was being burned to death! Also she was abandoned by her father and sent to a cloister to live with the nuns in exile for most of her life. Although the Abbess and others would of liked Elienor
to take her vows and become a bride of Christ she got noticed from french Count Phillipe of Brouillard days before she was to take her vows to become a nun. Elienor got released by her noble Uncle Robert as she accepted this marriage proposal. Elienor's biggest fear is being accused of witch craft as she too fears she has second sight like her mother which distresses her greatly and she keeps this deep dark secret to herself for fear of being burned liked her mother.
Now enter the hero of this book as Norseman Viking leader Jar Alarik Trygvason who had been betrayed recently from Count Phillipe of Brouillard who had killed half his men under the guise of friendship, trust, and treaty.Well you just don't betray a man like Alaric and all he wants now is his revenge and slaughter! Yet before he and his men yet approach River Seine of Count Philipe's lands and holding. Elienor has dreams of these foreigner attacking the castle and killing near everyone. She wakes up and goes to the tower lookout and sees them coming, but is not certain if its real or in is she still dreaming. Elienor does not warn anyone until much too late. Where Eilenor is hiding Alarik finds her and lets just say her beauty with the long dark hair, violet eyes and translucent skin knocks his socks off well if they wore socks back then. He who has never in all his days has ever taken a hostage finds he must have her at all costs he does not realize its love at first sight as I felt it was. As Alarik feels love is a weakness and does not have a very high opinion of the fairer sex. Elienor again is taken away and is frightened,yet she still speaks her mind although she feels she must hate him for all the bloodshed this Norseman she also is confused as she feels both hate and attraction as he always approaches her tenderly as he is pretty much obsessed with having her, but never by force or rape. So now Elienor goes from noble woman to thrall although she is never treated as a thrall by him. Of course there are many not happy by his decision that think he should just throw her overboard or slit her throat and be done with het!
This book is really wonderful as I loved so many character but his Aunt Alva knew right away even before Alarik realizes he must love this French woman as he has never had thrall all his people in his household are free woman and men. He has no taste for slavery as so many others in his position do. Of course as in every good book there is also mystery, suspense, and the love scenes are sizzling hot which I loved! There is a lot of jealousy between a several characters and betrayal from someone who is related to Alarik. Of course there is the Dane's daughter Nissa whom is very cruel to Elienor but only wants to marry Alarik to make her father happy as she is secretly in love with Alarik's younger brother Bjorn.Although Bjorn who loves Nissa has nothing to offer the Dane Ejnar to accept the marriage and the Dane Ejnar is very corruot wicked evil man as well, as is Red Hrolf who just gave me chills another pure evil one!
In Vikings Prize even the secondary characters have fascinating story lines! It is very fast moving promise you will never get bored that is for sure. Being an animal advocate, I love when authors put animals in there storries and I loved the puppy Mischief and the love/hate relationship with Alarik I found totally hilarious! I thought the epilogue was also excellent as I always enjoy epilogue's in books and wish all authors did this.
If you love the television series Viking this book is definitely for you for sure. Tanya Anne Crosby always does her research, as even though this couple is all fiction from this authors wonderful talent there is some interesting facts to the character of Alarik's brother Olav and the way he rules his people. I found it fascinating how Ms. Crosby molded his character part fiction and part fact without giving anything away. I love reading about Norsemen and this time period in history and the brutal way they lived, but I find them a passionate race of people as well. Vikings Prize is one of those books that have you so captivated you can't put it down as time gets away from you. It stays with you even when you finished the book so yes I definitely recommend it .
Since the holidays are coming I thought I would mention another book Mischief and Mistletoe By Tanya Anne Crosby a sweet romantic holiday novella and you can see in my reviews. Also his authors next release is January 15, 2014 called Highland Steele set in historic Scotland as I for one can't wait to read it. Tanya Ann Crosby has a rare gift as you feel you are part of her stories whenever you read one of her books. Totally loved VIKING'S PRIZE just to be clear!!! :):):)
January 9, 2019
Holding On To 💘Love
What a story! Viking brothers split apart by different religious beliefs, betrayal, and a woman! The woman has second sight of the future and she sees the brothers fighting amongst themselves. One becomes a Christian, the other still holds his Viking beliefs.
This is an extremely well written historical romance about the Viking invasion of France, and the aftermath.
Highly recommend for all lovers of this Genre!
I will definitely be reading more books by this author.
What a story! Viking brothers split apart by different religious beliefs, betrayal, and a woman! The woman has second sight of the future and she sees the brothers fighting amongst themselves. One becomes a Christian, the other still holds his Viking beliefs.
This is an extremely well written historical romance about the Viking invasion of France, and the aftermath.
Highly recommend for all lovers of this Genre!
I will definitely be reading more books by this author.
May 15, 2022
Well written but it does meander and is long winded places.
Really struggled with the female main character. She is still fighting herself and holding a grudge right until the last minute while she easily forgives a betrayal by someone else. She comes across as ungrateful and winy right until around the 85% mark, and even then she’s still arguing with herself.
Really struggled with the female main character. She is still fighting herself and holding a grudge right until the last minute while she easily forgives a betrayal by someone else. She comes across as ungrateful and winy right until around the 85% mark, and even then she’s still arguing with herself.
April 20, 2022
2.5. From the first page of the book, the hero and his crew are coming ashore to seize the heroine and do their pillaging. Once they kill a little bit and scoop up the heroine, they are on the ship back to their homeland. It takes to page 125 before they get there. It just seemed like nothing happened. There wasn't a crazy amount of stuff happening on the perimeter, but even so it seemed like the hero and heroine weren't doing anything. Also, this guy was a gentle viking.
September 22, 2013
I started this book and got to about the 3 chapter somewhere around when Nessa was introduced. It seemed a little familiar but I thought nothing about it. When I got to the part about Nessa, I knew I had read this book. I looked at Amazon and did NOT see the part about this being in mass-paperback. So, I emailed Tanya. I am sure she thought I was crazy. (I am really, but that is beside the point). She nicely told me that this was a reprint from back in 1994.
Well, I admit that I first read this book when it came out in paperback. I love it then and that has NOT changed.
Vikings are something that is unknown to people in today's world. It is said that they ravage other countrys and they merged with the English and French to much and they just kind of vanished. I personally read every Viking book I can find.
Tanya has taken a subject that is hard to write and created something that boils over with emotion, feeling and the characters do not just come to life, they are right in front of you acting out just like a movie. A book that sends readers back in time to a place unknown to everyone today. Characters that leap off pages, taking readers to a magical world.
I loved this book when I first read it and I still love this book.
The bunnies and I give this book 5 carrots.
I was given this book for an honest review.
Well, I admit that I first read this book when it came out in paperback. I love it then and that has NOT changed.
Vikings are something that is unknown to people in today's world. It is said that they ravage other countrys and they merged with the English and French to much and they just kind of vanished. I personally read every Viking book I can find.
Tanya has taken a subject that is hard to write and created something that boils over with emotion, feeling and the characters do not just come to life, they are right in front of you acting out just like a movie. A book that sends readers back in time to a place unknown to everyone today. Characters that leap off pages, taking readers to a magical world.
I loved this book when I first read it and I still love this book.
The bunnies and I give this book 5 carrots.
I was given this book for an honest review.
January 5, 2016
Holy cow, this book made me want to gouge my eyes out! First off, the heroine drove me absolutely insane. Constantly crying, praying, taking a bath fully dressed-wrong genre bitch! She should have shuffled her skinny French ass over to the Christian romance novel section. And what's up with Reading 300 pages into the book and no sex! And let's not forget her constant whining, and when she is not whining she's talking to herself-Absolute fucking weirdo. So why did I give the book 4 stars? Because it was still a good story and the hero was just so yummy and amazing. Sexy as hell, strong, tender, loving, and let's not forget the whole Viking warrior bit.
.......SPOILER.........
The last thing I want to bitch about is the ending. Seriously? The hero's wanna be fiancé lures the heroine into a trap and guess what, even though she nearly dies she forgives the bitch and didn't tell the hero how his wannabe baby mama nearly killed her. And let's not forget about the hero's younger brother who tried to kill him. Yes I said it kill him. But of course he gets forgiven as well and both their treacherous asses wind up in the epilogue happy as can be with a gaggle of kids. Barf.
.......END SPOILER.........
All that said, I still liked the book. Go figure :-)
.......SPOILER.........
The last thing I want to bitch about is the ending. Seriously? The hero's wanna be fiancé lures the heroine into a trap and guess what, even though she nearly dies she forgives the bitch and didn't tell the hero how his wannabe baby mama nearly killed her. And let's not forget about the hero's younger brother who tried to kill him. Yes I said it kill him. But of course he gets forgiven as well and both their treacherous asses wind up in the epilogue happy as can be with a gaggle of kids. Barf.
.......END SPOILER.........
All that said, I still liked the book. Go figure :-)
September 9, 2013
I received this book from the touring host for an honest review.
Very well written Historical, and oh so sizzling Romance story. It started of very quickly with an immediate battle at hand, when Alerik a Viking Lard and his men attacked The Count Philippe who under false pretenses aided him before, and half of Alerik’s men were killed, so this was definitely a revenge war on the Count. In this battle, the only one that was left is Elienor who was suppose to betrothed the Count. She was taken captive, and they went back to Alerik’s Norse country, the whole story developed further as they spend time on the open seas. We spend time with Elienor as she struggles to make sense of what is happening to her and her treacherous body. She had an inner struggle because she was a believer and the Vikings served other gods. The story line was very good it is a fast pace. An enjoyable book to read as you start it draws you in keeping your attention as things develop. Never really sure what the outcome will be for Elienor and Alerik until the last few chapters.
Well done Tanya, as always I was not disappointed.
Very well written Historical, and oh so sizzling Romance story. It started of very quickly with an immediate battle at hand, when Alerik a Viking Lard and his men attacked The Count Philippe who under false pretenses aided him before, and half of Alerik’s men were killed, so this was definitely a revenge war on the Count. In this battle, the only one that was left is Elienor who was suppose to betrothed the Count. She was taken captive, and they went back to Alerik’s Norse country, the whole story developed further as they spend time on the open seas. We spend time with Elienor as she struggles to make sense of what is happening to her and her treacherous body. She had an inner struggle because she was a believer and the Vikings served other gods. The story line was very good it is a fast pace. An enjoyable book to read as you start it draws you in keeping your attention as things develop. Never really sure what the outcome will be for Elienor and Alerik until the last few chapters.
Well done Tanya, as always I was not disappointed.
May 23, 2013
This reads almost verbatim to "Edin's Embrace" by Nadine Crenshaw (circa 1989). The plot line is almost uncanny in its resemblance. Due to this, I gave it a lower rating. I find it too similar in the way the story unfolds for me not to believe its not at least partially plagiarized!
July 23, 2015
Il solito... carino, dolce ma nulla più... uffaaaaaaaa...
October 2, 2018
IF THERE WAS ONE THING I APPRECIATED ABOUT THIS STORY, IS THAT IT WASN'T LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT. THE CHARACTERS WERE ENEMIES TURNED LOVERS, ALTHOUGH IT COULD HAVE BEEN...SMOOTHER?
OUR HERO is a Viking Chieftain who I think went out either on a raid or some revenge against the heroine's fiance and ended up abducting the woman and lugging her back to his home. Not as a thrall or his anything, he doesn't know why he's attracted to Elienor to the point of distraction. This brings about friction between his kinsmen and him because clearly they don't respect the spoils of war. Or in this case a raid. The hero was the more admirable one in my opinion, because despite Elienor's lowly status as a captive, he treats her quite well, sometimes sweet and also cares for her when she's injured. His thoughts are always for her, and he often protects her from the wrath of his own men.
OUR HEROINE wasn't a shrew, but she was definitely headstrong and sharp tongued. At age 4, her father was forced to divorce her mother and disown his first family in order to marry a heiress that was more beneficial to the royal family. Sent to a place similar to an abbey or convent, she grew up there awaiting the day her fiance will come and set her free. Unfortunately before her wedding day, Vikings attacked her home and took her captive. Now, Elienor embarks on a new journey in a new home. There was attraction between her and our Viking Chieftain, yet she resists him to the point of acting a level below hysterical sometimes but not a virago. She's not afraid of hard work, and sometimes I do like her tenacity though I wished she would warm up better to the man who saved her life and protects her even now.
OVERALL it could have been better, in terms of the characters' relationship. I would have liked it if the heroine wasn't so downright hostile to the hero most of the time even though he's repeatedly proven that he will never harm her except for breaking a promise ONCE when he abducted her. Though, this was definitely a better story than another Tanya Anne book I've read.
OUR HERO is a Viking Chieftain who I think went out either on a raid or some revenge against the heroine's fiance and ended up abducting the woman and lugging her back to his home. Not as a thrall or his anything, he doesn't know why he's attracted to Elienor to the point of distraction. This brings about friction between his kinsmen and him because clearly they don't respect the spoils of war. Or in this case a raid. The hero was the more admirable one in my opinion, because despite Elienor's lowly status as a captive, he treats her quite well, sometimes sweet and also cares for her when she's injured. His thoughts are always for her, and he often protects her from the wrath of his own men.
OUR HEROINE wasn't a shrew, but she was definitely headstrong and sharp tongued. At age 4, her father was forced to divorce her mother and disown his first family in order to marry a heiress that was more beneficial to the royal family. Sent to a place similar to an abbey or convent, she grew up there awaiting the day her fiance will come and set her free. Unfortunately before her wedding day, Vikings attacked her home and took her captive. Now, Elienor embarks on a new journey in a new home. There was attraction between her and our Viking Chieftain, yet she resists him to the point of acting a level below hysterical sometimes but not a virago. She's not afraid of hard work, and sometimes I do like her tenacity though I wished she would warm up better to the man who saved her life and protects her even now.
OVERALL it could have been better, in terms of the characters' relationship. I would have liked it if the heroine wasn't so downright hostile to the hero most of the time even though he's repeatedly proven that he will never harm her except for breaking a promise ONCE when he abducted her. Though, this was definitely a better story than another Tanya Anne book I've read.
July 3, 2019
I was craving a Viking story. It's been eons since I read one I think. Goodness...I can't even think of the last one I read.
Elienor is betrothed to a French count, but after a Viking attack she is kidnapped by Alarik and his warriors. There is insta lust between the two, but they hate each other. It takes a while but the lust becomes love. And when I say it takes a while....it takes FOREVER. While they get to know each other, there is a betrayal beyond the horizon.
I did not like either the hero or heroine of the story right away. It took me a while to warm-up to them. He was too harsh and I was mad when he killed a certain character. Grr! Elienor annoyed me. Soon I did warm up to them.
The love took eons but it worked because they both hate each other for multiple reasons and yes...he did kidnap her...so it would be super Stockholm-y if it was insta love. There was a lot of trust and getting to know each other first.
There was something that did really, really bug me. It was assumed that Elienor told him her big secret, but we didn't get to see it. I think that level of trust would've been really nice to see and experience. I really think that scene was needed to really cement their love.
The ending battle was excited! So good, so good. Not 100% pleased with the decision with one character. He didn't deserve to be forgiven. SMH. Will not say, but I was annoyed.
The narrator was fantastic. Loved his voice!!! Sooooooooooooooooooooo good. And it was smexy for sure ;)
Overall, I did like this story. It was refreshing. This was slow-building but it worked. There was something missing and a scene I would've really liked to help cement their love. BUT oh well. Still good without it. I'll stamp this with 4 stars.
Elienor is betrothed to a French count, but after a Viking attack she is kidnapped by Alarik and his warriors. There is insta lust between the two, but they hate each other. It takes a while but the lust becomes love. And when I say it takes a while....it takes FOREVER. While they get to know each other, there is a betrayal beyond the horizon.
I did not like either the hero or heroine of the story right away. It took me a while to warm-up to them. He was too harsh and I was mad when he killed a certain character. Grr! Elienor annoyed me. Soon I did warm up to them.
The love took eons but it worked because they both hate each other for multiple reasons and yes...he did kidnap her...so it would be super Stockholm-y if it was insta love. There was a lot of trust and getting to know each other first.
There was something that did really, really bug me. It was assumed that Elienor told him her big secret, but we didn't get to see it. I think that level of trust would've been really nice to see and experience. I really think that scene was needed to really cement their love.
The ending battle was excited! So good, so good. Not 100% pleased with the decision with one character. He didn't deserve to be forgiven. SMH. Will not say, but I was annoyed.
The narrator was fantastic. Loved his voice!!! Sooooooooooooooooooooo good. And it was smexy for sure ;)
Overall, I did like this story. It was refreshing. This was slow-building but it worked. There was something missing and a scene I would've really liked to help cement their love. BUT oh well. Still good without it. I'll stamp this with 4 stars.
August 24, 2023
I'm watching The Last Kingdom ergo leaning into my love of Vikings. I really wish that I had noticed the author before choosing to give this one a go, though, because I could copy and paste my review of Highland Fire. The obvious villains are indeed OBVIOUS in capital letters. The difficult decisions are neatly resolved. And there is undeniable instalove.
I have a vague recollection of seeing a content warning for Viking's Prize, something about the brutality of their world potentially upsetting readers. All I can say is - anyone upset by the "brutality" of this book is a delicate flower. It is incredibly tame. At one point, the heroine complains that "Hrolf committed some atrocious act upon her person." Guess what that was? Nope. He spat at her. How traumatic. Honestly.
Also, what is with all this yay she's a virgin shit? This isn't something I'm aware of within Viking culture and it's so sexist. No one cares whether he's a virgin, do they?
There are tidbits of Viking culture, particularly where it intersects with Christian culture*, but not enough to make up for the trite story.
*The hero initially tells us he has no faith. Then he refers to God. Then Odin/Loki/The Valkyrie/etc. I can't keep up.
I have a vague recollection of seeing a content warning for Viking's Prize, something about the brutality of their world potentially upsetting readers. All I can say is - anyone upset by the "brutality" of this book is a delicate flower. It is incredibly tame. At one point, the heroine complains that "Hrolf committed some atrocious act upon her person." Guess what that was? Nope. He spat at her. How traumatic. Honestly.
Also, what is with all this yay she's a virgin shit? This isn't something I'm aware of within Viking culture and it's so sexist. No one cares whether he's a virgin, do they?
There are tidbits of Viking culture, particularly where it intersects with Christian culture*, but not enough to make up for the trite story.
*The hero initially tells us he has no faith. Then he refers to God. Then Odin/Loki/The Valkyrie/etc. I can't keep up.
April 16, 2025
random scroll on KU and took a chance.
Overall, it was interesting enough that it kept my attention to finish it. I have a few pro/cons.
Pro - Going along with the historical aspect to the historical romance, I appreciated the depiction of Viking culture with its harsh and brutal elements. The author didn't sugar coat it.
Con (ish) - The "ye old" language did take me out of it a little. As someone who is a history buff I appreciate the language choice to help set the atmosphere but it seemed a bit forced at times.
Pro - the mystical element was unique and again tapped into fears of witchcraft during that time.
Con- more could've been done with the FMC visions. I feel like it was the element holding her back yet when she had the opportunity to risk herself (afraid of being killed like her mom) to protect her lover. she was a coward. The MMC didn't even find out about the vision until the epilogue 🙄
Pro- interesting external conflict between characters and plot.
Con - the treatment of the MMC brother (who betrayed him btw) was so blah. the MMC literal killed a boy in the first few pages because he tried to fight the enemies who attacked his home. yet the brother who betrayed him and got the FMC kidnapped was forgiven?
along with plot set up. what happened to the count? literally the guy that our MMC set out in the beginning of the story to kill. We just forgot about him.
Overall, it was interesting enough that it kept my attention to finish it. I have a few pro/cons.
Pro - Going along with the historical aspect to the historical romance, I appreciated the depiction of Viking culture with its harsh and brutal elements. The author didn't sugar coat it.
Con (ish) - The "ye old" language did take me out of it a little. As someone who is a history buff I appreciate the language choice to help set the atmosphere but it seemed a bit forced at times.
Pro - the mystical element was unique and again tapped into fears of witchcraft during that time.
Con- more could've been done with the FMC visions. I feel like it was the element holding her back yet when she had the opportunity to risk herself (afraid of being killed like her mom) to protect her lover. she was a coward. The MMC didn't even find out about the vision until the epilogue 🙄
Pro- interesting external conflict between characters and plot.
Con - the treatment of the MMC brother (who betrayed him btw) was so blah. the MMC literal killed a boy in the first few pages because he tried to fight the enemies who attacked his home. yet the brother who betrayed him and got the FMC kidnapped was forgiven?
along with plot set up. what happened to the count? literally the guy that our MMC set out in the beginning of the story to kill. We just forgot about him.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 10, 2019
*** AUDIO BOOK REVIEW ***
Fans of Viking history and romance, this is the book for you. This is the story of Elienor who is taken from her land by the Viking Alarik as he takes revenge on a man who betrays him. At first Elienor fights Alarik and everything he stands for and is. But she can't help her feelings forming as he shows he isn't the monster she believed him to be. She is also having dreams about his demise. She is too afraid to tell him because her mother also had the gift of visions and was burned as a witch for it. Little does she know that the Vikings cherish those who have visions. Before she can reveal her visions to Alarik she is put in danger and she has to do what she can so it doesn't come true. Alarik fights his feelings Elienor the whole time. She is stubborn and stands up to him when other men cower. While he deals with family betrayal and trying to be a better man than his father he quickly realizes his feelings for Elienor. But it might be too late. This story is such a great piece of historical fiction. This is also an action packed story with some romance. Highly suggest this story to fans of Viking history. Get ready to want your own viking.
Fans of Viking history and romance, this is the book for you. This is the story of Elienor who is taken from her land by the Viking Alarik as he takes revenge on a man who betrays him. At first Elienor fights Alarik and everything he stands for and is. But she can't help her feelings forming as he shows he isn't the monster she believed him to be. She is also having dreams about his demise. She is too afraid to tell him because her mother also had the gift of visions and was burned as a witch for it. Little does she know that the Vikings cherish those who have visions. Before she can reveal her visions to Alarik she is put in danger and she has to do what she can so it doesn't come true. Alarik fights his feelings Elienor the whole time. She is stubborn and stands up to him when other men cower. While he deals with family betrayal and trying to be a better man than his father he quickly realizes his feelings for Elienor. But it might be too late. This story is such a great piece of historical fiction. This is also an action packed story with some romance. Highly suggest this story to fans of Viking history. Get ready to want your own viking.
January 5, 2019
I've not picked up any of T. Crosby's books before so I wasn't sure what to expect, but I was in the mood for a viking romance, so...
I was really surprised with the quality and depth of the plot and worldbuilding, as well as the incorporation of some historical research. It's on the lighter side of smut, which I was a little disappointed by, but the romance itself is very hot and keeps you engaged.
My favorite, and most surprising part, was the religious push/pull of Christianity vs. Paganism, which was very much at the forefront of people's minds at this point in history, particularly in these sort of relationships. It was very well done, I wasn't expecting it, and I loved it.
This is the second book in a series, but it was the first book I picked up and it certainly is a standalone. I read the next book afterwards and there were no overlapping characters or plots, so you don't need to start with the first book--I was never lost.
I was really surprised with the quality and depth of the plot and worldbuilding, as well as the incorporation of some historical research. It's on the lighter side of smut, which I was a little disappointed by, but the romance itself is very hot and keeps you engaged.
My favorite, and most surprising part, was the religious push/pull of Christianity vs. Paganism, which was very much at the forefront of people's minds at this point in history, particularly in these sort of relationships. It was very well done, I wasn't expecting it, and I loved it.
This is the second book in a series, but it was the first book I picked up and it certainly is a standalone. I read the next book afterwards and there were no overlapping characters or plots, so you don't need to start with the first book--I was never lost.
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