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Shieldmaiden Sisters #1
The Viking She Would Have Married
Passion erupts when these bold, spirited Vikings are reunited!
In close quarters…
With the Viking she’d loved and lost
AShieldmaiden Sisters story—with her family fallen on hard times, Valda’s forced to join the crew on Halfdan Ulfsson’s merchant ship as he sets sail on the treacherous silk route. But this handsome jarl’s son is the man she’d planned to wed, until his bitter betrayal. Knowing she can never trust him, she must focus on saving her sisters…and not the intense connection that still burns between them!
From Harlequin Your romantic escape to the past.
Shieldmaiden Sisters
Book 1: The Viking She Would Have Married
In close quarters…
With the Viking she’d loved and lost
AShieldmaiden Sisters story—with her family fallen on hard times, Valda’s forced to join the crew on Halfdan Ulfsson’s merchant ship as he sets sail on the treacherous silk route. But this handsome jarl’s son is the man she’d planned to wed, until his bitter betrayal. Knowing she can never trust him, she must focus on saving her sisters…and not the intense connection that still burns between them!
From Harlequin Your romantic escape to the past.
Shieldmaiden Sisters
Book 1: The Viking She Would Have Married
288 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published May 24, 2022
6 people are currently reading
140 people want to read
About the author
Lucy Morris
26 books64 followersLucy Morris has always been obsessed with myths and legends. Her books blend sweeping romance with vivid worldbuilding to whisk you away to another time and place filled with adventure. Expect passion, drama, and vibrant characters.
Lucy lives in Essex, UK, with her husband, two children, and two cats. She has a massively sweet tooth and loves Terry's chocolate oranges and Irn-Bru. In her spare time, she likes to explore castles with her family, or drink bubbly with her friends.
A member of the UK Romantic Novelists' Association. In 2020 she was delighted to accept a two-book deal with Harlequin after submitting her story to the Warriors Wanted submission blitz for Viking, Medieval, and Highlander romances.
She hasn't looked back since.
Writing for Harlequin Historical is a dream come true for her and she hopes you enjoy her books!
Lucy lives in Essex, UK, with her husband, two children, and two cats. She has a massively sweet tooth and loves Terry's chocolate oranges and Irn-Bru. In her spare time, she likes to explore castles with her family, or drink bubbly with her friends.
A member of the UK Romantic Novelists' Association. In 2020 she was delighted to accept a two-book deal with Harlequin after submitting her story to the Warriors Wanted submission blitz for Viking, Medieval, and Highlander romances.
She hasn't looked back since.
Writing for Harlequin Historical is a dream come true for her and she hopes you enjoy her books!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
June 2, 2022
After returning to Jorvik after professing her love to Jorund and learning he doesn’t share her feelings, shieldmaiden Valda Porunndottir aka The Blade settles in with her mother and sisters who are planning on retiring and buying a farm, but after a series of setbacks leave them without funds, Valda tries unsuccessfully to find work on the docks, when she is approached by her first love and successful merchant trader Halfdan, son of jarl Url and offered a position on his upcoming trip to Miklagard (Constantinople).
Halfdan doesn’t really have a trip scheduled, but after losing Valda once, he refuses to let her slip away again. He wanted to marry her, but at the time, was beholden to his father and couldn’t risk it. But he isn’t free to pursue her now either, having made a promise to his father to marry a bride of his choosing in order to help his half-brother Erik. Nonetheless, he sees this as fate and convinces her to join his crew.
They set out and Valda learns that Halfdan didn’t betray her all those years ago, but refuses to be his concubine when she learns of his promise to marry. She keeps her distance, but when she almost loses her life, she decides to grab what happiness she can and embarks on an affair with Halfdan, hoping she will be able to walk away with her heart intact. Halfdan is elated and vows to change her mind about leaving him at the end of the trip, and hopes to find a way to save his brother and have Valda. Proving the path to happily ever after isn’t always an easy journey.
This is the first book in the Shieldmaiden Sisters series, but if you read “A Nun For the Viking Warrior” you have already met Valda and her family. This book starts not long after the end of that book and takes place in Ancient England. The story is well-written and nicely paced with great characters and lots of emotion. The story is a classic second-chance romance and is filled with secrets, lies, misunderstandings, betrayal, warm love scenes, fascinating historical detail of a bygone era, and finally, a HEA that didn’t seem possible. I enjoyed this book, but honestly, I wasn’t a huge fan of Halfdan, he is generous to a fault and a very decent man, but he wanted to have his cake and eat it too, and I am not sure he would have gone after Valda if his brother hadn’t reacted as he did, so not the perfect hero in my opinion. As mentioned, this is the first book in a new series and I am happy to recommend it and am impatiently waiting for the next book to release!
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.*
Halfdan doesn’t really have a trip scheduled, but after losing Valda once, he refuses to let her slip away again. He wanted to marry her, but at the time, was beholden to his father and couldn’t risk it. But he isn’t free to pursue her now either, having made a promise to his father to marry a bride of his choosing in order to help his half-brother Erik. Nonetheless, he sees this as fate and convinces her to join his crew.
They set out and Valda learns that Halfdan didn’t betray her all those years ago, but refuses to be his concubine when she learns of his promise to marry. She keeps her distance, but when she almost loses her life, she decides to grab what happiness she can and embarks on an affair with Halfdan, hoping she will be able to walk away with her heart intact. Halfdan is elated and vows to change her mind about leaving him at the end of the trip, and hopes to find a way to save his brother and have Valda. Proving the path to happily ever after isn’t always an easy journey.
This is the first book in the Shieldmaiden Sisters series, but if you read “A Nun For the Viking Warrior” you have already met Valda and her family. This book starts not long after the end of that book and takes place in Ancient England. The story is well-written and nicely paced with great characters and lots of emotion. The story is a classic second-chance romance and is filled with secrets, lies, misunderstandings, betrayal, warm love scenes, fascinating historical detail of a bygone era, and finally, a HEA that didn’t seem possible. I enjoyed this book, but honestly, I wasn’t a huge fan of Halfdan, he is generous to a fault and a very decent man, but he wanted to have his cake and eat it too, and I am not sure he would have gone after Valda if his brother hadn’t reacted as he did, so not the perfect hero in my opinion. As mentioned, this is the first book in a new series and I am happy to recommend it and am impatiently waiting for the next book to release!
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.*
May 31, 2022
✨ The Viking She Would Have Married 🛶
Shieldmaiden Sisters Book 1
✒️ Lucy Morris
https://m.facebook.com/LucyMorrisAuthor/
Release Date 05/24/2022-05/26/2022
Publisher Harlequin Historical/Mills&Boon Historical
➪ https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09TTJ1J8L/...
➪ https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09M8P5ZD6/...
𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗯
Passion erupts when these bold, spirited Vikings are reunited! In close quarters… With the Viking she’d loved and lost A Shieldmaiden Sisters story—with her family fallen on hard times, Valda’s forced to join the crew on Halfdan Ulfsson’s merchant ship as he sets sail on the treacherous silk route. But this handsome jarl’s son is the man she’d planned to wed, until his bitter betrayal. Knowing she can never trust him, she must focus on saving her sisters…and not the intense connection that still burns between them!
𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄
Will these two bullheaded personas be able to understand when to let go …
The author is one of the many I discovered last year, one which helps me going out of my comfort zone and read outside the usual regency I so like and find easy to follow.
I loved her first two stories, why I’m here now reading this new one. The heroine is linked to the author’s previously published book.
This story is a second chance tale, by some trick of fate and some miscommunications, Valda and Halfdan parted ways. She went elsewhere in the hope to find what she longed for, someone to choose her over everything else but once more she was disappointed and had to leave, again.
When Valda and Halfdan reconnect, she is ready to do anything to provide for her family, and he hopes to rekindle what they once shared, even if it is for a short time.
But time has taught Valda that when it comes to men, she seems to choose wrong. Which altered her faith in herself as a woman, believing she is never enough.
While Halfdan thought the same when Valda left him all those years ago, believing it was why she did not stay when fool-play was the reason of their break-up. Yet now they can be together again, he is promised to another.
Why the past has a way in coming between them, it plus Valda’s pride and Halfdan’s sense of right and wrong. They already have both failed to assure the other of the strength of their feeling, unable to share the why behind their behavior.
The author crafts a tale of two stubborn beings set on their path, in love with one another but too hardheaded to concede anything so set they are on their course.
The narrative is also a wealth of informations, details and uses and customs. You will be transported in wast lands and other cities, a magic trip in a world long gone.
4.5 stars
𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 onscreen lovemaking scenes
I have been granted an advance copy by the author, here is my true and unbiased opinion.
https://www.instagram.com/tv/CeN63aeD...
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272...
#bookstagram #historicalromance #romance #romancebookblog #romancebookblogger #bookblog #romanceauthor #bookblogger #2022read #bookstagrammer #bookreview #romancebookreviewer #arcreader #bookquote #romancestagram #readersofinstagram
Shieldmaiden Sisters Book 1
✒️ Lucy Morris
https://m.facebook.com/LucyMorrisAuthor/
Release Date 05/24/2022-05/26/2022
Publisher Harlequin Historical/Mills&Boon Historical
➪ https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09TTJ1J8L/...
➪ https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09M8P5ZD6/...
𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗯
Passion erupts when these bold, spirited Vikings are reunited! In close quarters… With the Viking she’d loved and lost A Shieldmaiden Sisters story—with her family fallen on hard times, Valda’s forced to join the crew on Halfdan Ulfsson’s merchant ship as he sets sail on the treacherous silk route. But this handsome jarl’s son is the man she’d planned to wed, until his bitter betrayal. Knowing she can never trust him, she must focus on saving her sisters…and not the intense connection that still burns between them!
𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄
Will these two bullheaded personas be able to understand when to let go …
The author is one of the many I discovered last year, one which helps me going out of my comfort zone and read outside the usual regency I so like and find easy to follow.
I loved her first two stories, why I’m here now reading this new one. The heroine is linked to the author’s previously published book.
This story is a second chance tale, by some trick of fate and some miscommunications, Valda and Halfdan parted ways. She went elsewhere in the hope to find what she longed for, someone to choose her over everything else but once more she was disappointed and had to leave, again.
When Valda and Halfdan reconnect, she is ready to do anything to provide for her family, and he hopes to rekindle what they once shared, even if it is for a short time.
But time has taught Valda that when it comes to men, she seems to choose wrong. Which altered her faith in herself as a woman, believing she is never enough.
While Halfdan thought the same when Valda left him all those years ago, believing it was why she did not stay when fool-play was the reason of their break-up. Yet now they can be together again, he is promised to another.
Why the past has a way in coming between them, it plus Valda’s pride and Halfdan’s sense of right and wrong. They already have both failed to assure the other of the strength of their feeling, unable to share the why behind their behavior.
The author crafts a tale of two stubborn beings set on their path, in love with one another but too hardheaded to concede anything so set they are on their course.
The narrative is also a wealth of informations, details and uses and customs. You will be transported in wast lands and other cities, a magic trip in a world long gone.
4.5 stars
𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 onscreen lovemaking scenes
I have been granted an advance copy by the author, here is my true and unbiased opinion.
https://www.instagram.com/tv/CeN63aeD...
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272...
#bookstagram #historicalromance #romance #romancebookblog #romancebookblogger #bookblog #romanceauthor #bookblogger #2022read #bookstagrammer #bookreview #romancebookreviewer #arcreader #bookquote #romancestagram #readersofinstagram
July 21, 2023
Valda is a shieldmaiden who needs to find work to help provide for her mother and sisters. She gets a job assisting on a voyage, but she doesn't expect her ex to be at the helm. They haven't seen each other in years, and both believe the other is at fault for why the relationship ended. Things obviously get a little angsty between them while they are stuck on a ship together for months.
I really enjoyed both of these characters! I love seeing Valda realizing who she truly is and Halfdan being a total softie for her. I also love the historical aspect! I could tell Lucy Morris did a lot of research for this one. The miscommunication conflict just wasn't my personal favorite. But this was a solid read from a talented author!!
TROPES: forced proximity, historical, second chance, vikings, warrior woman
I really enjoyed both of these characters! I love seeing Valda realizing who she truly is and Halfdan being a total softie for her. I also love the historical aspect! I could tell Lucy Morris did a lot of research for this one. The miscommunication conflict just wasn't my personal favorite. But this was a solid read from a talented author!!
TROPES: forced proximity, historical, second chance, vikings, warrior woman
August 12, 2022
*blows nose*
*sighs*
Whaaa? I do believe we have previously established the fact that I am an ugly crier and I’ve just spent the last part (10%-ish) of this book in tears. Valda and Halfdan’s story was emotional beyond words.
And. I. Don’t. Regret. A. Thing.
The best stories are those you where you live and breathe it. And, boy, did I live it! I was there for all the emotional turmoil that encompasses a second-chance romance, the heart-stopping adventure on the high seas, the truths once held secret now revealed, and a bathhouse scene that will leave you panting… or maybe that’s just me *winks*.
There is nothing Valda won’t do to help support her mother and sisters including taking a position abroad her ex’s ship. This shieldmaiden may be fiery and independent on the outside but she protects a wounded heart beneath. It won’t withstand another onslaught. Yet try as she might old feelings resurface. Pfft, *crosses arms* as if they ever left.
The weight of duty and responsibility hangs heavy on Halfdan’s shoulders. Along with an even heavier dose of self-imposed guilt when it comes to his brother. He is a man conflicted. Valda lives in his heart, but if only life were that simple…
Ugh, the angst! The angst was rip-your-heart-out-cut-you-off-at-the-knees level. As The Mommy would say, “there’s a want about you!” because I loved every heart-wrenching moment. Hence the explosion of tears!
Also, can we talk about Tostig? I think we all need a Tostig in our lives; pearls of wisdom very much included. I just wanted to squeeze him and kiss his baldy heid.
Home is where the heart is as they say! And if we don’t have our heart then we can never really be home.
*sighs*
Whaaa? I do believe we have previously established the fact that I am an ugly crier and I’ve just spent the last part (10%-ish) of this book in tears. Valda and Halfdan’s story was emotional beyond words.
And. I. Don’t. Regret. A. Thing.
The best stories are those you where you live and breathe it. And, boy, did I live it! I was there for all the emotional turmoil that encompasses a second-chance romance, the heart-stopping adventure on the high seas, the truths once held secret now revealed, and a bathhouse scene that will leave you panting… or maybe that’s just me *winks*.
There is nothing Valda won’t do to help support her mother and sisters including taking a position abroad her ex’s ship. This shieldmaiden may be fiery and independent on the outside but she protects a wounded heart beneath. It won’t withstand another onslaught. Yet try as she might old feelings resurface. Pfft, *crosses arms* as if they ever left.
The weight of duty and responsibility hangs heavy on Halfdan’s shoulders. Along with an even heavier dose of self-imposed guilt when it comes to his brother. He is a man conflicted. Valda lives in his heart, but if only life were that simple…
Ugh, the angst! The angst was rip-your-heart-out-cut-you-off-at-the-knees level. As The Mommy would say, “there’s a want about you!” because I loved every heart-wrenching moment. Hence the explosion of tears!
Also, can we talk about Tostig? I think we all need a Tostig in our lives; pearls of wisdom very much included. I just wanted to squeeze him and kiss his baldy heid.
Home is where the heart is as they say! And if we don’t have our heart then we can never really be home.
November 29, 2022
It was probably closer to 3.5 stars. Just a simplistic read, nice little story, not holding true to the nature, nor temperament of Vikings. Plot was pretty much not really existent there was not a true climax to the story, it was just simply tops with little fan fare. Steaminess 7(1-10)
It’s just hard to find good Viking books.
It’s just hard to find good Viking books.
April 30, 2023
This was such a big disappointment for me, but I shouldn’t be surprised since I’m mostly not a fan of second chance at romance.
It fell flat for me..I really didn’t care for the main characters. I also had a hard time keeping track of the names. 🤦🏻♀️
It fell flat for me..I really didn’t care for the main characters. I also had a hard time keeping track of the names. 🤦🏻♀️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
dnf
March 20, 2023DNF at 24%
Perfectly fine and I like the setting, but not grabbing my (fractured) attention.
3.20.23
Perfectly fine and I like the setting, but not grabbing my (fractured) attention.
3.20.23
April 9, 2022
Very enjoyable second chance at love story set in 913 AD. Halfdan Ulfsson is the son and heir to a brutal Jarl. Nothing like his father he has made his fortune and is respected by everyone. Everyone except Valda, the shieldmaiden who he had hoped to marry years ago. Valda believes Halfdan betrayed her, but needing money for her mother and sisters she agrees to sail on Halfdan's ship. Ms Morris has woven so much history and Viking lore into this story, and yet has maintained a wonderful romantic tale. Loved the characters including the side characters. We first met Valda in A Nun for the Viking Warrior, but this book can be read as a standalone.
May 26, 2022
Another delightful Viking love story
5 stars
This is Ms Morris’s third book and the start of a brand new series. With that said, our heroine, Valda, did appear as a minor character in the previous book (A Nun for the Viking Warrior). While I’ve been looking forward to her story, you really don’t need to have read that story to understand and enjoy this one.
Valda now finds herself in Jorvik and the circumstances she, her sister and her mother find themselves in, are pretty dire. She needs to find employment that will bring in enough funds that they can buy a small farm and out from under the thumb of a nasty overlord. Unfortunately, there is only one boat taking on crew - and that’s the boat of Halfdan, her first love and the man she thought she would spend her life with before he betrayed her.
I find it’s often hard for authors to write a strong, confident female character while still making them both relatable and likeable. Luckily, I liked Valda from the start. She was all of the above but there was definitely a vulnerability about her and her inner voice showed that she was often uncertain and at odds about her future - especially where Halfdan was concerned.
I loved Halfdan from the first, too. He was a big man - strong and kind. He had principles and honour to the hilt and he was impossible not to like. But it was his almost unintentional love and devotion for Valda that had me sighing in delight while also falling forever in love with him. Halfdan sees her again after all these years and we don’t even get to hear his protestations that he was over her before he’s smitten once again. Yay for big, hulking men being floored by the women that they adore.
We’ve got quite a lot of animosity, anger and hurt to work through on our way to Halfdan and Valda’s happily ever after - but they still have a spark between them and the chemistry is delightful to watch. Even when they’re ignoring each other, there’s still a delicious tension that speaks to their excellent chemistry.
One of the many things that fascinates me about the Vikings is that they seemed to be much more ‘modern’ in their attitudes towards sex and relationships. This obviously works in our favour as readers as it means we get lots of sexy times. Since Halfdan and Valda were lovers previously, the sex has a lot of emotion from the very first and it really deepened the connection between the pair.
Something that I’ve come to associate with Lucy Morris’s writing is her innate ability to weave the history of the time period into her story in a really organic way. She paints such a vivid picture with her words that you can imagine every single detail of the world where the characters live. But it’s done with such a light touch that the characters always remain at the forefront of the story.
This is another fantastic story from Lucy Morris and one that I enjoyed from the first word to the last. What makes it even better is that it’s the first book in a new series (The Shieldmaiden Sisters) and I’m already giddy with excitement about Valda’s sisters getting their own stories. But this story of second chances and putting love above all things left me with happiness in my heart. I hope Ms Morris never stops writing Viking romances as I’ll never stop reading them. 5 stars.
May 21, 2025
Have you ever read a romance where the stupid hero takes the entire length of the story to finally get his shit together and give the heroine what she needs from him — and at the end it all felt like a colossal waste of time? This is that story. Because at the end of the day, the hero just needed to grow up, grow some balls, and say “no” to his mean dad.
Halfdan worked my last nerve: he’s self-centered, selfish, and lacking self-awareness. He’s not a real asshole and is actually a decent guy - opposed to slavery, ok moral compass, etc., - but he also lacks empathy and meaningful compassion for the heroine, and I don’t think he grows much through the story.
Halfdan is such a bare-minimum hero, and Valda deserves better. What really stuck in my craw was the author’s attempt at making them equally culpable in their breakup and current conflict. WTF was this nonsense?! The problem is that Halfdan has always thought Valda should give up everything, including her family and any security, while he sacrifices nothing. He even admits he wants it all without having to give up anything. And in the end, he gets everything he wanted and gave up nothing except his relationship with his abusive tyrant of a father. Halfdan is the only one who gets a real HEA.
Also, this is a failure of a second-chance romance: aside from the sex, where was the on-page falling-in-love-again? Their entire relationship is built on the unfinished business of their earlier connection. Instead of eliciting any swoony feelings while reading, I was mostly angry and annoyed — and disappointed for Valda. I’m disappointed in the author’s choices in crafting Valda’s story: her life after the breakup from Halfdan sounded joyless, a descent into increasing hardship and poverty, a decade of listlessness and hard-scrabble survival. Meanwhile Halfdan spent their decade apart travelling the globe, amassing a fortune and bedding scores of women. Valda was an engaging and well-drawn character when we first met her in “A Nun for the Viking Warrior”; I wanted her partner to be her equal and worthy of her…and instead she gets this weak-willed poor little rich boy? Even their reunion at the end was tepid.
2 stars for:
-The rich and detailed setting; it’s clear the author did her research. The Viking Age and the journey to the Byzantine Empire was brought to life — and more engaging than the romance.
-I liked Valda, I was invested in her, and I wanted her to get her HEA. I’m also invested in her sisters and her mother.
Halfdan worked my last nerve: he’s self-centered, selfish, and lacking self-awareness. He’s not a real asshole and is actually a decent guy - opposed to slavery, ok moral compass, etc., - but he also lacks empathy and meaningful compassion for the heroine, and I don’t think he grows much through the story.
Halfdan is such a bare-minimum hero, and Valda deserves better. What really stuck in my craw was the author’s attempt at making them equally culpable in their breakup and current conflict. WTF was this nonsense?! The problem is that Halfdan has always thought Valda should give up everything, including her family and any security, while he sacrifices nothing. He even admits he wants it all without having to give up anything. And in the end, he gets everything he wanted and gave up nothing except his relationship with his abusive tyrant of a father. Halfdan is the only one who gets a real HEA.
Also, this is a failure of a second-chance romance: aside from the sex, where was the on-page falling-in-love-again? Their entire relationship is built on the unfinished business of their earlier connection. Instead of eliciting any swoony feelings while reading, I was mostly angry and annoyed — and disappointed for Valda. I’m disappointed in the author’s choices in crafting Valda’s story: her life after the breakup from Halfdan sounded joyless, a descent into increasing hardship and poverty, a decade of listlessness and hard-scrabble survival. Meanwhile Halfdan spent their decade apart travelling the globe, amassing a fortune and bedding scores of women. Valda was an engaging and well-drawn character when we first met her in “A Nun for the Viking Warrior”; I wanted her partner to be her equal and worthy of her…and instead she gets this weak-willed poor little rich boy? Even their reunion at the end was tepid.
2 stars for:
-The rich and detailed setting; it’s clear the author did her research. The Viking Age and the journey to the Byzantine Empire was brought to life — and more engaging than the romance.
-I liked Valda, I was invested in her, and I wanted her to get her HEA. I’m also invested in her sisters and her mother.
June 5, 2022
Get ready to go on an epic romantic adventure with the first book in Lucy Morris’s new series.
This book really has it all: steamy romance, family drama, action, and betrayal. I am always pleasantly surprised at how much content and detail some Harlequin Historical books can have. They are short and fast reads (usually around 200 pages), but Lord, they have so much to offer their readers. Lucy’s latest book is a prime example of this. Lucy has created this story that is gripping, steamy, and filled with lush and vibrant details. The pacing is smooth, like a river with turbulent rapids placed at just the right moments. I started this book late one night and was so absorbed in the story that I finished it in the wee hours of the morning.
The story follows Valda, who is struggling to find a way to make money so her family can buy their own farm. Halfdan, who is Valda’s first love, offers her a spot on his merchant ship where she can earn the money she so desperately needs. If you are a fan of second chances and forced proximity romances with plenty of steam, you will love the relationship between Valda and Halfdan. They both have such strong and stubborn personalities, which means that the sparks between them and banter are just on fire and oh so delicious. They are both fabulous characters with a lot of depth and layers. I really enjoyed watching as these two got to know each other again.
I loved getting to explore the world of the Vikings and travelling with Halfdan’s crew as they traded goods with different groups of people. It was just so fascinating to see how all these different communities live. Travelling on his merchant ships was exciting and interesting, and you could tell that Lucy had done her research when it came to those vital details that are so important to historical novels.
I cannot wait to read the next installment in this series, which will follow the story of Brynhild and Erik. The excerpt that is included at the end of the book had me wishing I had the second book in my hands now because I want to know what happens next.
The Viking She Would Have Married is an exciting epic tale with plenty of steamy romance.
Thank you, Harlequin Historical, Mills and Boon, and Rachel Random Resources, for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Want to read more of our reviews, click on the link: https://romancebythebook.com/book-rev...
This book really has it all: steamy romance, family drama, action, and betrayal. I am always pleasantly surprised at how much content and detail some Harlequin Historical books can have. They are short and fast reads (usually around 200 pages), but Lord, they have so much to offer their readers. Lucy’s latest book is a prime example of this. Lucy has created this story that is gripping, steamy, and filled with lush and vibrant details. The pacing is smooth, like a river with turbulent rapids placed at just the right moments. I started this book late one night and was so absorbed in the story that I finished it in the wee hours of the morning.
The story follows Valda, who is struggling to find a way to make money so her family can buy their own farm. Halfdan, who is Valda’s first love, offers her a spot on his merchant ship where she can earn the money she so desperately needs. If you are a fan of second chances and forced proximity romances with plenty of steam, you will love the relationship between Valda and Halfdan. They both have such strong and stubborn personalities, which means that the sparks between them and banter are just on fire and oh so delicious. They are both fabulous characters with a lot of depth and layers. I really enjoyed watching as these two got to know each other again.
I loved getting to explore the world of the Vikings and travelling with Halfdan’s crew as they traded goods with different groups of people. It was just so fascinating to see how all these different communities live. Travelling on his merchant ships was exciting and interesting, and you could tell that Lucy had done her research when it came to those vital details that are so important to historical novels.
I cannot wait to read the next installment in this series, which will follow the story of Brynhild and Erik. The excerpt that is included at the end of the book had me wishing I had the second book in my hands now because I want to know what happens next.
The Viking She Would Have Married is an exciting epic tale with plenty of steamy romance.
Thank you, Harlequin Historical, Mills and Boon, and Rachel Random Resources, for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Want to read more of our reviews, click on the link: https://romancebythebook.com/book-rev...
August 2, 2022
I absolutely adored A Nun for the Viking Warrior, and didn’t think The Viking She Would Have Married could possibly top it. But it was truly just as wonderful and amazing!
These Viking romances by Lucy Morris just speak to my very soul. There is real intention behind the historical setting, supported by excellent historical detail, which does not bog down the story. The main characters are fleshed out and complex, the side characters are each unique and add so much to the story. There’s lots of humour and warmth, but also really nice emotional moments. Backstories, locations, character goals are all well-established. But there’s still room for plenty of adventure and story movement. It really doesn’t feel like “just” a romance. The book is as much about the historical setting and adventure!
That being said, the romance between Valda and Halfdan was absolutely top notch. I loved the two of them together, the way their relationship progressed made sense but wasn’t completely predictable. I love where they ended up and how they got there. The steamy scenes were very well done! They were fun, but didn’t take over the plot.
So what we have here overall is a book that ties together so many elements, achieving a perfect balance of each.
I am very, extremely excited for the next book in the series featuring Brynhild! I’m going to have to pick up The Viking Chief’s Marriage Alliance to tide me over until the next one is out!
These Viking romances by Lucy Morris just speak to my very soul. There is real intention behind the historical setting, supported by excellent historical detail, which does not bog down the story. The main characters are fleshed out and complex, the side characters are each unique and add so much to the story. There’s lots of humour and warmth, but also really nice emotional moments. Backstories, locations, character goals are all well-established. But there’s still room for plenty of adventure and story movement. It really doesn’t feel like “just” a romance. The book is as much about the historical setting and adventure!
That being said, the romance between Valda and Halfdan was absolutely top notch. I loved the two of them together, the way their relationship progressed made sense but wasn’t completely predictable. I love where they ended up and how they got there. The steamy scenes were very well done! They were fun, but didn’t take over the plot.
So what we have here overall is a book that ties together so many elements, achieving a perfect balance of each.
I am very, extremely excited for the next book in the series featuring Brynhild! I’m going to have to pick up The Viking Chief’s Marriage Alliance to tide me over until the next one is out!
July 5, 2022
A second-chance road romance with our couple traveling the high seas on route to trade in Constantinople. The main source of conflict here are class differences (he's the son of a jarl, she's a shieldmaiden of lowly birth) and pride. So. Much. Pride. This naturally spills over into misunderstandings (she broke his heart, he broke hers) which eventually exhausted this reader (sit down and talk to each other already!). Once they do, it's great - but it still doesn't change the fact that those class differences are standing in their way, and that the hero is trying to secure his half-brother's freedom (he's a slave) by negotiating with his untrustworthy, vile father.
I loved Valda in The Nun for a Viking Warrior so was eager to read her romance. I felt like she could have done better than this roguish hero, but he comes around by the end - and the series set-up is delicious. Looking forward to book 2!
I loved Valda in The Nun for a Viking Warrior so was eager to read her romance. I felt like she could have done better than this roguish hero, but he comes around by the end - and the series set-up is delicious. Looking forward to book 2!
May 30, 2022
The Viking She Would Have Married is the first book in the Shieldmaiden Sisters series and it's a spectacular start to what promises to be a great series from Lucy Morris. Her writing pulls the reader into the rich world of the Vikings and she weaves an evocative romance beautifully with adventure and history. The characters were deep and well crafted and I thought the chemistry between them was handled brilliantly. I absolutely loved this book and can't wait for the next one in the series.
Read
May 1, 2022Categories
Historical Fiction, Sagas, Viking Historical Fiction
Miniseries
Shieldmaiden Sisters (Book #1)
Historical Fiction, Sagas, Viking Historical Fiction
Miniseries
Shieldmaiden Sisters (Book #1)
June 7, 2022
3.5 stars. A fun second chance romance with a cool medieval viking setting.
April 2, 2024
A beautiful love story with some spice the perfect mix
February 14, 2025
3.5 stars
I didn’t like the FMC very much, but I do think she and the MMC made a good couple. The story dragged a little in the middle, where the problems facing the couple became rather repetitive. It was not quite miscommunication but along the same lines so I was slightly irritated by some of the characters’ decisions. It was still an enjoyable read overall.
I didn’t like the FMC very much, but I do think she and the MMC made a good couple. The story dragged a little in the middle, where the problems facing the couple became rather repetitive. It was not quite miscommunication but along the same lines so I was slightly irritated by some of the characters’ decisions. It was still an enjoyable read overall.
April 24, 2022
Firstly I would like to say that I fell in love with the cover! The model is proportionately representing Halfdan and he kept letting my imagination work with the image of him whilst reading it. Secondly the story and the writing are truly incredible!
Broken hearted, impoverished and in need of money for her family, Valda attempts to find a merchant’s ship to take her as she resigned herself from being a well-known Shieldmaiden but she doesn’t expect Halfdan, her past lover offers his ship and hand. Meanwhile Halfdan is beyond happy to have finally been reunited with Valda, the only woman whom had caught his heart. Both Valda and Halfdan have been in love since they were young however as they had their misunderstandings and unstable conditions in the past, they stubbornly and unclearly left one another.
I was totally bereft of words because I felt like being taken into the journeys and adventures which Valda and Halfdan have to deal with. Lucy Morris’ writing is always splendidly immersive and satisfying. Despite her warrior image, Valda has the image of beauty, her long red hair, fair skin, hazel eyes and freckles are the temptation for Halfdan albeit stubborn and fierce. Yet Halfdan is a jovial handsome successful merchant and son of a jarl’s. They understand that they cannot be together as the predicament of Halfdan’s brother is in tatters and he has taken an oath with his ruthless father to save his brother before sailing.
Not only is this Viking story filled with adventurous and immersive one but also it is a deeply researched book which is packed with historical detail. It has everything you want in Historical Romance, the steamy and intense relation between Valda and Halfdan who desire to enjoy their temporary romance, the strong family bond and friendship, and the uplifting ending! What enraptured me more was the history of enslavement and the last location of their journey, Lucy Morris has fascinated me again with her book! Thank you, Lucy Morris, for this ARC which I voluntary reviewed.
Broken hearted, impoverished and in need of money for her family, Valda attempts to find a merchant’s ship to take her as she resigned herself from being a well-known Shieldmaiden but she doesn’t expect Halfdan, her past lover offers his ship and hand. Meanwhile Halfdan is beyond happy to have finally been reunited with Valda, the only woman whom had caught his heart. Both Valda and Halfdan have been in love since they were young however as they had their misunderstandings and unstable conditions in the past, they stubbornly and unclearly left one another.
I was totally bereft of words because I felt like being taken into the journeys and adventures which Valda and Halfdan have to deal with. Lucy Morris’ writing is always splendidly immersive and satisfying. Despite her warrior image, Valda has the image of beauty, her long red hair, fair skin, hazel eyes and freckles are the temptation for Halfdan albeit stubborn and fierce. Yet Halfdan is a jovial handsome successful merchant and son of a jarl’s. They understand that they cannot be together as the predicament of Halfdan’s brother is in tatters and he has taken an oath with his ruthless father to save his brother before sailing.
Not only is this Viking story filled with adventurous and immersive one but also it is a deeply researched book which is packed with historical detail. It has everything you want in Historical Romance, the steamy and intense relation between Valda and Halfdan who desire to enjoy their temporary romance, the strong family bond and friendship, and the uplifting ending! What enraptured me more was the history of enslavement and the last location of their journey, Lucy Morris has fascinated me again with her book! Thank you, Lucy Morris, for this ARC which I voluntary reviewed.
June 6, 2022
A wonderful second-chance romance, The Viking She Would Have Married is part of the Shieldmaiden Sisters series. Suffering from a broken heart and desperate to help her family, who is impoverished, Valda is stunned when her ex-love Halfdan Ulfsson offers her a job on his merchant ship. Halfdan is thrilled to have the only woman he ever loved on his ship. When old feelings stir, can Valda and Halfdan put the past and all of the obstacles in their way behind them?
Halfdan and Valda have such a wonderful second-chance romance! The pair has a complicated past, and secrets, misunderstandings, lies, and life got in their way. It’s interesting to see them slowly work through the events and feelings of the past and face their wounds and issues.
The story is exciting and entertaining as Valda and Halfdan sail together across a dangerous trade route, and I became so invested in their story. What really happened in their past? Will Valda ever trust Halfdan again? Can she help her family? Will Valda and Halfdan give in to their feelings? And how will they deal with his villainous father? There is a lot at stake for the pair and others close to them.
The secondary characters are also great, and I can’t wait to read more about them and learn their stories! There is a potential romance hinted at in the book with one of Valda’s sisters, and her story sounds like it’s going to be a swoon-tastic enemies-to-lovers romance!
Lucy Morris is such a wonderful storyteller, and I always enjoy reading her books. The characters are compelling, the stories are intriguing, and the romances are swoon-tastic! Special thanks to the author and Rachel’s Random Resources for providing me with a copy of the book. All thoughts are my own.
Halfdan and Valda have such a wonderful second-chance romance! The pair has a complicated past, and secrets, misunderstandings, lies, and life got in their way. It’s interesting to see them slowly work through the events and feelings of the past and face their wounds and issues.
The story is exciting and entertaining as Valda and Halfdan sail together across a dangerous trade route, and I became so invested in their story. What really happened in their past? Will Valda ever trust Halfdan again? Can she help her family? Will Valda and Halfdan give in to their feelings? And how will they deal with his villainous father? There is a lot at stake for the pair and others close to them.
The secondary characters are also great, and I can’t wait to read more about them and learn their stories! There is a potential romance hinted at in the book with one of Valda’s sisters, and her story sounds like it’s going to be a swoon-tastic enemies-to-lovers romance!
Lucy Morris is such a wonderful storyteller, and I always enjoy reading her books. The characters are compelling, the stories are intriguing, and the romances are swoon-tastic! Special thanks to the author and Rachel’s Random Resources for providing me with a copy of the book. All thoughts are my own.
July 20, 2022
I loved this second time around romance. Valda was an admirable and selfless heroine and Halfdan was a gorgeous hero with honour, courage and a sensitive side that really appealed to me. The unusual eastern setting for this Viking romance really set the seal on a very satisfying read.
May 30, 2025
Halfdan Ulfsson et Valda (la Lame)
Proprietaire d'un Dakkar/Navigateur/fils d'un puissant Jarl, Guerrière
Tostig (bras droit de Halfdan, second sur le drakkar)
Helga (petite soeur de Valda, passionné de sorcellerie)
Brunehilde (sœur aînée de Valda, guerrière)
Porunn (mère des filles, ancienne guerrière)
Erik (frère aîné -de deux ans- de Halfdan )
Sigrid (mère de Halfdan, morte en accouchant d'un second fils mort-né)
Anahita (mère d’Erik, esclave de Ulf, morte sous l'épéedu Jarl)
Ulf (père des garçons, puissant Jarl, monstrueux)
Jorund (ex de Valda, supérieur et homme de confiance de Rollon)
Rollon (chef viking qui combattait l’armée de Charles III le Simple)
Intéressante relation amoureuse et familiale.
Envie de découvrir les histoires des sœurs.
📖
En l'an de grâce 913, York
<<< La Lame >>. Tel est le surnom de Valda sur le champ de bataille. Fière guerrière au bouclier, elle ôte sans pitié la vie de ceux qui ont la témérité de la défier. Pas question pour elle de laisser quiconque l'atteindre, et surtout pas les hommes! Depuis que son premier amour, Halfdan Ulfsson, l'a cruellement trompée avec une autre, elle garde son cœur à l'abri. Or voilà que le traître qu'elle n'a jamais pu oublier resurgit aujourd'hui dans sa vie, prêt à lever les voiles du drakkar sur lequel elle doit embarquer! Troublée malgré elle, Valda s'en fait la promesse: jamais plus elle n'accordera sa confiance à ce Viking au regard azur. Jamais plus elle ne s'abandonnera entre ses bras...
📚
🖋
D’un signe de tête, Helga les invita à prononcer à l’unisson la formule incantatoire, ce qu’elles firent à la perfection en s’efforçant de psalmodier lentement pour être bien ensemble.
Helga fit un ample mouvement en forme d’arc avec le sac avant de le remuer trois fois en décrivant des cercles.
Une bourrasque, soudain, agita les branches du chêne. Un frisson parcourut Valda qui sentit le froid courir le long de ses bras nus.
Ce n’est que le vent du nord, se dit-elle pour se rassurer en se frottant les bras.
— Prends-en un ! ordonna Helga à Brunehilde qui fixait le sac d’os sans se décider à y plonger la main.
— Je commence, fit Valda pour encourager sa sœur.
Elle prit le premier morceau d’os qu’elle rencontra.
Il s’agissait d’une côte de mouton. Elle avait été soigneusement nettoyée et portait la trace de dents qui l’avaient un peu trop rongée, si bien qu’elle se fendait presque par le milieu.
Il n’y avait aucune trace de rune sur le côté que Valda consulta en premier, si bien qu’elle la retourna et, sur l’autre côté, vit une rune correspondant à la quinzième lettre de l’alphabet norrois.
Le graphique de couleur foncée en était simple et ressortait bien sur le fond blanc de l’os. Il présentait une ligne droite verticale se terminant au sommet par la pointe inversée d’une flèche.
— Je vois la mer, l’amour, le voyage, fit Helga d’un air inspiré. Ton futur mari vient peut-être d’un autre rivage ?
Valda, qui cherchait à cacher sa déception, acquiesça d’un sourire contrit.
La lettre Algiz avait, en effet, tous ces sens, mais Helga n’était pas la seule à avoir écouté les enseignements de leur tante Freydis. Elle savait que cette rune évoquait la mer et qu’il était difficile, voire impossible, de prédire précisément ce qu’elle annonçait, particulièrement dans la mesure où Valda l’avait retournée. Présentée dans l’autre sens, elle aurait immanquablement annoncé le danger, l’insécurité et une grande perte.
Elle éprouvait déjà abondamment ces sentiments du seul fait qu’elle servait dans l’armée de Rollon, le chef viking qui combattait l’armée de Charles III le Simple, où chaque jour, lors des campagnes militaires, elle pouvait trouver la mort.
Ces circonstances ne l’empêchaient pas de rêver de l’avenir qu’elle envisageait sous l’aspect d’une vie tranquille où elle exploiterait une terre et vivrait dans une ferme qui serait pour elle un foyer.
Peut-être le partagerait-elle avec un mari et des enfants ? En tout cas, elle aspirait à tout sauf aux voyages et aux combats qui, il est vrai, représentaient l’essentiel de la vie de nombreux de ses contemporains.
Tandis que ses sœurs tiraient une rune chacune à son tour et qu’elle les entendait rire, désirant si peu ce qui lui avait été prédit par Helga, elle se répétait sans cesse en ellemême : « Ce n’est qu’un jeu d’enfants qui n’a aucune signification. »
🖋
Proprietaire d'un Dakkar/Navigateur/fils d'un puissant Jarl, Guerrière
Tostig (bras droit de Halfdan, second sur le drakkar)
Helga (petite soeur de Valda, passionné de sorcellerie)
Brunehilde (sœur aînée de Valda, guerrière)
Porunn (mère des filles, ancienne guerrière)
Erik (frère aîné -de deux ans- de Halfdan )
Sigrid (mère de Halfdan, morte en accouchant d'un second fils mort-né)
Anahita (mère d’Erik, esclave de Ulf, morte sous l'épéedu Jarl)
Ulf (père des garçons, puissant Jarl, monstrueux)
Jorund (ex de Valda, supérieur et homme de confiance de Rollon)
Rollon (chef viking qui combattait l’armée de Charles III le Simple)
Intéressante relation amoureuse et familiale.
Envie de découvrir les histoires des sœurs.
📖
En l'an de grâce 913, York
<<< La Lame >>. Tel est le surnom de Valda sur le champ de bataille. Fière guerrière au bouclier, elle ôte sans pitié la vie de ceux qui ont la témérité de la défier. Pas question pour elle de laisser quiconque l'atteindre, et surtout pas les hommes! Depuis que son premier amour, Halfdan Ulfsson, l'a cruellement trompée avec une autre, elle garde son cœur à l'abri. Or voilà que le traître qu'elle n'a jamais pu oublier resurgit aujourd'hui dans sa vie, prêt à lever les voiles du drakkar sur lequel elle doit embarquer! Troublée malgré elle, Valda s'en fait la promesse: jamais plus elle n'accordera sa confiance à ce Viking au regard azur. Jamais plus elle ne s'abandonnera entre ses bras...
📚
🖋
D’un signe de tête, Helga les invita à prononcer à l’unisson la formule incantatoire, ce qu’elles firent à la perfection en s’efforçant de psalmodier lentement pour être bien ensemble.
Helga fit un ample mouvement en forme d’arc avec le sac avant de le remuer trois fois en décrivant des cercles.
Une bourrasque, soudain, agita les branches du chêne. Un frisson parcourut Valda qui sentit le froid courir le long de ses bras nus.
Ce n’est que le vent du nord, se dit-elle pour se rassurer en se frottant les bras.
— Prends-en un ! ordonna Helga à Brunehilde qui fixait le sac d’os sans se décider à y plonger la main.
— Je commence, fit Valda pour encourager sa sœur.
Elle prit le premier morceau d’os qu’elle rencontra.
Il s’agissait d’une côte de mouton. Elle avait été soigneusement nettoyée et portait la trace de dents qui l’avaient un peu trop rongée, si bien qu’elle se fendait presque par le milieu.
Il n’y avait aucune trace de rune sur le côté que Valda consulta en premier, si bien qu’elle la retourna et, sur l’autre côté, vit une rune correspondant à la quinzième lettre de l’alphabet norrois.
Le graphique de couleur foncée en était simple et ressortait bien sur le fond blanc de l’os. Il présentait une ligne droite verticale se terminant au sommet par la pointe inversée d’une flèche.
— Je vois la mer, l’amour, le voyage, fit Helga d’un air inspiré. Ton futur mari vient peut-être d’un autre rivage ?
Valda, qui cherchait à cacher sa déception, acquiesça d’un sourire contrit.
La lettre Algiz avait, en effet, tous ces sens, mais Helga n’était pas la seule à avoir écouté les enseignements de leur tante Freydis. Elle savait que cette rune évoquait la mer et qu’il était difficile, voire impossible, de prédire précisément ce qu’elle annonçait, particulièrement dans la mesure où Valda l’avait retournée. Présentée dans l’autre sens, elle aurait immanquablement annoncé le danger, l’insécurité et une grande perte.
Elle éprouvait déjà abondamment ces sentiments du seul fait qu’elle servait dans l’armée de Rollon, le chef viking qui combattait l’armée de Charles III le Simple, où chaque jour, lors des campagnes militaires, elle pouvait trouver la mort.
Ces circonstances ne l’empêchaient pas de rêver de l’avenir qu’elle envisageait sous l’aspect d’une vie tranquille où elle exploiterait une terre et vivrait dans une ferme qui serait pour elle un foyer.
Peut-être le partagerait-elle avec un mari et des enfants ? En tout cas, elle aspirait à tout sauf aux voyages et aux combats qui, il est vrai, représentaient l’essentiel de la vie de nombreux de ses contemporains.
Tandis que ses sœurs tiraient une rune chacune à son tour et qu’elle les entendait rire, désirant si peu ce qui lui avait été prédit par Helga, elle se répétait sans cesse en ellemême : « Ce n’est qu’un jeu d’enfants qui n’a aucune signification. »
🖋
May 30, 2025
Halfdan Ulfsson et Valda (la Lame)
Proprietaire d'un Dakkar/Navigateur/fils d'un puissant Jarl, Guerrière
Tostig (bras droit de Halfdan, second sur le drakkar)
Helga (petite soeur de Valda, passionné de sorcellerie)
Brunehilde (sœur aînée de Valda, guerrière)
Porunn (mère des filles, ancienne guerrière)
Erik (frère aîné -de deux ans- de Halfdan )
Sigrid (mère de Halfdan, morte en accouchant d'un second fils mort-né)
Anahita (mère d’Erik, esclave de Ulf, morte sous l'épéedu Jarl)
Ulf (père des garçons, puissant Jarl, monstrueux)
Jorund (ex de Valda, supérieur et homme de confiance de Rollon)
Rollon (chef viking qui combattait l’armée de Charles III le Simple)
Intéressante relation amoureuse et familiale.
Envie de découvrir les histoires des sœurs.
📖
En l'an de grâce 913, York
<<< La Lame >>. Tel est le surnom de Valda sur le champ de bataille. Fière guerrière au bouclier, elle ôte sans pitié la vie de ceux qui ont la témérité de la défier. Pas question pour elle de laisser quiconque l'atteindre, et surtout pas les hommes! Depuis que son premier amour, Halfdan Ulfsson, l'a cruellement trompée avec une autre, elle garde son cœur à l'abri. Or voilà que le traître qu'elle n'a jamais pu oublier resurgit aujourd'hui dans sa vie, prêt à lever les voiles du drakkar sur lequel elle doit embarquer! Troublée malgré elle, Valda s'en fait la promesse: jamais plus elle n'accordera sa confiance à ce Viking au regard azur. Jamais plus elle ne s'abandonnera entre ses bras.
📚
🖋
D’un signe de tête, Helga les invita à prononcer à l’unisson la formule incantatoire, ce qu’elles firent à la perfection en s’efforçant de psalmodier lentement pour être bien ensemble.
Helga fit un ample mouvement en forme d’arc avec le sac avant de le remuer trois fois en décrivant des cercles.
Une bourrasque, soudain, agita les branches du chêne. Un frisson parcourut Valda qui sentit le froid courir le long de ses bras nus.
Ce n’est que le vent du nord, se dit-elle pour se rassurer en se frottant les bras.
— Prends-en un ! ordonna Helga à Brunehilde qui fixait le sac d’os sans se décider à y plonger la main.
— Je commence, fit Valda pour encourager sa sœur.
Elle prit le premier morceau d’os qu’elle rencontra.
Il s’agissait d’une côte de mouton. Elle avait été soigneusement nettoyée et portait la trace de dents qui l’avaient un peu trop rongée, si bien qu’elle se fendait presque par le milieu.
Il n’y avait aucune trace de rune sur le côté que Valda consulta en premier, si bien qu’elle la retourna et, sur l’autre côté, vit une rune correspondant à la quinzième lettre de l’alphabet norrois.
Le graphique de couleur foncée en était simple et ressortait bien sur le fond blanc de l’os. Il présentait une ligne droite verticale se terminant au sommet par la pointe inversée d’une flèche.
— Je vois la mer, l’amour, le voyage, fit Helga d’un air inspiré. Ton futur mari vient peut-être d’un autre rivage ?
Valda, qui cherchait à cacher sa déception, acquiesça d’un sourire contrit.
La lettre Algiz avait, en effet, tous ces sens, mais Helga n’était pas la seule à avoir écouté les enseignements de leur tante Freydis. Elle savait que cette rune évoquait la mer et qu’il était difficile, voire impossible, de prédire précisément ce qu’elle annonçait, particulièrement dans la mesure où Valda l’avait retournée. Présentée dans l’autre sens, elle aurait immanquablement annoncé le danger, l’insécurité et une grande perte.
Elle éprouvait déjà abondamment ces sentiments du seul fait qu’elle servait dans l’armée de Rollon, le chef viking qui combattait l’armée de Charles III le Simple, où chaque jour, lors des campagnes militaires, elle pouvait trouver la mort.
Ces circonstances ne l’empêchaient pas de rêver de l’avenir qu’elle envisageait sous l’aspect d’une vie tranquille où elle exploiterait une terre et vivrait dans une ferme qui serait pour elle un foyer.
Peut-être le partagerait-elle avec un mari et des enfants ? En tout cas, elle aspirait à tout sauf aux voyages et aux combats qui, il est vrai, représentaient l’essentiel de la vie de nombreux de ses contemporains.
Tandis que ses sœurs tiraient une rune chacune à son tour et qu’elle les entendait rire, désirant si peu ce qui lui avait été prédit par Helga, elle se répétait sans cesse en ellemême : « Ce n’est qu’un jeu d’enfants qui n’a aucune signification. »
🖋
Proprietaire d'un Dakkar/Navigateur/fils d'un puissant Jarl, Guerrière
Tostig (bras droit de Halfdan, second sur le drakkar)
Helga (petite soeur de Valda, passionné de sorcellerie)
Brunehilde (sœur aînée de Valda, guerrière)
Porunn (mère des filles, ancienne guerrière)
Erik (frère aîné -de deux ans- de Halfdan )
Sigrid (mère de Halfdan, morte en accouchant d'un second fils mort-né)
Anahita (mère d’Erik, esclave de Ulf, morte sous l'épéedu Jarl)
Ulf (père des garçons, puissant Jarl, monstrueux)
Jorund (ex de Valda, supérieur et homme de confiance de Rollon)
Rollon (chef viking qui combattait l’armée de Charles III le Simple)
Intéressante relation amoureuse et familiale.
Envie de découvrir les histoires des sœurs.
📖
En l'an de grâce 913, York
<<< La Lame >>. Tel est le surnom de Valda sur le champ de bataille. Fière guerrière au bouclier, elle ôte sans pitié la vie de ceux qui ont la témérité de la défier. Pas question pour elle de laisser quiconque l'atteindre, et surtout pas les hommes! Depuis que son premier amour, Halfdan Ulfsson, l'a cruellement trompée avec une autre, elle garde son cœur à l'abri. Or voilà que le traître qu'elle n'a jamais pu oublier resurgit aujourd'hui dans sa vie, prêt à lever les voiles du drakkar sur lequel elle doit embarquer! Troublée malgré elle, Valda s'en fait la promesse: jamais plus elle n'accordera sa confiance à ce Viking au regard azur. Jamais plus elle ne s'abandonnera entre ses bras.
📚
🖋
D’un signe de tête, Helga les invita à prononcer à l’unisson la formule incantatoire, ce qu’elles firent à la perfection en s’efforçant de psalmodier lentement pour être bien ensemble.
Helga fit un ample mouvement en forme d’arc avec le sac avant de le remuer trois fois en décrivant des cercles.
Une bourrasque, soudain, agita les branches du chêne. Un frisson parcourut Valda qui sentit le froid courir le long de ses bras nus.
Ce n’est que le vent du nord, se dit-elle pour se rassurer en se frottant les bras.
— Prends-en un ! ordonna Helga à Brunehilde qui fixait le sac d’os sans se décider à y plonger la main.
— Je commence, fit Valda pour encourager sa sœur.
Elle prit le premier morceau d’os qu’elle rencontra.
Il s’agissait d’une côte de mouton. Elle avait été soigneusement nettoyée et portait la trace de dents qui l’avaient un peu trop rongée, si bien qu’elle se fendait presque par le milieu.
Il n’y avait aucune trace de rune sur le côté que Valda consulta en premier, si bien qu’elle la retourna et, sur l’autre côté, vit une rune correspondant à la quinzième lettre de l’alphabet norrois.
Le graphique de couleur foncée en était simple et ressortait bien sur le fond blanc de l’os. Il présentait une ligne droite verticale se terminant au sommet par la pointe inversée d’une flèche.
— Je vois la mer, l’amour, le voyage, fit Helga d’un air inspiré. Ton futur mari vient peut-être d’un autre rivage ?
Valda, qui cherchait à cacher sa déception, acquiesça d’un sourire contrit.
La lettre Algiz avait, en effet, tous ces sens, mais Helga n’était pas la seule à avoir écouté les enseignements de leur tante Freydis. Elle savait que cette rune évoquait la mer et qu’il était difficile, voire impossible, de prédire précisément ce qu’elle annonçait, particulièrement dans la mesure où Valda l’avait retournée. Présentée dans l’autre sens, elle aurait immanquablement annoncé le danger, l’insécurité et une grande perte.
Elle éprouvait déjà abondamment ces sentiments du seul fait qu’elle servait dans l’armée de Rollon, le chef viking qui combattait l’armée de Charles III le Simple, où chaque jour, lors des campagnes militaires, elle pouvait trouver la mort.
Ces circonstances ne l’empêchaient pas de rêver de l’avenir qu’elle envisageait sous l’aspect d’une vie tranquille où elle exploiterait une terre et vivrait dans une ferme qui serait pour elle un foyer.
Peut-être le partagerait-elle avec un mari et des enfants ? En tout cas, elle aspirait à tout sauf aux voyages et aux combats qui, il est vrai, représentaient l’essentiel de la vie de nombreux de ses contemporains.
Tandis que ses sœurs tiraient une rune chacune à son tour et qu’elle les entendait rire, désirant si peu ce qui lui avait été prédit par Helga, elle se répétait sans cesse en ellemême : « Ce n’est qu’un jeu d’enfants qui n’a aucune signification. »
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September 4, 2022
Rating: 4.5 Stars
Lucy Morris has made the Viking era her own and she dazzles with her superb new historical romance teeming with atmosphere, emotion and passion: The Viking She Would Have Married.
Valda is absolutely desperate. Her family has fallen on hard times, her options are limited and the people she loves most in the world are relying on her. With nowhere else to go and nobody to turn to, Valda realizes that she is going to have to swallow her pride and do the unthinkable: join the crew on Halfdan Ulfsson’s merchant ship as he sets sail on the treacherous silk route. The journey will be long and dangerous and on board the ship, Valda will find herself coming up against all manner of obstacles. However, what is worrying her the most is not this epic voyage across an ocean, but having to come face to face with the handsome jarl’s son she had planned to marry!
Halfdan had betrayed Valda in the worst possible way. She had hoped never to have anything to do with him ever again, however, with fate and circumstance having forced the two of them together, never forgotten feelings quickly come rushing to the surface. The passion that had once united them is still as strong and intense as ever, but can Valda trust him again? Can she draw a line under the past and forge forward into the future? Or will her former betrothed’s betrayal continue to tear them apart?
Valda’s focus must remain on saving her sisters – even if spending the rest of her life without Halfdan now that they’ve been reunited would be impossible to bear…
Reading a Lucy Morris historical romance is like journeying back to the past. In The Viking She Would Have Married, Lucy Morris has penned an intensely dramatic, beautifully evocative and wonderfully vivid tale of love lost and found, illicit desire, dangerous passion and the ties that bind sisters together that plunges the reader into a world of jeopardy and desire that will keep them eagerly turning the pages.
In The Viking She Would Have Married, Lucy Morris has penned a full-bodied, multi-layered and captivating historical romance that leaves me eagerly anticipating the forthcoming titles in her Shieldmaiden Sisters series.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Lucy Morris has made the Viking era her own and she dazzles with her superb new historical romance teeming with atmosphere, emotion and passion: The Viking She Would Have Married.
Valda is absolutely desperate. Her family has fallen on hard times, her options are limited and the people she loves most in the world are relying on her. With nowhere else to go and nobody to turn to, Valda realizes that she is going to have to swallow her pride and do the unthinkable: join the crew on Halfdan Ulfsson’s merchant ship as he sets sail on the treacherous silk route. The journey will be long and dangerous and on board the ship, Valda will find herself coming up against all manner of obstacles. However, what is worrying her the most is not this epic voyage across an ocean, but having to come face to face with the handsome jarl’s son she had planned to marry!
Halfdan had betrayed Valda in the worst possible way. She had hoped never to have anything to do with him ever again, however, with fate and circumstance having forced the two of them together, never forgotten feelings quickly come rushing to the surface. The passion that had once united them is still as strong and intense as ever, but can Valda trust him again? Can she draw a line under the past and forge forward into the future? Or will her former betrothed’s betrayal continue to tear them apart?
Valda’s focus must remain on saving her sisters – even if spending the rest of her life without Halfdan now that they’ve been reunited would be impossible to bear…
Reading a Lucy Morris historical romance is like journeying back to the past. In The Viking She Would Have Married, Lucy Morris has penned an intensely dramatic, beautifully evocative and wonderfully vivid tale of love lost and found, illicit desire, dangerous passion and the ties that bind sisters together that plunges the reader into a world of jeopardy and desire that will keep them eagerly turning the pages.
In The Viking She Would Have Married, Lucy Morris has penned a full-bodied, multi-layered and captivating historical romance that leaves me eagerly anticipating the forthcoming titles in her Shieldmaiden Sisters series.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
September 10, 2022
Shieldmaiden Valda lives in unusual circumstances. Her mother, Porrunn, has never married, but raised Valda and her two sisters, Brynhild and Helga alone. But when their fates change, they end up in Jorvik, desperate to find their place in a changing world where not having a man to speak up for you is a big disadvantage.
Valda is looking to join a ship, as a warrior. Her reputation precedes her, yet men are reluctant to take a woman on board. Then she gets a tempting offer of a journey beyond her imagination. The only snag is that it's on Halfdan's ship. Once lovers, she never thought his offer of marriage was genuine, especially with rumours about another woman in his bed. Can she put the past aside for the sake of treasure and her family's future?
Halfdan Ulfsson is a trader, always on the move. His violent father, Jarl Ulf, always expects more, and, aware of his half-brother's fate as a thrall, Halfdan would do anything to gain his brother's freedom. Even agree to a marriage! But then Valda appears, and he offers her a post on his ship. Things begin to get complicated as they embark on their dangerous journey to Miklagard.
The Viking She Would Have Married is a riveting trip across the seas, and rugged landscapes, towards wondrous Constantinople (Miklagard). The author has researched the historical setting well. They trip is realistic, and there are enough hints at Viking life that make you step back in time quite easily.
I like Halfdan. He's stuck in the middle between his brother's fate as a thrall, and his brutal father. A fair man and clever negotiator, he has amassed much wealth for the old man. But it takes a journey with Valda for him to come to a vital decision.
Valda is feisty and proud, and a bit too stubborn for me. I thought she wilfully ran her head against the wall a few times, where a bit of sense would have helped. She's led a tough life, though, and her mannerisms are more those of a male warrior than a female. A twist at the end makes her see what she really wants in life.
This novel is a riveting ride across the seas, from early Normandy, to Jorvik, and on to Miklagard. All the while, their emotions are at boiling point, and there is much ’will they, won't they’ tension throughout.
A fabulous adventure romance.
Note: I received a free ebook copy in exchange for an honest review. All views expressed are my own.
Valda is looking to join a ship, as a warrior. Her reputation precedes her, yet men are reluctant to take a woman on board. Then she gets a tempting offer of a journey beyond her imagination. The only snag is that it's on Halfdan's ship. Once lovers, she never thought his offer of marriage was genuine, especially with rumours about another woman in his bed. Can she put the past aside for the sake of treasure and her family's future?
Halfdan Ulfsson is a trader, always on the move. His violent father, Jarl Ulf, always expects more, and, aware of his half-brother's fate as a thrall, Halfdan would do anything to gain his brother's freedom. Even agree to a marriage! But then Valda appears, and he offers her a post on his ship. Things begin to get complicated as they embark on their dangerous journey to Miklagard.
The Viking She Would Have Married is a riveting trip across the seas, and rugged landscapes, towards wondrous Constantinople (Miklagard). The author has researched the historical setting well. They trip is realistic, and there are enough hints at Viking life that make you step back in time quite easily.
I like Halfdan. He's stuck in the middle between his brother's fate as a thrall, and his brutal father. A fair man and clever negotiator, he has amassed much wealth for the old man. But it takes a journey with Valda for him to come to a vital decision.
Valda is feisty and proud, and a bit too stubborn for me. I thought she wilfully ran her head against the wall a few times, where a bit of sense would have helped. She's led a tough life, though, and her mannerisms are more those of a male warrior than a female. A twist at the end makes her see what she really wants in life.
This novel is a riveting ride across the seas, from early Normandy, to Jorvik, and on to Miklagard. All the while, their emotions are at boiling point, and there is much ’will they, won't they’ tension throughout.
A fabulous adventure romance.
Note: I received a free ebook copy in exchange for an honest review. All views expressed are my own.
May 30, 2022
A historical second chance romance with plenty to enjoy, this book weaves a rekindled love story against a fascinating medieval backdrop. Former lovers Valda and Halfdan sail all the way down to Miklagard (better known as Constantinople, now Istanbul) and I loved seeing their growing closeness as the voyage goes on.
While the challenges of the past and Halfdan's own father hamper them, their own stubborn pride is also to blame - particularly Halfden! Valda makes some very good points about being a woman in a man's world, but Halfden is so sure that his crew are different, he doesn't really acknowledge the truth of her struggles. He's also promised himself into marriage alliance on their return and that really isn't terribly conducive to a relationship, no matter how he tries to spin it.
I know very little about Vikings that doesn't come from Horrible Histories and that never covered their trading trips down south, but I found the historical context added a beautiful richness. There was even an added dimension of the rise of Christianity versus local pagan religions and how that differed from place to place - not particularly plot-relevant, but it added depth without bulking the word count.
If devoted but hard-headed idiots in love (incredibly competent people rendered nonsensical by feelings they refuse to admit to) during an interesting time period sounds like your jam, pick up this book!
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book via Rachel's Random Resources; all opinions are my own. For more of my reviews, take a look at my blog!
While the challenges of the past and Halfdan's own father hamper them, their own stubborn pride is also to blame - particularly Halfden! Valda makes some very good points about being a woman in a man's world, but Halfden is so sure that his crew are different, he doesn't really acknowledge the truth of her struggles. He's also promised himself into marriage alliance on their return and that really isn't terribly conducive to a relationship, no matter how he tries to spin it.
I know very little about Vikings that doesn't come from Horrible Histories and that never covered their trading trips down south, but I found the historical context added a beautiful richness. There was even an added dimension of the rise of Christianity versus local pagan religions and how that differed from place to place - not particularly plot-relevant, but it added depth without bulking the word count.
If devoted but hard-headed idiots in love (incredibly competent people rendered nonsensical by feelings they refuse to admit to) during an interesting time period sounds like your jam, pick up this book!
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book via Rachel's Random Resources; all opinions are my own. For more of my reviews, take a look at my blog!
February 17, 2023
Man 1 star seems so mean but this was just so boring even though I had nothing against it in principle. I wouldn’t have finished it normally but it felt like I should stick it out just to see. I really don’t think second chance romances are for me tbh because you have to just accept that they used to love each other and it’s an excuse for the author to write very little about them falling in love/being in love and just to expect readers to believe it.
Once again I didn’t have much against this but I also can’t really say anything for it either. The characters weren’t intriguing to me, the love felt very surface level, the drama was lacking. They built up that she’d have to fight so much and in the end they had such a tiny little battle that lasted a quarter of the time of the extended descriptions of the voyage and landscapes etc. I also think it’s funny that she’s so adamant that she won’t just be sleeping with him and will actually be a proper member of the crew but then they’re just sleeping together and she’s not actually of much use idk maybe she is but there’s so little description of it beyond them just looking at each other wistfully across the deck.
Once again I didn’t have much against this but I also can’t really say anything for it either. The characters weren’t intriguing to me, the love felt very surface level, the drama was lacking. They built up that she’d have to fight so much and in the end they had such a tiny little battle that lasted a quarter of the time of the extended descriptions of the voyage and landscapes etc. I also think it’s funny that she’s so adamant that she won’t just be sleeping with him and will actually be a proper member of the crew but then they’re just sleeping together and she’s not actually of much use idk maybe she is but there’s so little description of it beyond them just looking at each other wistfully across the deck.
June 2, 2022
Thank you so much Lucy Morris, Rachel’s random resources, harlequin and mills & boon for gifting me a digital copy of the Viking she would have married in exchange for an honest review. I adored this book, I loved the strength of Valda; her warrior spirit was palpable throughout and her loyalty to her family was incredible. I loved the back and forth between Halfdan and Valda, it showed their history and potential future if they let their pride drop away. I really enjoyed this book and finished it in a couple of hours. Like all mills and boon books they are filled with historical accuracy and the guarantee of a love story. I can’t wait for the next book by Lucy Morris tempted by her outcast Viking, the sample chapter really had me hooked.
July 3, 2022
Just love that Lucy used a new Viking archeology book for some artifacts in this one! This one had second chance romance- a bit of one bed- small boat close quarters- travel and adventure. We also get Valda who is one hell of a strong independent lady and her sisters and mother who lead by example. Halfdan has a horrible father who one day will take over the lands and title- but for for now he travels and trades. Love that we got Istanbul back in 913!
I just loved this fast paced- great flow of a book with some good steamy! I loved Lucy’s writing and setting of it all. I can’t wait for more of this series and for her sisters to get their HEA!
5 stars
3 steam
I just loved this fast paced- great flow of a book with some good steamy! I loved Lucy’s writing and setting of it all. I can’t wait for more of this series and for her sisters to get their HEA!
5 stars
3 steam
January 31, 2023
I could have loved this, but it wasn't executed to my liking. The writing was a lot of telling instead of showing, and repetitive inner monologues. The first half was just a big MISUNDERSTANDING and NON-COMMUNICATION, which I hate. I just don't like this as the main conflict. I think that the other conflict (class difference) could have been enough for them, or that they could have talked to each other way faster. Then they talked it off, but didn't... and both kept secrets. There also was no epilogue. I did love the historical part and tge mention of my hometown Rouen.
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