Caedmon of Larkspur is the most loathsome lout I have ever encountered! When my sisters and I arrived at his castle, we were greeted by servants and children running wild, while Caedmon lied abed after a night of ale. No doubt there will be another child soon, because I must admit he's as handsome as he is virile. And I must endure him, for we are in desperate need of protection, though I can only imagine what this knight will demand of me in return...
He said...
After nine long months in the king's service, all I wanted was peace...not five Viking princesses running my keep. And the fiery redhead who burst into my chamber that first morning is the worst of all. Why, I should kick her out...but I have a much more wickedly delightful plan for Breanne of Stoneheim, one that will leave her a Viking in lust.
Sandra Hill is a graduate of Penn State and worked for more than 10 years as a features writer and education editor for publications in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Writing about serious issues taught her the merits of seeking the lighter side of even the darkest stories. She is the wife of a stockbroker and the mother of four sons.
This biography was provided by the author or their representative.
I have to tell you that I was very hesitant to read this book. I’ve only read two other books by Ms. Hill and, sorry to say, they did nothing for me. Actually, one I did not finish and the other, a novella, I did not like at all. The humor, I guess, is just not my kind of humor. So I just wasn’t very thrilled to begin another of her stories.
Now I’m happy to say that this book broke the mold and I actually enjoyed most of it. I had an issue or two starting out, but those eventually melted away once I got to know the characters.
Breanne and her numerous sisters are visiting their youngest sibling just after she’s received a brutal beating by her brute of a husband. The women decide he doesn’t deserve to live any longer. They take care of the body by dumping it into a privy currently under construction, a fitting end to the POS. Because they expect reprisal if the deed is discovered, they trek cross country to a distant relative’s to seek sanctuary.
This is where they meet up with Caedmon. He’s a lax lord, lounging around with his men all day, children of unknown parentage running wild, all living in a unkempt castle, and a host of other things the sisters can’t abide upon arrival, and they take it upon themselves to straighten the castle and its people out. Each has her own skill, so they go about their respective duties in efficiently cleaning up the place.
Though Caedmon isn’t concerned with much in his day-to-day life, he does care about his people and you can see that in the way he treats his children, even those thought to be his. This is one of my issues I had early on with this hero. It’s not made clear until later that those extra children aren’t his by blood but they are his of the heart. This is when the man’s true colors truly come out and I began to like him more. He definitely has honor.
Breanne and Caedmon go at each other constantly. At times it’s fun and at times it’s not. I think it’s that humor thing for me again. Sometimes it worked and sometimes it didn’t. But, for the most part, I liked their banter and their dance around each other.
I also did like all of the sisters. When faced with them in a horde all at once, I don’t think folks really knew what hit them. But they’re all feisty and witty and very intelligent, not letting anything or anyone stand in their way. They stand by each other no matter what.
Since this is my first Viking book by Ms. Hill, I will try another. I do have the majority of her books in the TBR because as I collected them, they seemed to be the kind of book I thought I’d enjoy. I’m glad my disappointment in her work has been waylaid, at least as of now. I’m actually looking forward to the next one I pick up.
"Viking in Love," (Historical, Avon, 359 pages, $7.99) by Sandra Hill: Two strong-willed people begin as enemies and end as lovers in Sandra Hill’s latest Tenth-century tale, “Viking in Love”.
Viking princesses Breanne and her sisters are forced to flee the Earl of Havenshire’s residence after they killed him for beating his wife, their fellow sister, Vana. They hide the body where he will never be found – at the bottom of a privy.
Rather than face certain speculation and the wrath of an equally brutish king, they seek refuge at a border castle until they can find safe passage back to their homeland. (Read Full Review . . . )
The sisters arrive at the disheveled estate, where the staff has ceased working and the master’s ten children, as well as his livestock, roam unattended. Appalled at the mess, the hot-headed Breanne confronts the master, named Caedmon, and they embark on a love-hate relationship in which insults are hurled one minute and kisses are traded the next.
Against his better judgment, Caedmon offers his protection in exchange for ten nights with Breanne. Although his attraction to her is undeniable, he makes it clear that he has no intention of remarrying or having more children. (Just for the record, only three are actually his.)
But when a misogynistic archbishop loyal to the king discovers their presence, Caedmon hatches an elaborate scheme involving a fake betrothal to Breanne in order to protect the princesses as well as his holdings.
Sandra Hill offers a bevy of colorful characters, including an Arab healer with a penchant for proverbs, a promiscuous cook who doles out explicit sex tips, and Caedmon’s ten children with unique personalities and a common desire to make Breanne their mother.
Hill blends the perfect amount of conflict and romance, while providing many uproarious twists and turns for an enjoyable read.
Breanne and her sisters find themselves in a bit of a pickle. See they accidentally killed their brother-in-law and disposed of the body where no one will think to look - underneath a privy. He was an abusive jerk and without the body they hope people will just think that he went missing. The sisters decide to head to their nearest relative who really isn't a relative at all. Caedmon is distantly related to a distant relative, but his castle is nearby and can offer them shelter and hopefully protection. Breanne and her sisters find his castle and his twelve children in need of some tender loving care so each sister does her part to help out. Breanne and Caedmon find the other attractive but they seem to have clashing personality issues.
I was really excited when I won Viking in Love because it has been a while since I read a Viking book and I have been in the mood for something other than the typical regency or vampire book. Unfortunately, the execution was not up to my taste. I have read Sandra Hill before and enjoyed her books but this one seemed to cross the line as far as comedy goes. It was too slap-stick and silly for my taste. In my opinion, a little goes a long way and in this case it was over done. The characters used modern idioms and slang and quite frankly it was very jarring. There was constant bickering between Caedmon and Breanne. It got old real quick. There were also a lot of characters, but not a lot of depth. I really can't recommend this one.
I'd binge read the other books in Sandra Hill's "Viking I" over a year ago and I remember enjoying every moment of the read, but I have no clue what changed this time.
The only things that cheered me on to finish the book was the fact that I loved, loved, loved Breanne. She was everything that most of the female protagonists in this sub-genre aren't. She was bold, blunt, daring and independent, not afraid of giving others a piece of her mind. Her sisters were an added charm to the book.
Another note-worthy point is that the book made me laugh, chuckle and giggle all throughout, which absolutely made up for all the frustration I was feeling towards Caedmon.
My mind was imagining him as a narcissistic fool rather than the rakish, handsome man turned into a loving/caring partner for Breanne kinda picture that the author wanted to portray. Over-all, it was an okay read for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review: The humor is endless when five Viking princesses descend upon Larkspur Castle seeking sanctuary and instead find chaos while the owner of the keep lies abed in a stupor. Breanne of Stoneheim proceeds to tell the knight who owns Larkspur just what she thinks about him and his unruly household. Caedmon is at first furious with the fiery Viking princess. Then he sees the benefit to having a few Vikings princesses help set his house back to order after his long absence from Larkspur. Once he discovers the trouble that is coming along with them, he knows he needs to get them out from his castle because the very King that he serves could easily take it from him if the princess's secrets are discovered. How can he put out Breanne after she has aroused him both mentally and physically? One thing is certain, Caedmon and Breanne's life along with Larkspur Castle will never be the same again.
Sandra Hill writes a fun and entertaining historical that is guaranteed to give the reader lots of laughter and romance. Caedmon and Breanne are constantly butting heads, all the while finding themselves entangled within a passion that creates even more problems for them. The characters are memorable with a witty dialog to keep you laughing and a story that unfolds into dilemmas and other humorous events. Viking In Love is one of those stories that will have you laughing out loud while reading it and even after the ending you will keep a smile upon your face. It is a feel-good and fun romance that I enjoyed reading.
Tags: Sandra Hill, Vikings, humor, historical, king, England
Review: I was looking for something laugh out loud funny to read and I know Sandra Hill’s Viking books are always a great choice. This book was no exception. From the opening to the couple’s first meeting and all the way through their courtship the book is light, fun, easy the read and, yes, laugh out loud. The daughters of Thorvald of Stoneheim are introduced as smart and protective. Caedmon is introduced as honorable, kind, smart and protective. They are a perfect match. I even enjoyed the side characters. They all added to the story and furthered the plot. Yes, I said plot! For all that the story is light and fun, it is plot driven. The plot is not heavy but detailed enough to be interesting and keep me interested. I am purposely not listing details of the plot because, well I think that this plot is kind of fun and it kicks off right on page one so I don’t want to give anything away. If you are looking for a funny book, this one just might be what you want.
Quotes: “The women would be pissing apple juice for a sennight,” Wulf remarked. “And dropping apple seeds hither and yon.” Page 19
Still, they ignored him. Now discussing why highborn women took so long to peak during bedsport and whether Sybill fell into that category and how Geoff once fell asleep in the midst of tupping a countess who took too long to reach her peak. Page 72
Thus Breanne learned more about candles than she ever wanted to know. Page 122
I would have enjoyed this so much more without the random character thoughts, everyone's, interposed throughout the text. you're reading along and then with no change in text or notation you're inside someone's head, then two lines later in someone else's. jumping from head to head like that was distracting.
Let me start out by saying I love Sandra Hills books and I am a big fan of her books.Sandra's books for me have all the things that make up a great read for me. This book was funny sexual had me laughing so hard at some points and others crying out my eyes.I don't think I have read a book this year that I laughed so hard.
Normally the books are written about the Viking being the male of the book but, this time around it was about 5 Viking Norse princesses and one of them finding love. The Viking princesses are all sisters 4 of them come to visit there sister when they arrive to sister there sister beaten to a pulp and has a broken arm. Things get out of hand a somebody ends up dead so they conspire together to form a plan to get rid of the body and flee to safety until they can get word to the father the King for protection.
The sister end up at a small estate a cousin to her sisters cousin and ask for his permission to stay until the can make arrangements to go home. Things at this keep are in disrepair and the princesses set to righting immediately once there.Its all a flurry a run down keep and 10 children running around all the owners children.
The interactions from then on between Caedmon of Larkspur and Breanne the feisty princess gave you much entertainment. The both had a way with words making to chuckle quiet a lot.She needs to protect her sisters and must get him to give them protection after spilling the entire truth of what happen.He wants them gone as they will be nothing but trouble until her poses that Breanne must share his bed for 10 days and do all willing things he asks.
The journey beings of a passionate romance and a developing friendship.The children are falling in love with there princess and do not want her to go but, Caedmon wants no marriage nor wife or children. The children will not give up. The is danger lurking and he must find a way to avoid it.
The characters all in this book made it work the children did there parts to make the book funny with some of the stuff that came out of there mouth you would not expect had you laughing so hard and in shock.Breanne my favorite with her quick whit and sharp tongue.Caedmon camaraderie with is friends and there loyalty were endearing.The princess doing all kinds of deeds that servants do and never complaining and enjoying every minute of it not what you would expect. Seeing genuine love and affection in a house of servants friends and the children was a nice tough also..
The best part of the book though for me is the final act that the children make to nab a princess for there mother you won't want to miss.A Recommended read for all I never had so many laughs in one book it was a treat and delightful read !
My very first romance novel. It was absolutely everything could have hoped for. Cheesy in parts, and steamy in others. I’m really looking forward to reading the rest of Mrs. Hill’s Viking novels!
Three cheers for Sandra Hill! Her books follow a certain personality and her plots have multiple peaks and above all, through all the laughing, she writes about love. Love of family, love of home and love of the soul. What a treat for us she is! Thank you for continuing to write, Ms. Hill, and thank your husband for teaching you true humor.
ViL was my first "historical" by Sandra Hill and it was every bit as sweet and funny as her "Cajun" series. The 5 Viking sisters, all Princesses, run amuck in Larkspur (a small British estate owned by Caedmon)after they have fled Princess Vane's estate. Fled because the beast she was married to beat her so badly that the visitng Viking sisters took care of "Earl" in a Dixie Chick-manner. Caedmon holds his estate by very thin threads, however, and with very few funds. The ensuing take-over by the girls teaches him how nice the place could be with a firm hand but is reluctant to let the hand belong to the women he really doesn't want there at all . . . except he kinda does want Breanne. He just doesn't want to want her.
I love how Sandra Hill empowers women and speaks like a man. In this book, one of the funniest writing traits was how she wrote the man's verbal lines ("Of course your arse doesn't look big in that, er, dress") followed by his private thoughts ("I've no clue how she'll get that rear end through the door! I am SO good at this talking thing!"). I also love the characters she surrounds the H/H with and can't wait for which ones she'll tackle next. At the end of the book, Ms. Hill asks for reader to drop her a line and let her know who they would want to hear about in the next book. My answer is ALL OF THEM!
I absolutely love Sandra Hill's Viking princess books!! they're murder comedy love and family oriented books that I've read at least 4 times each.Breanne the woodwork; tyranny the warrior; Ingrith the cook; vans the cleaner; & drifa the gardener. each princess has their own story and this is the second one about Brenner falling in love with caedmon. he has 10 kids and has no desire to remarry but that doesn't stop him from bedding a Viking princess:) the Viking king also has a great sense of humor. I really enjoy her books and recommend all the Viking princess books by Sandra Hill
Not quite sure why I didn't like it better, but the characters often annoyed me. Even though I tend to like strong women, I just couldn't sympathize or care for any of them. Not bad enough not to finish, and someone else will probably like it better than I did.
Now I know why this was like $2 at Garden Ridge. No substance to the characters and the story was completely unengrossing. I kept trying to read this but finally had to say "I quit" 2/3 of the way through.
A light and fun read, for those who don't mind a cruder side of humor. You look at this title and this cover and think this will be one of those porny cheesy romances with not much substance or credibility. I would never have bought this if I didn't actually accidentally read an excerpt in the back of another book a while ago. While it is still a romance, you can't escape from that, this book is built on utterly ridiculous, sometimes entirely idiotic, humor, and this humor, even when it turns crude and sexual, is the best thing about it. It a very well-constructed story for what it is. It is full of small ridiculous details and even brief side characters have vivid memorable personalities. The hero of this book is neither the 'viking' from the title, as many might have thought, nor is he a very typical romance hero, which is only a plus. He has a likable personality of someone who is very tired of other people's shit (because it tends to fall on his shoulder's), but still tries to do the right thing, if not entirely successfully. The heroine is not as unusual of a character, but still isn't dull, boring, or annoying. Their friends and family (including the children) are precious. I do feel like I enjoyed reading this.
One thing I didn't get about the writing were the cursive opening lines for most chapters...I'm not sure what purpose they served and have a feeling the text would be better without them—less interruption of the immersion, some of the remarks felt too modern to fit in. In fact, there were times where the text seem to lose its flavor and turn too modern from time to time in other places as well, but not enough to really bother, I think.
There is a lot of humor in this historical romance. Our heroine, Breanne and her five sisters flee to Caedmon of Larkspur’s estate seeking protection. The relationship between the five Viking princesses is the best part of the book. They are all different but headstrong and independent.