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Viking II #10
Dark Viking
After a sea operation gone wrong, Navy SEAL Rita Sawyer awakens to find herself still clad in her wetsuit and in a cage with a bunch of Vikings staring at her, including one very tempting warlord.
Steven of Norstead has been in a cold, dark mood for many weeks. But perhaps this unusual woman, with her sharp tongue and irksome ways, could be the one to light his fire.
Steven of Norstead has been in a cold, dark mood for many weeks. But perhaps this unusual woman, with her sharp tongue and irksome ways, could be the one to light his fire.
283 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published October 5, 2010
58 people are currently reading
733 people want to read
About the author
Sandra Hill
92 books1,313 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
October 16, 2010
It was OK, but I think I prefer her viking stories set in modern day, not the ones set 1000 years back in time. I also prefer the female vikings MUCH better, as the male vikings are just too alpha and barbaric for me to find interesting. I normally love Sandra Hill and her humorous sexy novels, but this one isn't a favorite.
October 19, 2010
Quick Rundown: Rita Sawyer, former movie stunt woman, is now training to become a female Navy SEAL. She is knocked out cold (hit on the head) during a routine SEAL training session and time travels to Norstead during the Viking age. Steven, leader of Norstead, discovers Rita, believes she is a sea creature (given that she arrives in a wetsuit) and decides to jail her until he figures out what she is and what to do with her. The witches of the land believe they have cast a spell to summon Rita's arrival and that she is the light to Steven's dark, brooding demeanor.
First Impression: I had not read any of Sandra Hill's books before, but I understand now that she writes with and emphasizes humor. Going in, I had no idea how silly it would be. Silly as in cheesy. So much so that even within the chapters there are sub-titles such as "He was the Donald Trump of the dark ages...." and "They weren't Reva and Josh, but there was a Guiding Light...".
The Hero: A depressed, barbaric Viking that Rita says "has the blues." (As a form of punishment, he decides to parade "Ree-tah" around town with a slave collar to assert his power and control.)
The Heroine: An independent, feisty woman who adjusts unrealistically well to her new way of life in the Viking age. (She decides to make the best of it and invent deodorant and condoms, the two things she feels is needed most.)
What worked: Ms. Hill has a flair for description and two of her passions are food and sex! I have never heard an author be so descriptive with food and the sex scenes were sensual, hot and probably the only non-corny part of the book! Also, Ms. Hill references Clark Gable and Johnny Depp who are two of my favorite men, so I will give her kudos for that!
What didn't work: While I enjoy books with humor, the overabundance of it in this case was a turn off for me. I believe Ms. Hill referenced pop-culture and modern day topics in an attempt to highlight the difference between the time periods. However, the jokes and on-liners ended up being more distracting and didn’t particularly forward the generally weak storyline. As a reader, I kept questioning why I was not laughing and ultimately felt no real connection between Rita and Steven and did not really care where they ended up, past or future.
Final conclusion: I don't think the Vikings are for me, but if someone enjoys (corny) references to pop culture that outweighs storyline and character, this is the book and world to chose.
First Impression: I had not read any of Sandra Hill's books before, but I understand now that she writes with and emphasizes humor. Going in, I had no idea how silly it would be. Silly as in cheesy. So much so that even within the chapters there are sub-titles such as "He was the Donald Trump of the dark ages...." and "They weren't Reva and Josh, but there was a Guiding Light...".
The Hero: A depressed, barbaric Viking that Rita says "has the blues." (As a form of punishment, he decides to parade "Ree-tah" around town with a slave collar to assert his power and control.)
The Heroine: An independent, feisty woman who adjusts unrealistically well to her new way of life in the Viking age. (She decides to make the best of it and invent deodorant and condoms, the two things she feels is needed most.)
What worked: Ms. Hill has a flair for description and two of her passions are food and sex! I have never heard an author be so descriptive with food and the sex scenes were sensual, hot and probably the only non-corny part of the book! Also, Ms. Hill references Clark Gable and Johnny Depp who are two of my favorite men, so I will give her kudos for that!
What didn't work: While I enjoy books with humor, the overabundance of it in this case was a turn off for me. I believe Ms. Hill referenced pop-culture and modern day topics in an attempt to highlight the difference between the time periods. However, the jokes and on-liners ended up being more distracting and didn’t particularly forward the generally weak storyline. As a reader, I kept questioning why I was not laughing and ultimately felt no real connection between Rita and Steven and did not really care where they ended up, past or future.
Final conclusion: I don't think the Vikings are for me, but if someone enjoys (corny) references to pop culture that outweighs storyline and character, this is the book and world to chose.
August 1, 2011
I’ve read this book by Sandra Hill countless times already only with a different title and characters :-/ It’s so superficial, filled with bad romance novel stereotypes and now that she’s venturing into light erotica it’s also dumb with just plain bad writing.
I had high hopes for this book because the (misleading) back blurb sounded good. Well the “strong” SEAL/WEAL trainee heroine turns into a weakling who never once tries to take down the oafish Viking hero who appears to be suffering from depression. The author sets up the heroine to be this independent minded, physically strong character only to have her mind turn to mush when faced with the hero. The heroine has moments where she gets all in his face but she backs down or pouts most of the time. Of course there's also her love for the small children of the clan (how sickly sweet) and she turns into a court jester practically with her trying to loosen things up --typical time travel nonsense. The so-called banter/arguing is laughable with an outdated/old-fashioned contemporary language (feels very 80s) and the steam is either icky or just plain eye-rolling/stupid. There is no depth whatsoever to the characters, the humor is mostly 14 year old boy toilet humor and the writing just feels like she had to slap out a book fast.
This was a total waste of time. The series is actually continuing, though who knows why. If it’s to repeat what’s already been done then just end it and move on. Hill seems to have turned into a has been author who now just takes out the cookie cutter à la Connie Mason boring the reader to tears.
I had high hopes for this book because the (misleading) back blurb sounded good. Well the “strong” SEAL/WEAL trainee heroine turns into a weakling who never once tries to take down the oafish Viking hero who appears to be suffering from depression. The author sets up the heroine to be this independent minded, physically strong character only to have her mind turn to mush when faced with the hero. The heroine has moments where she gets all in his face but she backs down or pouts most of the time. Of course there's also her love for the small children of the clan (how sickly sweet) and she turns into a court jester practically with her trying to loosen things up --typical time travel nonsense. The so-called banter/arguing is laughable with an outdated/old-fashioned contemporary language (feels very 80s) and the steam is either icky or just plain eye-rolling/stupid. There is no depth whatsoever to the characters, the humor is mostly 14 year old boy toilet humor and the writing just feels like she had to slap out a book fast.
This was a total waste of time. The series is actually continuing, though who knows why. If it’s to repeat what’s already been done then just end it and move on. Hill seems to have turned into a has been author who now just takes out the cookie cutter à la Connie Mason boring the reader to tears.
October 21, 2010
All I can say is ....I loved this book! I've read all of Hill's Viking/Navy SEALS/WEALS series and they are all good. This one was so good I just smiled and giggled throughout the entire book. Steven and Rita were wonderful together. I loved the way He was always trying to teach her to submit to him even in "bedsport." The sex scenes were HOT but, they just seem to fit in because she is such an aggressive female and he is a major Dominant Viking. I still wish she'd tone down the descriptions of her sex scenes some. I would have given this 5 *'s if she had. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants a sweet love story and some giggles. :-)
The story opens with Rita just finishing up on a movie set as a Hollywood stunt woman. She gets recruited for the Navy WEALS program. She works very hard during her year long training for WEALS. It sounded like torture for me. Right near the end of her first year of training the women must face "HELL WEEK." Ugh! During an exercise in the water something goes wrong and she ends up going back to the past in Viking times. The Vikings who discover her in the water thinks she's a sea creature. She is wearing her wet suit and flippers. They put her in a wooden cage to protect themselves from her. When she awakes she starts explaining who she is and that she is NOT A SEA CREATURE! It is so funny!
The story opens with Rita just finishing up on a movie set as a Hollywood stunt woman. She gets recruited for the Navy WEALS program. She works very hard during her year long training for WEALS. It sounded like torture for me. Right near the end of her first year of training the women must face "HELL WEEK." Ugh! During an exercise in the water something goes wrong and she ends up going back to the past in Viking times. The Vikings who discover her in the water thinks she's a sea creature. She is wearing her wet suit and flippers. They put her in a wooden cage to protect themselves from her. When she awakes she starts explaining who she is and that she is NOT A SEA CREATURE! It is so funny!
April 3, 2011
I still prefer the earlier books in the series. It was nice to find out what happened to Steven who was, I guess, left behind two books ago when Thorfinn was dumped in the future but once again, I miss the Ericsson/Magnusson clan and the Navy SEALs. I keep wanting to know what happens to the rest of the Magnusson brood and some of the more mysterious SEALs. And I'm pretty certain now that I prefer the characters to time travel to the future in this series than to have the characters go back in time.
October 1, 2010
Dark Viking by Sandra Hill
Paranormal Romance- Oct. 5th, 2010
4 ½ stars
Looking for a book that is hilarious, outrageous and guaranteed to perk up your day? If you aren’t familiar with Sandra Hill’s exuberant humor then you are in for a treat. She writes light hearted books that really transport the reader into a world you wished you could inhabit. Her characters are a hoot and the heroes in particular are so hunky! In Dark Viking, she continues her Navy SEALs, time travel Viking series.
In this novel saucy stuntwoman Rita Sawyer is recruited into the new WEALs (Woman on Earth, Air, Land, and Sea). While in the grueling training camp Rita in scuba gear she is suddenly transported in time. When she wakes up she finds herself caged in a place that looks like an old Viking village. The head honcho named Steven dubs her the ugly Sea Siren. He states she is dangerous and keeps insisting they are Vikings. Rita is sure someone is playing a joke on her but she isn’t one to be pushed around.
Steven of Norstead is depressed. As the last of his noble Viking line he has great responsibility for 2 Viking estates. He used to be happy and carefree but when his brother Thorfinn disappeared life lost its appeal. When out on his longboat Steven discovers a strange female monster and immediately cages this treacherous creature. But when this 'Ree-tah' takes off her outerwear he is dazzled by her beauty. However, he still does not trust her and her eccentric ways. But when she mentions a man that she met similar to him named Thorfinn Steven is determined to discover what she knows and find Thorfinn again.
This novel bursts with joy. The characters are bold, bright and just laugh out loud funny. I loved the indomitable and spunky Rita. She has a lot of grit and doesn’t let a brawny and sexy Viking push her around. The jokes in the story are just so original and corny that you have to love them. The hero Steven had some surprising depth as he really feels the burden of responsibility since his brother was lost and misses his brother dearly. I loved Steven's befuddlement with his ‘Ree-tah’ and how he sets seducing her with his confident charm. The only quibble I have with the story is the rather abrupt ending and how stubborn Steven is at confessing he cares for Rita. But for sheer joy and laughter this book hits right at the funny bone and will lift your spirits.
The author’s special brand of humor, wit and sensuality make her books something to look forward to after a long day. Dark Viking is no exception. I loved it!
Reviewed by Steph from the Bookaholics Romance Book Club
Paranormal Romance- Oct. 5th, 2010
4 ½ stars
Looking for a book that is hilarious, outrageous and guaranteed to perk up your day? If you aren’t familiar with Sandra Hill’s exuberant humor then you are in for a treat. She writes light hearted books that really transport the reader into a world you wished you could inhabit. Her characters are a hoot and the heroes in particular are so hunky! In Dark Viking, she continues her Navy SEALs, time travel Viking series.
In this novel saucy stuntwoman Rita Sawyer is recruited into the new WEALs (Woman on Earth, Air, Land, and Sea). While in the grueling training camp Rita in scuba gear she is suddenly transported in time. When she wakes up she finds herself caged in a place that looks like an old Viking village. The head honcho named Steven dubs her the ugly Sea Siren. He states she is dangerous and keeps insisting they are Vikings. Rita is sure someone is playing a joke on her but she isn’t one to be pushed around.
Steven of Norstead is depressed. As the last of his noble Viking line he has great responsibility for 2 Viking estates. He used to be happy and carefree but when his brother Thorfinn disappeared life lost its appeal. When out on his longboat Steven discovers a strange female monster and immediately cages this treacherous creature. But when this 'Ree-tah' takes off her outerwear he is dazzled by her beauty. However, he still does not trust her and her eccentric ways. But when she mentions a man that she met similar to him named Thorfinn Steven is determined to discover what she knows and find Thorfinn again.
This novel bursts with joy. The characters are bold, bright and just laugh out loud funny. I loved the indomitable and spunky Rita. She has a lot of grit and doesn’t let a brawny and sexy Viking push her around. The jokes in the story are just so original and corny that you have to love them. The hero Steven had some surprising depth as he really feels the burden of responsibility since his brother was lost and misses his brother dearly. I loved Steven's befuddlement with his ‘Ree-tah’ and how he sets seducing her with his confident charm. The only quibble I have with the story is the rather abrupt ending and how stubborn Steven is at confessing he cares for Rita. But for sheer joy and laughter this book hits right at the funny bone and will lift your spirits.
The author’s special brand of humor, wit and sensuality make her books something to look forward to after a long day. Dark Viking is no exception. I loved it!
Reviewed by Steph from the Bookaholics Romance Book Club
August 2, 2011
The latest installation in the Viking Series by Sandra Hill is packed with a lot of humor and steamy love scenes.
Rita Sawyer is a stunt woman who is recruited into the Navy SEALs, assuming she can pass hell week. Rita thrives on a challenge and being athletic definitely helps her. She is on a water test when she is zapped back in time. When she wakes up she is surrounded by Vikings.
Steve Norstead embodies what a true alpha Viking male is. He is a warrior who is strong, fierce and respected by his people. The sea mermaid that washes up on his land defies him at every turn and he is not use to woman boldly expressing themselves. Her unusual ways intrigues him and Steven finds himself falling for a woman who he is not sure belongs in his world.
One of the things that frustrate me about Rita, is that she rarely appears as though she is trying to return back to her time. She is almost complacent with her situation. There is never a real effort displayed throughout the book to show that she really wanted to leave this time period and return home. In the beginning the Vikings believe she is a sea siren and they hold her in captivity. They are not mean to her but the fact that they held her captive, makes it interesting that she did not try to escape immediately.
The humor in this book is laugh out loud funny. Rita interacts with the Vikings realistically and her dialogue is some of the funniest in the book. Steve even throws in a few funny lines from time to time as he learns Rita’s quirky jokes and ways. I especially love the scene where she informs Steve that the Vikings have bad B.O. and she swears she is going to invent deodorant. However, the humor is almost, in my opinion, fillers for the lack of plot. While the humor is fun and contributes to the story, it also distracts from the real story.
My problem with this book is that there is no clear, concise plot. The story is not structured properly. Aside from Rita going back in time, there was no other conflict. The story moves along, showing Rita and Steve’s relationship developing. Rita is finally presented with a way to go home but she has to decide whether to stay with Steve or go back to her former life. Old characters from a previous book surfaces and helps Rita with her decision.
Overall, this story was entertaining but not nearly satisfying as I had hoped.
Rita Sawyer is a stunt woman who is recruited into the Navy SEALs, assuming she can pass hell week. Rita thrives on a challenge and being athletic definitely helps her. She is on a water test when she is zapped back in time. When she wakes up she is surrounded by Vikings.
Steve Norstead embodies what a true alpha Viking male is. He is a warrior who is strong, fierce and respected by his people. The sea mermaid that washes up on his land defies him at every turn and he is not use to woman boldly expressing themselves. Her unusual ways intrigues him and Steven finds himself falling for a woman who he is not sure belongs in his world.
One of the things that frustrate me about Rita, is that she rarely appears as though she is trying to return back to her time. She is almost complacent with her situation. There is never a real effort displayed throughout the book to show that she really wanted to leave this time period and return home. In the beginning the Vikings believe she is a sea siren and they hold her in captivity. They are not mean to her but the fact that they held her captive, makes it interesting that she did not try to escape immediately.
The humor in this book is laugh out loud funny. Rita interacts with the Vikings realistically and her dialogue is some of the funniest in the book. Steve even throws in a few funny lines from time to time as he learns Rita’s quirky jokes and ways. I especially love the scene where she informs Steve that the Vikings have bad B.O. and she swears she is going to invent deodorant. However, the humor is almost, in my opinion, fillers for the lack of plot. While the humor is fun and contributes to the story, it also distracts from the real story.
My problem with this book is that there is no clear, concise plot. The story is not structured properly. Aside from Rita going back in time, there was no other conflict. The story moves along, showing Rita and Steve’s relationship developing. Rita is finally presented with a way to go home but she has to decide whether to stay with Steve or go back to her former life. Old characters from a previous book surfaces and helps Rita with her decision.
Overall, this story was entertaining but not nearly satisfying as I had hoped.
November 25, 2010
Reading this series I just know what I am in for and always look forward to it. These books are just "cheesetastic", it is just part of their charm. The way the couple has misunderstandings, one from the future, one from the past, makes for some great scenes.
This time around we have Rita, a modern day woman, thrust back to 9th century Viking time. Rita seems to be a very modern woman, a stunt woman, and almost Navy WEALS. She is shocked when she realizes just where she is and she seems to have met her match with Steven, who really isn't sure what to think of Rita. Although neither of them fights their attraction very hard, they do have issues in trying to get the other to see their point of view.
Rita has some great scenes inventing panties, deodorant, and teaching all the ladies to line dance. All in all this book was a fun read, one that came just in time after I had tried 3 duds in a row.
This time around we have Rita, a modern day woman, thrust back to 9th century Viking time. Rita seems to be a very modern woman, a stunt woman, and almost Navy WEALS. She is shocked when she realizes just where she is and she seems to have met her match with Steven, who really isn't sure what to think of Rita. Although neither of them fights their attraction very hard, they do have issues in trying to get the other to see their point of view.
Rita has some great scenes inventing panties, deodorant, and teaching all the ladies to line dance. All in all this book was a fun read, one that came just in time after I had tried 3 duds in a row.
October 11, 2010
Loved this book. Once I started reading I was enjoying it sooo much I didn't want to put it down. To the point where I had a serious debate after finishing it about going and buying more books by this author to read next, even though I have 30+ books already purchased and sitting in my to-be-read pile!
I do have to admit that thinking back on it, a couple days after reading, that this book seems more in line with a normal Viking romance books (her latest series releases) than time traveling. There was very little focus on time travel or time travel related humor. Still I was really happy to read in the back that there will be more time traveling Viking books.
I do have to admit that thinking back on it, a couple days after reading, that this book seems more in line with a normal Viking romance books (her latest series releases) than time traveling. There was very little focus on time travel or time travel related humor. Still I was really happy to read in the back that there will be more time traveling Viking books.
July 31, 2010
Love, love, love this book! Of course, like so many of Hill's books, this is just chock full of funny, funny segments, conversations, repartee, observations on the part of the main characters. And how many of us would be able to keep a straight face as we are trying to explain our modern world to the Norse warriors of 1,000 years ago? Just a really great book and such a delight to read. And of course, it is a delightful love story with a great sizzle. Wouldn't mind having that Norse warrior around just about any time!
January 22, 2011
4.5 stars! I really enjoyed Dark Viking. What makes this book, and Joy's book before it, so funny is that they are strong--physically as well as emotionally--women from the 21st century. At one point Rita actually, literally knocks Steven on his arse. While I was laughing, Steven was completely dumbstruck and more than a little appreciative of the act.
A very fun, super quick read.
A very fun, super quick read.
December 13, 2010
Take one female Navy Seal , ex-stunt womane, who time travels in her wet suit back to the 900's to a stuck in the mud Viking who has someone raiding his ships and the fun begins.... I laughed through a good part of this book.
November 22, 2010
Review coming.......
April 19, 2015
Kinda funny and things move at a good speed so you don't get too board. Not quite what I had expected but good none the less. 3 stars!
November 1, 2016
What a hoot. I tried so very hard to suspend my belief page after page, but try as I might, I just couldn't. But, alas, the book is what it is. I was mildly entertained
September 5, 2022
Though I did not rate this as high, I actually really enjoyed reading Rita and Steven’s story. I just think the book was awkwardly paced for most of it and that it had a strong start that sadly fizzled out halfway through, for me. The awkward pacing is very apparent especially in the ending where all the problems were rushed to be resolved in literally the last two chapters. For a book with 19 chapters, the problems that were set up as major conflicts/hurdles that Rita and Steven would need to fight through so they could be together, should not have been quickly swept away in two chapters. I feel like more time should have been dedicated to trying to deal with the fact that, for example, Steven was arranged to marry someone else, or even the whole his sister being kidnapped by pirates thing.
I also think that character development wasn’t really what I had hoped for: especially on Steven’s part. I understand that it’s literally the times and how things were, but I really would have liked Steven to have evolved more from his sexist ways. Though he’s not blatantly as bad as, I guess, he could have been for the times, he didn’t really evolve much either. And I feel a lot of this also has to do with the fact that Rita doesn’t hold him accountable too much. Sure she makes disapproving comments here and there but there was no “putting my foot down” moment where she truly called him out. Especially after the whole collar situation, she just quickly gave in after they only had a small fight about it where she just didn’t really speak to him for half the day, and that was really disappointing. I feel like so many good opportunities for conflict that were set up that could have made their relationship more nuanced was quickly and sadly casted aside for a quick resolution that hurt the story and the characters a lot.
This last note is not really the authors fault as this story was originally written in 2010, but there were a few small moments that did not age well at all. Like about Donald Trump and Johnny Depp 😬. This did not impact my rating as, again, this isn’t the author’s fault as they can’t see into the future, but it’s just a couple things that caught my eye while reading and I was like 👁👄👁.
I also think that character development wasn’t really what I had hoped for: especially on Steven’s part. I understand that it’s literally the times and how things were, but I really would have liked Steven to have evolved more from his sexist ways. Though he’s not blatantly as bad as, I guess, he could have been for the times, he didn’t really evolve much either. And I feel a lot of this also has to do with the fact that Rita doesn’t hold him accountable too much. Sure she makes disapproving comments here and there but there was no “putting my foot down” moment where she truly called him out. Especially after the whole collar situation, she just quickly gave in after they only had a small fight about it where she just didn’t really speak to him for half the day, and that was really disappointing. I feel like so many good opportunities for conflict that were set up that could have made their relationship more nuanced was quickly and sadly casted aside for a quick resolution that hurt the story and the characters a lot.
This last note is not really the authors fault as this story was originally written in 2010, but there were a few small moments that did not age well at all. Like about Donald Trump and Johnny Depp 😬. This did not impact my rating as, again, this isn’t the author’s fault as they can’t see into the future, but it’s just a couple things that caught my eye while reading and I was like 👁👄👁.
March 29, 2019
I love this series. And I love Sandra Hill. But this book didn't ring any bells with me. It was funny, but not laugh out loud. The guy on the cover was jaw dropping gorgeous, but the characters actions did not fit him. I would read his actions or how handsome it was an look back at the cover and it did not add up. Yes he was sexy and gorgeous and the sec was rocking but I never really got into these characters like I did all the others
It was a better then average read, but Sandra Hill' s books are usually a lot more thsn that.
It was a better then average read, but Sandra Hill' s books are usually a lot more thsn that.
July 3, 2020
Grrat
Rita is a stunt woman for Hollywood and one day is recruited for weals . Upon doing he'll week she is transported to time of the Viking of old. There she meets Steven a depressed Viking with a me Tarzan you Jane attitude. Then it battle of the sexes old vs new. Funny and delightful . Really enjoy this series.
Rita is a stunt woman for Hollywood and one day is recruited for weals . Upon doing he'll week she is transported to time of the Viking of old. There she meets Steven a depressed Viking with a me Tarzan you Jane attitude. Then it battle of the sexes old vs new. Funny and delightful . Really enjoy this series.
February 12, 2025
First one of this series or even the author I have picked up. Not my usual type of book, romance, cheuvenist boy meets independant girl, ... I thought it was ok. Hill did spin a good yarn and likable characters. Cheesy but witty banter which was plausible. I wont read another but would think that supporters of this genre would love this.
July 29, 2017
Please do not stop series with this one!!
such a joy to read!!! can not put book down
thank you!!
such a joy to read!!! can not put book down
thank you!!
July 24, 2018
Laughed my way all through the book! Sandra Hill is a clever writer, the book funny and sexy (despite being little believable). Again, good beach read.
May 10, 2019
3.5 stars. Pure escapism - tongue in cheek and silly but fun to read. Viking action, adventure and lots of 'bed-sport'. 🙂😂😘
March 9, 2020
FUN, FUN, FUN
We romanticize the past, but it was a lot of work. I really like how she spends time verbally drawing all characters. Kraka and Grima are a hoot.
We romanticize the past, but it was a lot of work. I really like how she spends time verbally drawing all characters. Kraka and Grima are a hoot.
August 3, 2023
Is it too much to ask for a GOOD Outlander (Viking Ed) fanfic?!! (Yes. Apparently it is.)
August 15, 2023
This book was a cheesy, unromantic kind of stupid, and it was exactly the kind of nonsense I needed to cleanse the palate.
October 15, 2023
2nd read
Read her books when they first came out and enjoyed them very much and will again!!! On to the next
Read her books when they first came out and enjoyed them very much and will again!!! On to the next
May 4, 2024
Reread. I again found this story very fascinating & quite funny.
March 12, 2017
I enjoyed reading.
March 8, 2011
This is one of Hill's shorter novels. About three quarters into the read, I couldn't help feeling a tad short-changed because I suspect the entire purpose of this novel was to recycle many plot points already visited in some of Hill's earlier works, possibly with the intent of attracting a new/younger audience who prefers shorter novels. This didn't make it a bad read, just repetitive. Long-time readers of Hill will recognize a lot of recycled ideas and situations.
"Dark Viking" introduced an interesting mix of characters. Rita Sawyer, AKA "Spider," is a former stunt woman training for WEALs. Strong and athletic, laid-back and easygoing, Rita's life seems to be falling into place after nursing her terminally ill mother through her final year. A bizarre accident during a challenging military training exercise transports her through time into the keep of Steven of Norstead, younger brother to Thorfinn, a Viking/SEAL who traveled into the future. Steven's had the blues ever since his big brother's mysterious disappearance and several local concerned witches took it upon themselves to cast a spell to restore "light" to the good jarl's dark mood. Is Rita the answer to their prayers?
The romance and sexual tension broils between Steven and Rita. I really liked them together, and I felt Hill, as always, did a great job working the historical time/culture clashes into the storytelling. Yes, she takes some liberties, but it's for the book's own good. I was also very excited by the prospect of a heroine like Rita adjusting to 9th Century life in a sexist society. That quickly got old. Apart from a few early action scenes, Rita doesn't fare all that well. So much for all the high-tech military training. As far as Steven and his buds are concerned, she's just another woman, and a somewhat annoying one at that.
Lots of bondage and domination permeate this read. Rita is confined in a cage. At one point Steven forces her to wear a slave collar and leads her around by an attached chain. This would not have bothered me so much if Rita had been okay with it, but she is not. I found it offensive when Steven utilizes sexual blackmail to coerce Rita into his bed. Such lazy writing! I mean, surely Steven had the savvy, looks, and talent to seduce Rita without the force, threats, and bondage.
Despite these "lows," I still found the characters interesting and compelling. I kept waiting for Steven to experience some kind of epiphany, but he never does. I think this is the one Hill time travel romance I've read where I believe the couple won't make it in the long run, but reading their story was still pretty fun.
"Dark Viking" introduced an interesting mix of characters. Rita Sawyer, AKA "Spider," is a former stunt woman training for WEALs. Strong and athletic, laid-back and easygoing, Rita's life seems to be falling into place after nursing her terminally ill mother through her final year. A bizarre accident during a challenging military training exercise transports her through time into the keep of Steven of Norstead, younger brother to Thorfinn, a Viking/SEAL who traveled into the future. Steven's had the blues ever since his big brother's mysterious disappearance and several local concerned witches took it upon themselves to cast a spell to restore "light" to the good jarl's dark mood. Is Rita the answer to their prayers?
The romance and sexual tension broils between Steven and Rita. I really liked them together, and I felt Hill, as always, did a great job working the historical time/culture clashes into the storytelling. Yes, she takes some liberties, but it's for the book's own good. I was also very excited by the prospect of a heroine like Rita adjusting to 9th Century life in a sexist society. That quickly got old. Apart from a few early action scenes, Rita doesn't fare all that well. So much for all the high-tech military training. As far as Steven and his buds are concerned, she's just another woman, and a somewhat annoying one at that.
Lots of bondage and domination permeate this read. Rita is confined in a cage. At one point Steven forces her to wear a slave collar and leads her around by an attached chain. This would not have bothered me so much if Rita had been okay with it, but she is not. I found it offensive when Steven utilizes sexual blackmail to coerce Rita into his bed. Such lazy writing! I mean, surely Steven had the savvy, looks, and talent to seduce Rita without the force, threats, and bondage.
Despite these "lows," I still found the characters interesting and compelling. I kept waiting for Steven to experience some kind of epiphany, but he never does. I think this is the one Hill time travel romance I've read where I believe the couple won't make it in the long run, but reading their story was still pretty fun.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 21, 2010
Dark Viking is part of the Viking Series II novels by Sandra Hill.
Book Blurb:
If life weren't dangerous enough, stuntwoman Rita Sawyer has been recruited by the Navy SEALs. Now instead of being lit on fire and hurtling through skyscraper windows, she's trying to survive her grueling SEALs training.
But when a sea operation goes wrong, Rita awakens to find herself still clad in her wet suit and in a cage with a bunch of Vikings staring at her. With no idea how she traveled back in time to the Norselands, all Rita is certain of is that her Viking warlord captor is tempting her beyond reason...
Steven of Norstead can't believe the sight before him. The strange sea creature he found us actually a beautiful woman. But with her sharp tongue and irksome ways, Rita's like no other woman he's ever known. Steven's been in a cold, dark mood for many a sennight. Mayhap this unusual woman will be the one to light his fire...
My thoughts:
Dark Viking is the first book I have read by author Sandra Hill and I liked it.
Historicals aren't really my thing anymore - but this a historical with a twist - time travel. In this series of books either someone from the past comes to the future - or someone here goes back there.
In Dark Viking a modern day woman goes back in time and what follows is a fun, quirky look at what could happen if time travel were possible.
The story is nice. Ms. Hill's writing style is very fluid, moving from one point to the next will apparent ease.
I kept thinking that everyone just seemed to accept Rita's appearance and they treated her well. Steven is very intelligent and mannerly to some extent. Very nice.
But in the back of my mind I was thinking there is no way this would have happened. If she had not been killed on sight - she would have been raped, passed around, raped some more and then killed - or sold or bartered away for a goat.
I think Ms. Hill's version is much nicer - but mine is more plausible. LOL
I give Dark Viking 3 out of 5 stars and I am interested in this series enough to want to read more.
M
Book Blurb:
If life weren't dangerous enough, stuntwoman Rita Sawyer has been recruited by the Navy SEALs. Now instead of being lit on fire and hurtling through skyscraper windows, she's trying to survive her grueling SEALs training.
But when a sea operation goes wrong, Rita awakens to find herself still clad in her wet suit and in a cage with a bunch of Vikings staring at her. With no idea how she traveled back in time to the Norselands, all Rita is certain of is that her Viking warlord captor is tempting her beyond reason...
Steven of Norstead can't believe the sight before him. The strange sea creature he found us actually a beautiful woman. But with her sharp tongue and irksome ways, Rita's like no other woman he's ever known. Steven's been in a cold, dark mood for many a sennight. Mayhap this unusual woman will be the one to light his fire...
My thoughts:
Dark Viking is the first book I have read by author Sandra Hill and I liked it.
Historicals aren't really my thing anymore - but this a historical with a twist - time travel. In this series of books either someone from the past comes to the future - or someone here goes back there.
In Dark Viking a modern day woman goes back in time and what follows is a fun, quirky look at what could happen if time travel were possible.
The story is nice. Ms. Hill's writing style is very fluid, moving from one point to the next will apparent ease.
I kept thinking that everyone just seemed to accept Rita's appearance and they treated her well. Steven is very intelligent and mannerly to some extent. Very nice.
But in the back of my mind I was thinking there is no way this would have happened. If she had not been killed on sight - she would have been raped, passed around, raped some more and then killed - or sold or bartered away for a goat.
I think Ms. Hill's version is much nicer - but mine is more plausible. LOL
I give Dark Viking 3 out of 5 stars and I am interested in this series enough to want to read more.
M
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