What do you think?
Rate this book
Viking I #9
The Viking Takes a Knight
The Viking Is a Princess...
All Ingrith wants is refuge for herself and a group of orphans from a vicious Saxon commander who would harm the children and destroy her honor. At her age, she no longer expects to find a husband, or even a lover, especially not the arrogant Lord of the Bees!
John of Hawk's Lair longs for peace and quiet, not a nagging wife and noisy children. As a knight in the king's service, he spends his cherished time at home working on his beekeeping experiments. So when an irksome Viking princess comes barging into his castle with a horde of orphans, he does everything he can to get rid of her. But then a sexual attraction sparks between them, despite their differences, one that soon has them making honey, rather than war...
All Ingrith wants is refuge for herself and a group of orphans from a vicious Saxon commander who would harm the children and destroy her honor. At her age, she no longer expects to find a husband, or even a lover, especially not the arrogant Lord of the Bees!
John of Hawk's Lair longs for peace and quiet, not a nagging wife and noisy children. As a knight in the king's service, he spends his cherished time at home working on his beekeeping experiments. So when an irksome Viking princess comes barging into his castle with a horde of orphans, he does everything he can to get rid of her. But then a sexual attraction sparks between them, despite their differences, one that soon has them making honey, rather than war...
245 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2010
37 people are currently reading
761 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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
April 14, 2020
It was fun reading this book. A few laugh out loud moments. Saxon Knight John of Hawk's Lair, longs for peace and quiet. Viking Princess Ingrith turned up and his life expectations changed. Good story, would have given 5 stars but to many sex scenes in the middle of the book for me.
September 20, 2010
In order to protect Henry, King Edgar's illegitimate son, the Rainstead Orphanage, and prevent Commander Leo of Loncasterher from forcing her into marriage with him, Ingrith Sigrundottir decided to flee. After she seperated the orphans into groups and assigned each group, a member of the staff, she sent them to various sanctuaries. Ingrith also took a small group, along with Henry and Ubbi, her old bodyguard and sought refuge at Lord John Grave's Home, Hawk's Lair.
John had no intention of getting involved in a serious relationship, he was more interested in experimenting with his bees and honey. But, when Ingrith showed up with a group of children and an ornery old man, he was easily distracted. After reluctantly granting refuge, he began to see, his honey wasn't the only thing that was sweet.
I loved the chemistry between Ingrith and John. She was strong willed, determined and had a good heart. She quickly fell in love with John, but she believed his refusal to marry her was because, he was in love with Johanna, his former mistress. Especially after learning Johanna had turned him down for marriage. John wanted nothing more, than to have wife and children, but believed he had tainted blood. Johanna had been safe, she was a widow and couldn't have any more children. But, the longer Ingrith and John were together, he began to fall in love with her. Soon, thier relationship grew from honey sweet to sizzling hot....things begin to look hopeful to Ingrith.
Then the letter came from Commander Loncasterher informing John, he had taken Johanna as a mistress. It was a subtle message offering a trade, Johanna for Henry. John immediately goes to Johanna's rescue leaving Ingrith behind, to wonder what was happening. When she didn't hear word from John, she decided, she would trade herself for Johanna. But, when she arrived, she learned that John and Johanna were betrothed and that Johanna was returning with him to Hawk's Lair. Broken hearted, Ingrith returned home to her father.
Not only where the main characters enjoyable, but the supporting characters were fun as well. I loved Blothor and his warped sense of humor, especially when it came to his comical songs. I also enjoyed Katherine's character. She was always in Hawk's face blunt. You can't help but laugh, when she calls hawk a lackwit...basically a dumbass.
Overall, I enjoyed this book. In true Sandra Hill fashion, she managed to mix her romances with modern day humor and historical flair. I love that her characters are very engaging and realistic. Several of her characters remind me of people, I actually know. The Viking Takes A Knight is one of those books, that will have you constantly smiling and making those around you, wondering, what you are laughing at. If you like witty repartee, sweet obsessions, engaging characters and a solid plot, then you will enjoy this fun and light-hearted book.
John had no intention of getting involved in a serious relationship, he was more interested in experimenting with his bees and honey. But, when Ingrith showed up with a group of children and an ornery old man, he was easily distracted. After reluctantly granting refuge, he began to see, his honey wasn't the only thing that was sweet.
I loved the chemistry between Ingrith and John. She was strong willed, determined and had a good heart. She quickly fell in love with John, but she believed his refusal to marry her was because, he was in love with Johanna, his former mistress. Especially after learning Johanna had turned him down for marriage. John wanted nothing more, than to have wife and children, but believed he had tainted blood. Johanna had been safe, she was a widow and couldn't have any more children. But, the longer Ingrith and John were together, he began to fall in love with her. Soon, thier relationship grew from honey sweet to sizzling hot....things begin to look hopeful to Ingrith.
Then the letter came from Commander Loncasterher informing John, he had taken Johanna as a mistress. It was a subtle message offering a trade, Johanna for Henry. John immediately goes to Johanna's rescue leaving Ingrith behind, to wonder what was happening. When she didn't hear word from John, she decided, she would trade herself for Johanna. But, when she arrived, she learned that John and Johanna were betrothed and that Johanna was returning with him to Hawk's Lair. Broken hearted, Ingrith returned home to her father.
Not only where the main characters enjoyable, but the supporting characters were fun as well. I loved Blothor and his warped sense of humor, especially when it came to his comical songs. I also enjoyed Katherine's character. She was always in Hawk's face blunt. You can't help but laugh, when she calls hawk a lackwit...basically a dumbass.
Overall, I enjoyed this book. In true Sandra Hill fashion, she managed to mix her romances with modern day humor and historical flair. I love that her characters are very engaging and realistic. Several of her characters remind me of people, I actually know. The Viking Takes A Knight is one of those books, that will have you constantly smiling and making those around you, wondering, what you are laughing at. If you like witty repartee, sweet obsessions, engaging characters and a solid plot, then you will enjoy this fun and light-hearted book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 20, 2010
I read this as an e-Proof. This is part of the Viking Series I, the one with Vikings but no Navy SEALs or time travel, for the most part. The hero is John of Hawk's Lair, the son of beekeeper Lady Eadyth from "The Tarnished Lady". He likes to perform experiments on honey. The heroine is Princess Ingrith Sigrundottir, one of the sisters in "Viking in Love", and almost thirty one. She's in charge of the orphanage Rainstead and when the commander of the king's garrison at Jorvik, Leo of Loncaster, is after both her and her charge Henry, an illegitimate son of King Edgar, she takes eight orphans north with her, accompanied by her very short, very old "bodyguard" Ubbi. Lady Eadyth talks Ingrith to stay with John at Hawk's Lair, ostensibly to take bees to him and to help out as he has no cook. John, the Saxon equivalent of a nerdy scientist, is not happy to have all these children messing with his bees, but he is a good guy so he becomes better at dealing with them. As some of the children were rescued from horrendous situations (like sodomites and brothels), the story has a lot of comic relief, mostly by Bolthor the world's worst skald and Hamr the outlaw Viking. The language is not quite as period (would they really say "What in bloody hell are you yapping about?" in Northumbria in 970 AD?) but that's okay because I love Sandra Hill (although I prefer the Vikings Series II books). What stands in the way of John and Ingrith's HEA include Loncaster who wants Ingrith and Henry, Joanna the widowed potter who is John's sometime lover (and who once declined his marriage proposal), and John's belief that he may have inherited his father's insanity (which is why he doesn't want to have children). I like both main characters and their coming together is believable. So, there are two fake betrothals (John and Ingrith's and John and Joanna's) and a secret baby (but not for too long). Ingrith returns to her father King Thorvald's place in the Norselands and makes plans to leave for Norsemandy with her sister Drifa. John, after finding out the truth about his father, arrives at Stoneheim to propose to her. The silliest line (I love it!) occurs at this point: "Spill your vast array of woman knowledge, oh, Viking God of Love." by John to Rafn, Vana's husband. All in all, a mostly light-hearted fun Viking read.
October 6, 2010
The Viking Takes A Knight by Sandra Hill.
I could tell right away this was not your typical romance from the chapter titles...for example, "Sometimes the best meals involve no food", "He never promised her a rose garden", "Even a thousand years ago, men were clueless", and my personal favorite..."Some men bang their heads against a wall, others bang..." Hee hee hee! Sandra Hill has a hilarious sense of humor. This book rocks! The heroine is feisty and fun, the hero is a wicked lusty beekeeper, and I honestly could not put this book down. It's a great mix of humor, sexiness and larger-than-life characters. Loved it!
I got a big kick out of the sonnets composed and recited by John's friend, Bolthor. Here's an example of a poem called "Ode to Katherine's Breasts"....
Once was a lady from Wickshire
With a bosom you had to admire.
Plump and rosy with a bit of bounce.
Caused many a man for her favors to pounce.
Big udders on women are surely a necessity
To give suckle to babes so pretty
And give a man something to hold on to in bedsport.
This book was a breath of fresh air. I was grinning happily at the end, and then I discovered....there are tons more books in this series! Oh happy days! Sandra Hill is going to be a new favorite author, there is no doubt in my mind.
Grade: A
Vikings Forever!
Penelope
I could tell right away this was not your typical romance from the chapter titles...for example, "Sometimes the best meals involve no food", "He never promised her a rose garden", "Even a thousand years ago, men were clueless", and my personal favorite..."Some men bang their heads against a wall, others bang..." Hee hee hee! Sandra Hill has a hilarious sense of humor. This book rocks! The heroine is feisty and fun, the hero is a wicked lusty beekeeper, and I honestly could not put this book down. It's a great mix of humor, sexiness and larger-than-life characters. Loved it!
I got a big kick out of the sonnets composed and recited by John's friend, Bolthor. Here's an example of a poem called "Ode to Katherine's Breasts"....
Once was a lady from Wickshire
With a bosom you had to admire.
Plump and rosy with a bit of bounce.
Caused many a man for her favors to pounce.
Big udders on women are surely a necessity
To give suckle to babes so pretty
And give a man something to hold on to in bedsport.
This book was a breath of fresh air. I was grinning happily at the end, and then I discovered....there are tons more books in this series! Oh happy days! Sandra Hill is going to be a new favorite author, there is no doubt in my mind.
Grade: A
Vikings Forever!
Penelope
March 7, 2012
This book was F.U,N. to read! It had me laughing on more than one occasion but that's not to undermine the seriousness of the situation that Ingrith and John are in. This wasn't a typical romance in that the heroine is fiesty and needy at the same time and very clingy and shy. I do like those romances but Ingrith didn't meet that profile at all. She was curious, funny and outspoken which often took the other characters by surprise. She was a welcome relief to the everyday type of romance.
John was somewhat typical in that he was tall, dark and handsome but he had issues that made him really endearing. There were a few times when I wanted to clock him a good one up along side the head but his actions were understandable considering what he was dealing with.
The book is quick, easy to read and very fun. I don't think I've read a fun book like this in a long time. It was great! :)
One more thing I'd like to mention: this book is a part of a series but the series is loosely tied according to the author and you can read one without having to read them all in order. Another relief for me because nothing irritates me more than getting into a book only to find out that it's book two or three of trilogy or a series and I haven't read the first one.
Oh and the glossary at the back of the book was really nice. I wondered what a sennight was. Now I know. :)
John was somewhat typical in that he was tall, dark and handsome but he had issues that made him really endearing. There were a few times when I wanted to clock him a good one up along side the head but his actions were understandable considering what he was dealing with.
The book is quick, easy to read and very fun. I don't think I've read a fun book like this in a long time. It was great! :)
One more thing I'd like to mention: this book is a part of a series but the series is loosely tied according to the author and you can read one without having to read them all in order. Another relief for me because nothing irritates me more than getting into a book only to find out that it's book two or three of trilogy or a series and I haven't read the first one.
Oh and the glossary at the back of the book was really nice. I wondered what a sennight was. Now I know. :)
September 13, 2010
I loved this book when I first started reading it. But...it lost 2 *'s because it had so many sex scenes over and over again...ie. shampoo rinse ..repeat. But when Hill got back to the story the book was great again. As I read this book I did alot of smiling.
This is a story about a Viking Princess, Ingrith and a sort of nerdy saxon knight. He loves bees and studies them all the time. He is doing experiments with honey on his villagers. He is very happy living in his own world of bees and experiments ...then along comes Ingrith and 8 orphans (1 of them is the kings bastard). She is protecting the children from the evil Loncaster (head of the kings guard). He wants the kings bastard and he wants Ingrith. She turns John's life upside down. She decides she wants John for her hero and John is running away from her as fast as he can go. He believes he can never marry and refuses to fall for Ingrith or marry her. Ingrith persues with all her might and catches him in her web. I love how Sandra Hill writes what they are thinking and then they say the opposite. This book has lots of humor and a great story. If Hill could have spread out the sex scenes in the story I think it would have been a smoother story.
This is a story about a Viking Princess, Ingrith and a sort of nerdy saxon knight. He loves bees and studies them all the time. He is doing experiments with honey on his villagers. He is very happy living in his own world of bees and experiments ...then along comes Ingrith and 8 orphans (1 of them is the kings bastard). She is protecting the children from the evil Loncaster (head of the kings guard). He wants the kings bastard and he wants Ingrith. She turns John's life upside down. She decides she wants John for her hero and John is running away from her as fast as he can go. He believes he can never marry and refuses to fall for Ingrith or marry her. Ingrith persues with all her might and catches him in her web. I love how Sandra Hill writes what they are thinking and then they say the opposite. This book has lots of humor and a great story. If Hill could have spread out the sex scenes in the story I think it would have been a smoother story.
February 1, 2012
I've been reading Sandra Hill's Viking novels since the late 1990's. Hill really loves her subject matter and it comes out in her writing. Hill is the rare author who presents scenarios skirting ridiculous with so much conviction I fall into her fictional dream. And I have a great time. This is very unusual since I prefer my historical fiction as "pure" as possible. Hill's storytelling just pushes my buttons and I'm willing to roll with her vision. She's great.
Hill wrote erotic romance long before the term was ever coined. Her earliest Viking novels are lush with historical details, compelling characters, angst, drama, good humor, and the love scenes are just right. Sexy, hot, romantic, and they flow into the love story without distracting readers or distancing them from the primary plot points.
Her more recent novels haven't fared so well IMHO. I'm not sure if Hill herself or her editors are to blame. Her newer books are shorter, storylines are simpler and feature less historical detail, and sex scenes are much more frequent and "throwaway." By that, I mean the sex scenes are gratuitous, distracting, and don't contribute anything to story progression. Her newer books frequently feature recycled plots from her earlier books and this wouldn't bug me so much if the newer executions weren't so inferior to their predecessors. I feel like I'm reading a "lite version" of what Sandra Hill can really do when she's allowed more word count, more storytelling, and less sex.
"The Viking Takes a Knight" has the dubious distinction of being the first Sandra Hill book I didn't devour in a single-day or two-day read. The main characters were intriguing and well-developed. John and Idrith shared great compatability, they were funny, sexy, and the plot included solid internal conflict and external obstacles for them to overcome in order to reach their HEA. Good secondary characters help or hinder their efforts to manage their lives and solve their problems. The villains are duitfully villainous. Several characters from previous books appear, but they actually have a purpose.
But the middle third or so of the book is nothing but sex scenes. They're not ill-written, they're just not interesting or conducive to plot progression. I felt bored and disappointed. Most Hill books have so much going on and are usually so informative about the time period. Comparing some of Hill's earlier books to this one is the equivalent of comparing a gourmet dessert to a snack cake. It's not that the snack cake's no good, it's just no good compared to the gourmet dessert.
I'll still read Hill because I just love her. I'm very excited about her new vampiric-angelic Viking series. But part of me is jonesing for "gourmet Hill" and I don't know if Hill's publisher will ever give us anymore in favor of this lighter fare.
Rating / Grade: 3 stars / "c"
Disclaimer: I am not a professional viewer, nor was I solicited to read and review this book. I purchased this book at bn.com prior to 2012. I have read and understood the entire book.
Hill wrote erotic romance long before the term was ever coined. Her earliest Viking novels are lush with historical details, compelling characters, angst, drama, good humor, and the love scenes are just right. Sexy, hot, romantic, and they flow into the love story without distracting readers or distancing them from the primary plot points.
Her more recent novels haven't fared so well IMHO. I'm not sure if Hill herself or her editors are to blame. Her newer books are shorter, storylines are simpler and feature less historical detail, and sex scenes are much more frequent and "throwaway." By that, I mean the sex scenes are gratuitous, distracting, and don't contribute anything to story progression. Her newer books frequently feature recycled plots from her earlier books and this wouldn't bug me so much if the newer executions weren't so inferior to their predecessors. I feel like I'm reading a "lite version" of what Sandra Hill can really do when she's allowed more word count, more storytelling, and less sex.
"The Viking Takes a Knight" has the dubious distinction of being the first Sandra Hill book I didn't devour in a single-day or two-day read. The main characters were intriguing and well-developed. John and Idrith shared great compatability, they were funny, sexy, and the plot included solid internal conflict and external obstacles for them to overcome in order to reach their HEA. Good secondary characters help or hinder their efforts to manage their lives and solve their problems. The villains are duitfully villainous. Several characters from previous books appear, but they actually have a purpose.
But the middle third or so of the book is nothing but sex scenes. They're not ill-written, they're just not interesting or conducive to plot progression. I felt bored and disappointed. Most Hill books have so much going on and are usually so informative about the time period. Comparing some of Hill's earlier books to this one is the equivalent of comparing a gourmet dessert to a snack cake. It's not that the snack cake's no good, it's just no good compared to the gourmet dessert.
I'll still read Hill because I just love her. I'm very excited about her new vampiric-angelic Viking series. But part of me is jonesing for "gourmet Hill" and I don't know if Hill's publisher will ever give us anymore in favor of this lighter fare.
Rating / Grade: 3 stars / "c"
Disclaimer: I am not a professional viewer, nor was I solicited to read and review this book. I purchased this book at bn.com prior to 2012. I have read and understood the entire book.
August 20, 2010
Princess Ingrith of Stoneheim is not like other females, which is why she's still unmarried at the advanced age of thirty-one. She's outspoken, wears breeches, and asserts herself in what's considered a very unladylike way. Another thing she does that's considered inappropriate for an unwed female is that she runs an orphanage for abused and troubled children. It's because of the orphanage that she comes to the attention of the King's man, Loncaster. Loncaster tries to force his attentions on her whenever he sees her and vows to claim her no matter what and she's even more afraid of him after he threatens the life of the King's offspring that she is secretly caring for. To save the child and herself she takes her orphans and runs to the shelter of Hawk's Lair and its honorable owner John.
Contrary to his mother's assurances, John doesn't welcome the guests. He likes the solitude of his bee/honey experiments and doesn't want the distraction the children and the suddenly very appealing Ingrith bring to his life. What starts out as two people trying to tolerate one another soon evolves into sexy verbal sparring and ultimately something more intimate. And while Ingrith can see her future with John, all he can see is fear. Because of the vile atrocities his father committed, he believes his blood is cursed with insanity and therefore refuses to have a full, long-term relationship with Ingrith. He doesn't want to take the chance that their children will be born with bad blood so he hopes that an unconsummated relationship will be enough for her. The big question is, will it indeed be enough for Ingrith? Unfortunately, Loncaster's evil finds Ingrith and threatens not only the child she's protecting but John as well. Will her running away save John's life or make him so miserable that life won't be worth living? Will John be able to put aside his fear in order to embrace happiness or will his fear cause him to lose what has finally made him feel alive?
Ingrith and John are a great couple. Their verbal sparring is sexy and combustible. Every one of their conversations is like foreplay and it makes their intimate encounters even hotter. Ingrith seems very modern in her actions and words and those who want a true historical feel might be a bit annoyed, but I found her delightful. I could overlook any discrepancies because I truly liked her honesty and joyousness in experiencing things. John is much quieter than Ingrith, at least until they get together, then his personality really starts to shine. It's as if Ingrith releases him from an emotional darkness and I loved seeing him start expressing and showing his feelings. All the hurdles that start piling up are ones you're rooting for them to overcome and the roller coaster journey to the final page is a ride I was happy to undertake. For those wanting witty dialogue, memorable secondary and primary characters, and a storyline that makes you smile then this is the book for you.
Contrary to his mother's assurances, John doesn't welcome the guests. He likes the solitude of his bee/honey experiments and doesn't want the distraction the children and the suddenly very appealing Ingrith bring to his life. What starts out as two people trying to tolerate one another soon evolves into sexy verbal sparring and ultimately something more intimate. And while Ingrith can see her future with John, all he can see is fear. Because of the vile atrocities his father committed, he believes his blood is cursed with insanity and therefore refuses to have a full, long-term relationship with Ingrith. He doesn't want to take the chance that their children will be born with bad blood so he hopes that an unconsummated relationship will be enough for her. The big question is, will it indeed be enough for Ingrith? Unfortunately, Loncaster's evil finds Ingrith and threatens not only the child she's protecting but John as well. Will her running away save John's life or make him so miserable that life won't be worth living? Will John be able to put aside his fear in order to embrace happiness or will his fear cause him to lose what has finally made him feel alive?
Ingrith and John are a great couple. Their verbal sparring is sexy and combustible. Every one of their conversations is like foreplay and it makes their intimate encounters even hotter. Ingrith seems very modern in her actions and words and those who want a true historical feel might be a bit annoyed, but I found her delightful. I could overlook any discrepancies because I truly liked her honesty and joyousness in experiencing things. John is much quieter than Ingrith, at least until they get together, then his personality really starts to shine. It's as if Ingrith releases him from an emotional darkness and I loved seeing him start expressing and showing his feelings. All the hurdles that start piling up are ones you're rooting for them to overcome and the roller coaster journey to the final page is a ride I was happy to undertake. For those wanting witty dialogue, memorable secondary and primary characters, and a storyline that makes you smile then this is the book for you.
October 10, 2011
1 star
I don't think this author's writing style works for me. I read the words but they meant nothing to me. While it amused me to have a historical romance written in such an anachronistic style with modern dialogue, it was off-putting as well. While there was humor in it, it wasn't the type of humor to appeal to me, especially when I was already irritated with everything else. The plot was ridiculous. The dialogue was ridiculous. The characters...well, you get the picture.
I didn't feel any connection to any of the characters. They were completely flat. I felt nothing for them, and I wasn't invested in their romance. Because I couldn't care less for them, it made me dislike reading this book, which I wouldn't have continued with if it weren't for a) the fact that I dislike leaving books unfinished and b) I'd already paid library late fines for it.
Basically, I didn't like this book because the author's writing style didn't work for me, and I did not feel any connection with the characters. Because I was completely uninvested with the whole book, I do not feel up to the task of critically reviewing it. This book was pure fluff - and I do read fluff - but it was not the fluff for me. I will not be reading another book by this author.
I don't think this author's writing style works for me. I read the words but they meant nothing to me. While it amused me to have a historical romance written in such an anachronistic style with modern dialogue, it was off-putting as well. While there was humor in it, it wasn't the type of humor to appeal to me, especially when I was already irritated with everything else. The plot was ridiculous. The dialogue was ridiculous. The characters...well, you get the picture.
I didn't feel any connection to any of the characters. They were completely flat. I felt nothing for them, and I wasn't invested in their romance. Because I couldn't care less for them, it made me dislike reading this book, which I wouldn't have continued with if it weren't for a) the fact that I dislike leaving books unfinished and b) I'd already paid library late fines for it.
Basically, I didn't like this book because the author's writing style didn't work for me, and I did not feel any connection with the characters. Because I was completely uninvested with the whole book, I do not feel up to the task of critically reviewing it. This book was pure fluff - and I do read fluff - but it was not the fluff for me. I will not be reading another book by this author.
January 5, 2018
Truthfully I didn't feel like reading HR when I was reading it. Many of the words are in archaic times but many are not as well... The humor and jokes in the book tho very funny, I believe more applicable to modern time rather than old times. It's funny and I do love the cover so much so I didn't have second thoughts when I bought this book but little did I know that it would disappoint me so much. P.S. it's my first VIKING book and my first from the author unfortunately I am having hesitation now on picking one of her other books to read in the future. The book didn't work for me.
November 8, 2018
I almost stopped reading this book half way because of all the sex. I enjoy a couple of sex scenes but when it is a cover-up for a weak story line, it's boring. Some of the characters in this light, funny book had horrific experiences. Two of the female orphans were saved from brothels and one young boy was saved from sexual abuse. Out hero's father, had a childhood with sexually abuse so horrid that his mind split and he went mad. This was discussed between our hero and heroine during a sexual interlude! I can't think of anything more romantic (sarcasm). That pretty much did it for me in ruining the the book.
Putting such terrible sexual acts against children as background for a light, romantic book, doesn't work for me, especially when discussed as if it was nothing during sex. I really disliked this book.
FYI: I am usually a fan of Sandra Hill.
Putting such terrible sexual acts against children as background for a light, romantic book, doesn't work for me, especially when discussed as if it was nothing during sex. I really disliked this book.
FYI: I am usually a fan of Sandra Hill.
December 25, 2023
You big oaf
Well, between the bees, roses, and call me honey, I loved the interplay between the characters. The book was humorous and had plenty of sex but I lost interest towards the end of the book and just skimmed the last few chapters.
Well, between the bees, roses, and call me honey, I loved the interplay between the characters. The book was humorous and had plenty of sex but I lost interest towards the end of the book and just skimmed the last few chapters.
July 24, 2017
amazing sweet and funny
such a joy to read!
such a joy to read!
December 29, 2017
I'm sorry but I can't bring myself to like the heroine at the first meeting... and I didn't change my mind :-/ So DNF for me...
May 23, 2018
Some men are so slow, John is one of them, Ingrith should have smacked him upside the head.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Want to read
July 19, 2020elibrary
July 6, 2021
This would have been better without the weird one liner intros to each chapter. They were outdated jokes that didn't go with anything else.
December 29, 2021
Food, bees, and honey
Truly a great book and well deserved for John and Ingrith to have their story told. You just got to love the Vikings!
Truly a great book and well deserved for John and Ingrith to have their story told. You just got to love the Vikings!
April 24, 2024
Reread. I again found this story very fascinating & quite funny.
January 11, 2025
I enjoyed reading.
October 30, 2025
Cute Romcom
Very sweet (spicy!) comedy with two strong characters. Fun and easy with no real drama or angst. I'd read another.
Very sweet (spicy!) comedy with two strong characters. Fun and easy with no real drama or angst. I'd read another.
June 3, 2012
I sincerely doubt that there are many romance readers that actually like when the mistress is a present throughout much of the book and I certainly do not. Never mind that the mistress - who is not the mistress, according to John, our hero - is quite nice and comely.
I have to say, I understood the conflict with John not wanting kids. I understood the instant attraction- though it did seem off how fast that played out - and it was refreshing, in an odd way, how open Ingrith, our heroin, was to sex. Then again, if I was a virgin at 31 I would be jumping at the chance too.
Still, this book seemed to have some parts that just served to agitate the reader and the heroin. His repeatedly telling her 'I will not marry you' even after having his way with her and then not speaking up when it was assumed by the queen that he was betrothed to someone other than Ingrith. That all just seemed so unnecessary.
I like the series - especially Alinor, Tyra, and Breanne's story - but this was one of my least favorite. Still, a must read if you're going for the whole series.
I have to say, I understood the conflict with John not wanting kids. I understood the instant attraction- though it did seem off how fast that played out - and it was refreshing, in an odd way, how open Ingrith, our heroin, was to sex. Then again, if I was a virgin at 31 I would be jumping at the chance too.
Still, this book seemed to have some parts that just served to agitate the reader and the heroin. His repeatedly telling her 'I will not marry you' even after having his way with her and then not speaking up when it was assumed by the queen that he was betrothed to someone other than Ingrith. That all just seemed so unnecessary.
I like the series - especially Alinor, Tyra, and Breanne's story - but this was one of my least favorite. Still, a must read if you're going for the whole series.
will-never-read
August 17, 2012Lol, Harriet just gave it five and this quote from her review is priceless,
" The story line is fast-paced while Ms. Hill provides fascinating ways to use honey that the experimenters amongst readers will want to test with their significant other. The lead couple is a terrific pairing as each is fully developed so the audience will understand the motives and flaws of both as the almost aptly titled The Viking Takes a Knight as her honey."
And no, I already read the last one so someone else has to take a hit for the team :)
" The story line is fast-paced while Ms. Hill provides fascinating ways to use honey that the experimenters amongst readers will want to test with their significant other. The lead couple is a terrific pairing as each is fully developed so the audience will understand the motives and flaws of both as the almost aptly titled The Viking Takes a Knight as her honey."
And no, I already read the last one so someone else has to take a hit for the team :)
February 21, 2012
Ingrith and her orphaned children go to John for protection. He just doesn't know that at first ;)
He is a beekeeper when he is not a knight in the king's service and the children run rampant through his flower beds as Ingrith, who loves to cook, runs rampant through his honey supply that he uses for his experiments. John in the meantime is trying to keep his wits about him. As always, the book is smack full of funnies, and as Sandra Hill takes you down a path towards a happy ending, there are mishaps that abound sure to keep you laughing out loud.
He is a beekeeper when he is not a knight in the king's service and the children run rampant through his flower beds as Ingrith, who loves to cook, runs rampant through his honey supply that he uses for his experiments. John in the meantime is trying to keep his wits about him. As always, the book is smack full of funnies, and as Sandra Hill takes you down a path towards a happy ending, there are mishaps that abound sure to keep you laughing out loud.
Want to read
December 6, 2011I'm reluctant to read this one because the last book with Breanne wasn't as good as I'd hoped it was a poor job. I love Tyra and Adam though and her sisters were very interesting and fun but in the last book they fell flat for me. I'm hoping Ingrith doesn't fail to intrigue me with her story but I'm kind of putting her story on hold because I'm cautious now.. and don't want my hopes to be too high.. which they aren't..
December 1, 2014
Een boek dat een overgaat van het ene zoetsappige cliché in het andere. Verschrikkelijk is dat een vrouw nauwelijks anders wordt omschreven als wicht of heks dat zogenaamd heel naïef moet zijn en tegelijkertijd wild en mondig. Maar niet alleen vrouwen worden teruggebracht tot stereotypen ook de mannen zijn niet anders dan knap, sterk, bazig en stug. Het verhaal was soms vermakelijk, maar ik ben blij dat ik er nu van af ben. Thanks Maaike, Floortje en Jolien ;)
December 13, 2010
I locve Sandra Hill's books and usually laugh through a good part of them. This one is no exception to the rule. Have to 30+ years with no desire to marry in the good old 900's something that was basically unheard of then, and folks trying to match them up in marriage traps and it can be funny. Enjoy.
October 11, 2011
This was a fun book with plenty of humor and an exciting ending but hero's resistance was too much and heroine took it. It irritated me such that I didn't enjoy steamy scenes usually my favorite part. Princess Ingrith runs with orphans to beekeeper John's home. I've read all Sandra Hill books and like her others better.
October 11, 2011
Silly simply silly are how I think of most this authors books, and this doesn't vary from the pack. The viking princess series could be compared to Asterix & Obelix comics, set in a time period but not "of" the historical setting. If you like exasperated heros & a strong leading lady with steamy, sticky & sweet sex, then this is for you.
Read
November 15, 2011A knight who is a bee keeper and details his honey experiments in writing. I found it hard to identify with any of the characters. In addition the love scenes were not my taste. There were too many of them without the romance part and they were definitely over the top.[return][return]In short, the book was abandoned quickly.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews