Veena’s review of To Sin with a Viking (Forbidden Vikings, Book 1) by Michelle Willingham
Historical Romance published by Harlequin Historical 23 Jul 13
When Styr Hydrata approached the coast of Ireland with his wife and small band of warriors on a friendly trade mission, little did he suspect that the small village would automatically assume the worst when they saw the Viking long boat, attacking first and asking questions later. In an unexpected move, his ship, along with his wife and sailors, is captured by the village lads and he himself becomes a prisoner of an Irish lass named Caragh.
He finds that the villagers are starving and on their last legs. Realizing that he needs to regain his strength before he can escape, he offers to help Caragh refine her traps to find fish and large crabs. Soon he is able to talk her into using her father’s boat, which she considers ill-fated because he drowned, and together they leave the village in search of her brother and his men.
They eventually make their way to Dubhlin and find that his boat has been captured and his men sold as slaves, his brother in imminent danger of being sacrificed to appease the Gods to hold off an attack by the Danes. Impressed with Caragh’s courage and beauty, he helps her rescue her brother and eventually his men as well. His wife and second-in-command have disappeared, feared dead. He now reveals to Caragh how he loves her but cannot make any honorable gestures until he’s confirmed whether his wife lives or not.
Not only does he manage to rescue his wife, but she announces that she’s pregnant. He bids goodbye to Caragh and leaves the village behind. In an interesting twist of circumstance, will he be able to find his way back to his true love and show that he’s worthy of her?
I am not sure why the book is titled To Sin with a Viking, because, really, they are both honorable and neither is willing to commit adultery. Anyhow, it’s a sweet story true to the time period in which it is based.
Grade:B
Summary:
Caragh Ó Brannon defended herself bravely when the enemy landed-only, now she finds herself alone with one very angry Viking….
Styr Hardrata sailed to Ireland intending to trade, never expecting to find himself held captive in chains by a beautiful Irish maiden.
The fiercely handsome warrior both terrifies and allures Caragh, but he is forbidden territory. He is the enemy…and he is married. Yet Styr harbors a secret that just might set them both free….
Other books in this series:
To Tempt a Viking
