Redeeming Her Viking Warrior by Jenni Fletcher

Redeeming Her Viking Warrior (Sons of Sigurd #4)Redeeming Her Viking Warrior by Jenni Fletcher

Tracy’s rating: 5 of 5 stars

Series: Sons of Sigurd, #4

Release Date: September 1, 2020

Danr Sigurdsson has come to the Isle of Skye looking for answers about the massacre three years ago that killed his father, sister in law and his brother’s betrothed, but when he confronts his late father’s wife Hilda, he new husband Joarr injures him and he is forced to run. He collapses in the forest and would have died for sure if not for the help of a silent woman with silver-blonde hair. He tries to talk to her, but she doesn’t speak. She tends him and after a few days leaves. He is weak, but he finds her living alone in the woods and doesn’t stop talking until she finally speaks. She is unlike any woman he has ever known (and there have been MANY), he wants her, but he made a vow of celibacy and can’t forget his true purpose, no matter how enticing he finds her.

Sissa has lived alone for years and trusts no one, especially not warriors. After an attack on her village by raiders leaves her alone save the company of her wolf, Tova, she would have perished if not for the kindness of a Gael healer, Coblaith. Unable to understand each other’s languages, Sissa stopped talking but Coblaith taught her healing skills and quite by accident she began to help the villagers, but she never spoke to anyone – until the Norseman and that was only to tell him to shut up and leave her alone – but the man will not listen! She agrees to let him stay and slowly they form a friendship. But the past has taught her a painful lesson of loss and as much as she likes him and enjoys his company, she believes she must guard her heart or suffer the pain of losing him.

This book was set in ancient Scotland and was a well written, fast paced book with wonderful characters and a lot of emotion. I really loved this book, Danr is such a great hero, I loved that he talked all the time – usually heroes are cast as the strong, silent type, so to have a chatty hero was a refreshing change of pace. And Sissa was far from your typical heroine, she is strong, capable and stubborn, she harbors so much pain that she almost forces the love of lifetime to walk away – thankfully, Danr was not willing to go without a fight! The book has a bit of everything, action, a quest for vengeance, heartbreak, betrayal, warm love scenes, reconciliation, wolves and a very sweet HEA. This book is the fourth book in an author collaboration series that follows five brothers in an interconnected plot to find out who killed their father – I did not read the three previous books before reading this installment and had no problem whatsoever following the ongoing story line – but it did make me want to go back and read the other books!! I am happy to recommend this title, I think it might be one of the best books I read this year and will definitely be checking out the other books in the series.

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that was provided to me.*

Dawn with a Duke by Erica Ridley

Dawn with a Duke (12 Dukes of Christmas #9)Dawn with a Duke by Erica Ridley

Tracy’s rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

Series: The 12 Dukes of Christmas, #9

Release Date; September 4, 2020

Lady Isabelle “Belle”, sister to Duke of Nottingvale is on her way to Cressmouth for Christmas when her maid takes ill and she insists they stop in Houville. Worried about ruining her reputation, she tells the innkeeper she is a widow, Mrs. Lepine, thinking they will only be there for one night. She is out of her element tries to make the best of things, but is unsure what she is supposed to do, as she has never been on her own before. She is looking at the crowded dining room and notices a handsome, well dressed man. He beckons her over and invites her to sit at his table. Grateful, Belle immediately takes a liking to the handsome stranger.

Calvin McAlister is in Houville preparing for the opportunity of a lifetime, he and his partner Jonathan MacLean have come up with a revolutionary idea – a line of ready-made formal wear for the average man. They will plan to sell or rent their cloths in shops, but primarily by mail order. Up until now it has been a dream, but the chance to have the Duke of Nottingvale as an investor could make that dream a reality. Calvin is a recluse by nature and feels uncomfortable in social situations, making his partnership with Jonathan perfect. Jonathan will handle the people and Calvin the clothes. So it makes no sense to him why he offered to share his table with the lovely stranger. As soon as he offers, he regrets his decision, but is delighted to discover, Mrs. Lepine feels just as awkward as he does and that he enjoys her company.

Belle and Calvin will grow much closer when a bout of the flu leaves the inn shorthanded and leaves Belle without a maid’s assistance in dressing – a task she hires Calvin to do! When he discovers what a talented artist she is, he hires her to finish painting his catalogue sketches. They are falling hard, but when the truth of who she is comes out, will their love survive?

This was a well written, nicely paced, absolutely delightful novella. Belle and Calvin are wonderful characters who are perfect for each other despite their social status disparities. This book had secondary characters, but they really play a very small role in the story, also this book was a bit steamier than the previous offerings in the series (not a complaint!) but it fit the story and I loved the ending. I am happy to recommend this book, it is the ninth book in the series, but it can easily be read as a stand-alone title.

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that was provided to me by NetGalley and the publisher.*