Tag: Sarah Rodi

The Viking’s Princess Bride by Sarah Rodi

On By TracyIn Medieval - Early (410 - 1066), Middle Ages / Medieval (476-1454), Standalone Title, Tracy's ReviewsLeave a comment

The Viking's Princess BrideThe Viking’s Princess Bride by Sarah Rodi

Tracy’s Rating: 4 of 5 stars

Series: Standalone

Release Date: January 21, 2025

Driven by vengeance, Njal Salversson laid siege to Jorvik, the royal seat of the Saxon King Aelfweard, hoping that defeating the king who ordered the slaughter of his family would finally give him peace. He and his men have been fighting for the past two years and now that the king has been defeated, Njal wants to put the past behind him and find a way for the Danes and Saxon to live together in harmony. The first step to achieve that goal is to marry King Aelfweard’s widowed daughter, Princess Cwen. Marriage was not originally part of his plan, but when he met her on the battlefield, she captivated him like no woman ever had. But Njal has been burned before and trust is hard for him to give, especially when he is sure Cwen is hiding something, and his family loyalty is called into question. Can he find true love and peace with his enemy’s daughter or is he setting himself up for more heartache?

Princess Cwen is used to being a pawn for her father, so a second political marriage doesn’t come as s a surprise to her, but her reaction to Njal is unlike anything she as ever experienced. He makes her want things that are impossible. But lying to Njal doesn’t sit well with Cwen and when she finally lets herself admit what she is feeling is love, it makes lying even harder. But her secrets are not her own and could have ramifications that hurt the people she loves. Can she trust Njal with the truth and will he forgive her deception or will the betrayals in his past keep him from accepting her explanations?

This was a wonderful story set in the Early Medieval era of Anglo-Saxon England. I loved Cwen and Njal, they are both amazing characters, who are willing to forsake their own happiness for the sake of their loved ones. This story has a lot going on including love at first sight, enemies-to-lovers, longing, betrayal, secrets, a heaping dose of angst, family loyalty, heartache, lies, forgiveness, a bit of spice and finally a HEA that seemed almost impossible and even includes a very sweet epilogue. I do wish the story had moved a bit faster, but overall, it was a very good read and one I would happily recommend to fans of Medieval romance.

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher/author. All opinions in this review are my own. *

Her Secret Vows with the Viking by Sarah Rodi

On By TracyIn Book Publicity, Medieval - Early (410 - 1066), Middle Ages / Medieval (476-1454), Standalone Title, Top Pick - Highly Recommended, Tracy's Reviews, Viking3 Comments

Her Secret Vows with the VikingHer Secret Vows with the Viking by Sarah Rodi

Tracy’s rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

Series: Standalone

Release Date: August 20, 2024

Lady Ædwen of Eastbury has agreed to marry Lord Werian, the man her father Lord Manvil has chosen for her, in the hopes that her father will keep his word and let her see her daughter. Just over a year ago, Ædwen fell in love with Stefan, a Dane warrior who was injured in battle and left for dead. She nurtured him back to health and learned he had no memories of his life prior to waking up and seeing Ædwen. They grew close and fell in love, exchanging vows in secret and becoming intimate, some of his memories return and he tells her of his life in Demark and the choice his father made to come to England for a better life. But the very next day, he sees her speaking with her father and his lost memories come rushing back, her father killed his father and brothers and tried to kill him. Enraged at what he perceived as deceit by Ædwen he leaves her without a second thought. Never knowing she carried his child. A child her father took from her and a child he used to make her bend to his will. She feels she has no choice and is about to exchange vows when Stefan bursts in the church and declares himself her husband and insisting that she leave with him. She is torn, she doesn’t want to marry Lord Werian, but neither does she want to lose the chance to see her daughter Ellan. In the end the choice is made for her, but Ædwen isn’t willing to reveal all to Stefan, she isn’t sure she can trust him after he abandoned her, but she goes with the hope she will find Ellan, even if there is no chance for them to be happy. Can their love be revived or are they doomed for a life of unhappiness?

Stefan left Ædwen convinced that he had been deceived by yet another woman whom he thought he loved. He makes his way to Wintacaester and proves himself to Canute, the Danish King of England and is named the King’s commander. He is content to in his new life, until he learns he has a child and believes that Ædwen gave up that child and knowingly kept her existence from him. When he further learns she is to remarry, he decides to reclaim her, just to ruin her father’s plans. He hates her, at least he thinks he hates her, but he cannot deny the passion and desire he felt for her is still strong. He tries to get her to confess to him about their child, but it isn’t until they reach the city, and she is attacked that she finally admits the truth and her deep shame for having lost their child. He then revealed that he has Ellan and decides that they will be a family. But without trust, happily ever after seems impossible. Is their love gone or can they find their way back to each other?

This might be my favorite Sarah Rodi book to date! It was a very well written, nicely paced story about second chances and forgiveness. The story is very intense, emotional and surprisingly steamy (not complaining!!!), and filled with secrets, past hurts, betrayal, presumptions, shocking revelations, twists and finally forgiveness and love leading to HEA. Ædwen and Stefan make a lot of mistakes on their road to HEA, but they are both likable, relatable characters who are easy to root for. This book was part of a author collaboration duet but could easily be read as a standalone title with no problems. I am happy to recommend this title to medieval romance lovers or anyone who enjoys a touching second-chance love story.

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher/author. All opinions in this review are my own. *