Review: The Viking's Captive by Lily Harlem

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The Viking's Captive by Lily Harlem
Purchase link: Amazon

If you're looking for a hunky, sexy Viking to knock your socks off, or in this case, spank you silly, you need look no further than The Viking's Captive. Ms Harlem delivers a deliciously dominant Viking as he tangles with his willful Celtic slave.

You're probably tired of hearing me say it but I love Ms Harlem's writing. They never cease to enthrall me and leave me feeling happy, flushed, and more than a little sexy. This one, in particular, was very squirm inducing considering I was reading it on an airplane and well, let's just say that it's a little too sexy to read in a public place even with no one reading over my shoulder. I had to put the book down before I melted or spontaneously combusted. So if you're after a sexy read, this will fit the bill.

This story starts with Halvor being instructed by his Jarl to sack and pillage Duna's village and that's where the two meet. Halvor is immediately entranced by the hissing, spitting Duna as she tries to protect herself, but Halvor, being the Viking warrior that he is, takes what he wants, and that's Duna. And thus begins the battle of wills.

I wasn't sure if I'd like Duna but I did. Even her obvious hatred for Halvor didn't deter me. I understood where she was coming from. After all, she has just been abducted from her home and seen her friends and neighbours kidnapped or slaughtered. Despite being strong-willed and hating Halvor, Duna was not entirely uncooprerative, especially after a few decisive spanks from Halvor to remind her of her place. I would never want to be spanked myself, but dang, Ms Harlem makes it seem damned sexy. It's certainly fun to read.

And as he strode away, his thickset shoulders swinging beneath his tunic, and his neat, taut ass moving beneath his breeches, she knew she’d never stand a chance in a physical battle with him. But perhaps she could outwit him. He was just a thick-skinned, small-brained Viking after all.

I liked that despite doing everything she could to dislike Halvor, Duna couldn't help to grow to care for him and respect him because he was an honorable man. He kept his word, did what he said, and delivered what he said he would, including punishments for misdeeds. Halvor, I liked from the moment I met him. I could tell from the start that he was a good man. Strong, protective, noble. He worked hard to provide a good home for himself and Duna.

He was full of exasperation. Why had she not done as she’d been told? She’d risked herself by coming to the lake without telling him. How could he protect her if he didn’t know where she was? He’d vowed to protect her, and he was not a man who broke his word.

He placed his hands on the wall, palms flat. Her mind flashed back to the time he’d done that before, the night he’d taken her. But now she didn’t look up at him with hate in her heart, or with terror ruling her thoughts. Now she looked at her warrior and knew he cared for her, admired her… respected her.

It was fun watching Duna battle it out with Halvor. In her own way, she was wily and determined to remain independent  but she also realised she had no where to go and was dependent on Halvor for her safety and care. I loved when they clashed and Halvor felt he needed to punish Duna. It was spicy and exciting, and it certainly got the adrenalin going.

“I’m looking forward to seeing more of these hills,” she said. “Of this land.” “To plan your escape route?” “Would I tell you if that was why, Master?” He tipped his head back and laughed. Duna gazed at him. She hadn’t heard him laugh before. She found her own lips stretching into a smile as she looked at his neck and the angle of his jaw. “You are an insolent wench,” he said, still chuckling as he urged Ivan to go a little faster. “You make that sound like a good thing.”

I have to admit that historical romances are not something I read often. I usually find them boring but Ms Harlem manages to bring fun and sexiness, as well as a sense of adventure to the historical setting, and who doesn't love and brawny Viking? I enjoyed the descriptions of the Viking lifestyle, living in a longhouse, and even the everyday mundane things like tending the sheep and the chickens. They brought a sense of realness to the story which I found captivating.

Well done on another great read, Ms Harlem. I love your books.

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About the author



Lily Harlem: Website – Blog – Twitter – Facebook – Facebook author page – Pinterest – Raw Talent – BritBabes – Hockey Romance – Newsletter subscription – Hot Ice – Google+ – Harlem Dae – Goodreads – Amazon


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