Convenient Vows With a Viking
Grade : A

Lucy Morris and Sarah Rodi team up to bring two us marriage of convenience stories in Convenient Vows with a Viking.  Morris’ Her Bought Viking Husband features Hakon, a jarl kidnapped into slavery before being purchased to marry Orla and help her protect her land from her scheming uncle. Rodi’s Chosen as the Warrior’s Wife features Kassia, purchased by Viking Fiske, at the emperor’s bride show. Both tales are a delight with strong heroines and the heroes who fall in love with them.

Her Bought Viking Husband begins with Orla deciding she needs a husband because her uncle, Skalla, is after the lands she inherited from her recently deceased father. She travels to the market and somewhat impulsively purchases Hakon from a slave auction, promising him his freedom if he marries her and helps vanquish her uncle. Hakon, who was sold into slavery by the sister of a rival jarl, wants nothing more than to return home to discover the fate of his brothers; he’d allowed himself to be captured in order to give them time to escape. He accepts Orla’s deal and they marry quickly before returning to her home. Orla angers her uncle further with the marriage as he expected her to marry his son. That son, Njal, starts an altercation with Hakon that Hakon wins easily, angering Skalla further. He escalates his campaign to steal her land as she and Hakon begin to get closer, wrestling with their growing feelings for each other.

This is a fantastic novella! Orla is strong without being obnoxious and I adored her. She is willing to fight for her people even though for much of the story it looks as if it’s going to be a losing battle. Regardless, she still manages to be very feminine and it is no wonder Hakon is attracted to her even when he does not want to be. And Hakon! I loved him! He is immediately protective of Orla, even though he’s planning to leave after helping her t0 secure her lands. He is such a sweet guy beneath the gruff exterior that it was impossible not to fall in love with him.  One of my favorite scenes is the one when Hakon’s brothers arrive. I loved their dynamic and I’m really hoping they each get their own stories. Hint, hint, Lucy Morris!

As always, Morris is not afraid to give us an action-packed tale, and there are no slow spots in this story. She gives us high stakes and is not afraid to back them up by having actual consequences to them. I’m a huge fan of marriage of convenience stories because I love watching the couple try so very hard not to fall in love with each other while being forced together. Her Bought Viking Husband is an awesome start to this duo of stories. It has a strong hero and heroine and plenty of action to keep things moving.

Grade: A           Sensuality: Warm

Rodi’s Chosen as the Warrior’s Wife continues the awesomeness with noblewoman Kassia, unwillingly part of the emperor’s bride show, and Viking Fiske, who chooses her as his bride. Both are great characters who face adversity on their way to falling in love.

In the prologue, Kassia attempts to run away in order to avoid the bride show the next day. She is stopped by Fiske and begs him to help her, but he refuses and she is caught by her father. The next day, partially out of guilt, Fiske chooses Kassia as part of his promised payment from the emperor. He needs coin in order to return to his kingdom and take it back from usurpers, but he allows Kassia to believe he is a simple farmer. They agree to keep the marriage in name only despite their obvious attraction to each other and begin their journey back to Fiske’s home with his men. It’s a difficult journey, made more so by Fiske and Kassia’s lust for one another. Kassia reveals a secret to Fiske that douses his desire, however, until he can finally make peace with it.

Again, here is an independent heroine who shows her strength without being obnoxious about it. But Kassia is not very confident to begin with, and I loved seeing her growth throughout the journey to Fiske’s land. Fiske is great, too, falling for Kassia despite his best attempts not to. He did occasionally give me a bit of whiplash, going back and forth between wanting Kassia and wanting to be rid of her, but not enough to detract from the story.

Their journey to Fiske’s home takes up a lot of the plot, but it’s an exciting journey. Fiske and Kassia also come to know each other better along the way, discussing their past lives and their future life together. Her secret is a big part of this plot, and carries much of their conflict.

This second half of Convenient Vows With a Viking is just as delightful as the first. Another strong heroine and great hero, as well as more action and a big secret carry it through to the end to make for a great story overall.

Grade: A           Sensuality: Warm

Reviewed by Jessica Grogan
Grade : A

Sensuality: Warm

Review Date : February 22, 2024

Publication Date: 01/2024

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Jessica Grogan

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