I chose to review Forbidden primarily because the setting, Dark Ages England, fascinates me. But it took me a long time to both get into the story and understand what in the heck was going on with the characters. Readers lacking a great deal of interest in the period would likely be unwilling to invest…
Susan Squires’s Danegeld was one of the most pleasant surprises of 2001 for me. So I was excited to review its sequel Danelaw, and pleased to find that it was another rollicking good read. Epona is the last descendant of the Horse Goddess. She lives alone in her small cottage with only her herd of…
Life in England during the Middle Ages was fraught with danger. Epona (Pony) finds herself caught between two warring factions – Vikings and Saxons. Pony is drawn into King Alfred’s war to dominate the land but her involvement with the Valgar, a Viking, will put all of her beliefs to the test. Valgar the Beast…
If I’m reading a book that says “Romance” on the spine and has a clinch on the cover, but halfway through I have to skip ahead to the end just to make sure everything turns out all right, then I figure I’m reading a pretty darn good book. While Sara Bennett’s sophomore effort, The Rose…
My Fair Viking is the kind of book I hate to review. Although I didn’t like it, I have a sneaking suspicion that there are readers who would enjoy it very much. Adam the Healer has not practiced his healing arts for more than two years out of grief over his sister’s death. He is…
Author Josie Litton may have chosen to be a mystery, but the success of her books isn’t. Between the brilliance of the marketing scheme surrounding her and her excellent writing – as defined by her enjoyable characters and exciting plots – little is left to chance. The finale to her “debut” medieval Viking trilogy, Come…
There’s a big mystery at Bantam. They’re touting Josie Litton as the next big thing, but the name is a pseudonym of a “successful” romance author who so far has been able to remain anonymous. If these two books are any indication, the publisher is right to create some buzz. I can’t remember the last…
Believe in Me picks up soon after the first book leaves off. This second volume’s plot is similar to the first an alliance is to be formed between the Saxons and the Norse Vikings. Again paranormal elements are utilized, but they continue to be less then fully realized. Lord Hawk is the hero of this…
I’ve had bad luck with paranormals in the past. I always hope for the best but often find the stories being too cute. Not so with Danegeld. Susan Squires does an admirable job of portraying life in the middle ages accurately, and there wasn’t a talking animal or cloudy crystal ball in sight. <!– var…
Danegeld. Hmm, odd title – clinch cover – the man looks a bit like John D’Salvo with blonde hair. As for the woman – nice jewelry – elegant dress – I didn’t know the one shoulder style was popular back then – looks like she’s going to an awards show. Let’s check out the back…