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I am Lover of romance, who indulges in the romantic adventures of literature

My name is Renee, and I am the host of this site. I am a 34 year old woman, on the prowl for her mate, searching out the best of books, exploring the wilds of the imagination and delving into the heart of a beautiful love story.

 

Book Review-The Warlord’s Wife

by | Jul 18, 2015 | Book Reviews | 5 comments

Book Review-The Warlord's Wife

Book Review-The Warlord’s WifeThe Warlord's Wife (Sons of the North, #1) by Sandra Lake
Published by InterMix on March 17th 2015
Genres: Historical Romance, Vikings, Medieval Era
Pages: 283
Format: eBook
Source: Self Purchased
ISBN: B00JV0YW8G
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four-stars

A stunning historical romance from debut author Sandra Lake transports readers to 12th century Sweden, where a powerful Viking lord will discover a fierce heart cannot be taken by mere force.Lida was married to the love of her life for just two months when she became a widow. Pregnant and disowned by her late husband’s family for suspected infidelity, she was forced to return to her family in shame. Eight years later, uninterested in the prospect of finding another husband, she finds herself the unwilling object of a marriage contract with a powerful warlord. In a day, she is wed, bed, and put on a ship headed for Tronscar; an unknown icy stone and steel fortress.Jarl Magnus is pleased to have taken a strong wife who, however stubborn she may be, will surely produce sons. However, he is less pleased with his wife’s additional baggage—a young daughter. But despite himself, Magnus falls for the daughter just as hard as the mother, and Lida’s heart is warmed to see the cold, serious Jarl move surprisingly fast into the role of stepfather.When enemies attack Tronscar, Jarl Magnus’s nerves of steel waver, as the warrior fears his love for Lida will weaken him. But when his family is threatened, he’ll go to war to protect them, discovering along the way that they have the strength to protect themselves.

My Review

 

Summary

Lida was practically a girl when she fell in love and married, but then her husband died and she was pregnant. Her husband’s family kicked her out, claiming she was a whore. So Lida returned back to her family, mourning the man she loved and left alone to raise their daughter. Lida is content working on her family’s farm and raising her daughter who is sweet, smart and innocent. But then Jarl Magnus and his entourage comes passing through and notices her. Lida is fine not having another husband, but she realizes that being married to a Jarl, that it would be in her daughters best interest. So Lida reluctantly agrees to marry Magnus, not knowing what her life will be like up north. Magnus needs a wife, so he can have heirs, and he doesn’t care as long as she is strong and sturdy. While traveling he is drawn to Lida who is beautiful and a hard worker, and is tough, and he knows she can handle just about anything. Magnus never expected to be charmed by a seven-year old girl, or to fall hard for Lida. Right when Magnus and Lida are getting settled and comfortable with their life together, there are enemies who wish for power, Magnus’ power and will do anything to get it, even if it means destroying their family…

The Hero

Magnus has battled hard to get to his position of power and prestige. He is dedicated and loyal to his king and is comfortable with his life. All he has ever wanted is to have sons to raise and continue his line. Magnus is highly respected but soon Magnus learns that there is more to life than wealth and power, and he begins to learn what family really means. Magnus is a hero who is your typical viking warrior. Handsome, strong, and can fight in a battle with great efficiency. But Magnus knows nothing about love or affection until he meets Lida Katia. Magnus is very proud at times, a capable warrior, and we see how he handles being married and boy does his life get turned topsy turvy. He is grumpy and has a temper but keeps it controlled. If you like alpha males, Magnus definitely falls into that category, and we see him become humble and slowly change but for the better. We see how he learns and handles conflict and a little girl who wins him over.

The  Heroine

Lida is strong and passionate and what a character, I immediately fell in love with her. Just for the sole reason that she handles Magnus and the way she goes about it. Lida still grieves her husband and its been eight years, and you see how much she loves her daughter. Lida hasn’t had it easy, she is rumored as a “whore” which is so sad but in that time that is what she would be considered as. And of course they don’t blame the man right? But Lida handles it extremely well with dignity and pride, she has a tough skin, and even though it hurts especially from her family, she knows she did nothing wrong and isn’t ashamed of her daughter. She stands up to Magnus at every turn and I really enjoyed seeing how she deals with Magnus, because he is one tough cookie.

Plot and Storyline

The Warlord’s Wife is a viking romance and what a story. I fell in love with it, and its been so long since I have read such a fun viking romance that really kept me captivated all the way through. I fell for this pair and the little girl, oh boy was she a charmer. She could win anyone over and I loved her sweet and kind nature. And I loved the way Magnus and Katia are together, at first you see how Magnus doesn’t care much for Katia, but he slowly gets won over and claims her as his daughter!! The relationship between Magnus and Lida is very rocky at first, and they have a tough time finding a common ground. But you see how that slowly drifts into a bond that is more, one full of love and intimacy. This story was so beautifully crafted, it will win any romance lover over. I almost felt like I was walking straight into the history books, and seeing this era come alive for me. Sandra Lake has done well with her research for this story, and I enjoyed the culture and the intricate details that makes you fall in love more with the story. What was also interesting was seeing some of the other side characters that adds more depth to the story. We have the brother of Magnus, who is charismatic, loves to play and have fun. Quite different from the brooding and grumpy Magnus. Then we have Lida’s mother, who is so loving and just accepts Lida and doesn’t judge just loves her family unconditionally. I was so thrilled to see the change in the characters and their personal growth throughout the story. It’s quite engaging, to see them grow personally and in their relationship. It’s a slow and steady one, with a little surprise here and then to keep it from being predictable. It’s a romance that is packed with danger and mystery, a love story about two damaged people who need love and to make a fresh start, and seeing how love does conquer all!! This is a book that made me remember why I fell in love with viking romance in the first place.Riveting in history and emotion, and balanced in a way that makes your hunger for more. Well Done Sandra Lake!! I can’t wait for the second book..Katia’s story.

The Cover

I love the blue and green hints of color, and it really gives the impression of a VIKING ROMANCE, love how it matches so well with the tone of the story.

Overall View

The Warlord’s Wife is a story that slowly and magically weaves its way into the reader’s heart. A love story that is full of sensuality, intrigue, some enemies to destroy, characters you can bond with, a tale of love that wins over the battle!! EXHILARATING!!

Quotes To Savor

 

“Mama, you loved my father. Grandma told me that love is not in our choice, but in our fate, remember? She told me that you had no choice but ot love my father and that I am a result of your love. Most people do not understand these things, Mama.” Her daughter patted her her hand. “Grandma understands everything. She said the same as you, that I should feel sorry for foolish people who do not understand. She says that most of those people will never understand love, even if it bit them on the bum.”

“Hush, your grandma did not say that.”

“Well, she said ‘nose’ instead of ‘bum’, but I said ‘bum’ because it sounds more funny.”

[divider]

“‘Tis an unnatural feeling, ” he said through a clenched jaw. “I have never felt this desire to surrender before. I tried to fight, but I grew tired of pushing it down. I wanted to posses you, make you mine in body and soul.

Series Order

 

The Warlord’s Wife (1) Magnus and Lida 

The Iron Princess (2) Lothair and Katia

 

About Sandra Lake

Berkley Romance/InterMix published Sandra Lake's debut historical romance, The Warlord's Wife in March 2015. The Iron Princess, book 2 in the Sons of the North series, is set for release June 16, 2015.

Sandra Lake was raised in rural Canada and married her childhood sweetheart (who at times was more like her childhood nemesis). They are currently living happily-ever-after along with their sons and unruly husky.

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5 Comments

  1. Sophia Rose

    Magnus and Lida’s story with her delightful little girl sounds so good. I’m adding this one to my wish list.

    Reply
    • Lover Of Romance

      oh it is, and Katia is so cute and funny. I hope you enjoy it!!

      Reply
  2. Bambi Unbridled

    Oh I haven’t heard of this one. I am adding it to my list!

    Reply
    • Lover Of Romance

      yay…hope you enjoy as much as I did!! I just enjoy the viking setting.

      Reply
  3. Kassandra Dumas

    I had not heard of this story before. I really like the review. This one is definitely going on my list.

    Reply

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