Kept by the Viking

Gina Conkle

May 2018 · Forgotten Sons Book 1 · Sold by Carina Press

About this eBook

Loyalty to the Brotherhood comes before all. Including women.

Formidable Viking leader Rurik knows the law. His loyalty to the Forgotten Sons is his bond, and no woman will threaten what he’s built from the ground up. But the Sons are a roving band of Vikings, and Rurik is growing restless—so when Normandy’s chieftain offers land, the proposal intrigues him. And the sultry Parisian thrall he finds in his tent intrigues him even more…

Safira is cunning and clever and full of secrets. Rurik’s men have no interest in securing her safe passage home, but, piqued with lust, Rurik views Safira’s wiles as a captivating challenge—one he’s determined to conquer, even if lying with her is as defiant as it is inevitable.

Traveling with Safira has been a fantasy come true—what started as lust is quickly turning to the kind of partnership Rurik could never have dreamed. But their arrival in foreign lands marks a new chapter, one that demands a Viking wife. With impossible decisions to be made, Rurik’s alliances are fraying, and past promises may not be enough to save him from having to betray those he’s sworn loyalty to—including Safira.

This book is approximately 83,000 words

One-click with confidence. This title is part of the Carina Press Romance Promise: all the romance you’re looking for with an HEA/HFN. It’s a promise!

Edited by Stephanie Doig

Ratings and reviews

I am voluntarily submitting my honest review after receiving an ARC of this ebook via NetGalley. I have been on a bit of a "Viking kick" lately, and I devoured this book in one sitting. It is very well written, with lots of detail about Viking life and custom, as well as the monumental power shift occurring in France at that time while Vikings were taking over the land and simultaneously fighting among themselves for supremacy, But that richness of detail does not in any way detract from the developing romance or sexual chemistry between Rurik and Safira. Fans of historical fiction, particularly fans of Viking lore, will love this book. I am looking forward to reading more in the Forgotten Sons series.

Viking romances are a dime a dozen so it must have something to make it stand out. It is evident that Author Gina Conkle did her research when writing about the era and creating her characters. Conkle’s lead Safira stands out as a strong and resourceful heroine even when the odds are stacked against her. She is not only likable, she is relatable. Filled with historical trivia and authenticity, Kept By a Viking feels as much a historical fiction as it does a romance. That be said, as another reviewer noted perfectly, The Forgotten Sons feel like a MC with horse and swords rather than bikes and guns. The ending also felt rushed, finishing rather than wrapping everything nicely. Certain decisions and plot points lack sense, feeling rushed rather than explained. Overall, the novel is enjoyable particularly for those looking for a historical Viking romance with substance.

Kept by the Viking by Gina Conkle is the first book in the Forgotten Sons series. This is the story of Rurik and Safira. Rurik was immediately wanted Safira as soon as he saw her but she was a strong women with a plan to get to Pairs. Safira cut a deal with Rurik if he for him and his fellow crew to take her to Pairs but Rurik agree to it but was really not going to honor it. Rurik had plans to go lay claim to some land in the other direction but while traveling with Safira attraction turned to love and that turned to a choice he had to make...deliver her to where she asked to go or lay claim to the land he wanted. This book had me in just a few pages and I could not put it down until I finished it! Absolutely loved this story!

About the author

Gina Conkle writes evocative Viking romance for Carina Press and lush Georgian romance. Inspiration came from growing up in southern California where she discovered a love for books over beaches and stone castles over sand castles. Now she lives in Michigan with her favorite alpha male, Brian, and their two sons. When she's not writing, Gina cooks Viking and Georgian era foods and blogs about it. You can learn more about her and her books at ginaconkle.com.