Oh I loved this book! There was something so engaging and special about it. From the characters and their gorgeous chemistry. To the story with drama filled moments and romance that played out perfectly. Gyda was the perfect heroine. Strong, determined and more than willing to stand up to Thorstein! It was so lovely to see her kind heart and independent nature shine through. Now, if I’m being honest I think I fell a little for Thorstein. He was very wary of falling in love after a disastrous marriage and this gave him some serious trust issues. However I couldn’t help but like him especially the way he looked after the people in the settlement. I loved the way his character developed even though he fought his feelings for Gyda every step of the way.

The pacing was great throughout and I found myself completely caught up in Thorstein and Gyda’s story. From a fiery first meeting that definitely gave the wrong impression. To the way slowly but surely something begins to blossom between this pair. However it wasn’t all plain sailing, let’s just say that there were plenty of misunderstandings along the way. This all brought drama and emotional conflict. Which all combined to create a thoroughly entertaining story with their connection simmering away. The Viking Chief’s Marriage Alliance reminded me of how much I love Viking romances. I definitely need to read more of them and especially anything by Lucy Morris. I know I’m repeating myself but I really loved this book!

I absolutely love a good Viking romance but I do not read enough of them so I was really glad to have the opportunity to read the ARC for The Viking Chief's Marriage Alliance by Lucy Morris. This was such an amazing example of Viking romance and what I really liked was that it focussed more on the everyday living rituals of the VIking culture, as opposed to the more stereotypical raping and pillaging aspects. (Not that there was anything wrong with that - it was just nice to see something a bit different.

Gyda, our heroine, is a recent widow is runs away to avoid being forced into a second unwanted marriage. In a fabulously, dramatic first meeting, Gyda is rescued when her ship wrecks by Thorstein, a Viking warrior chief. Thorstein initially writes Gyda off as a pampered, stuck-up noblewoman, and I really enjoyed watching Gyda work to convince him that there is more to her character than he gives her credit for. It all lead to a really satisfying, enjoyable romance and I absolutely loved every second.

5 Word Review: Family, survival, power, manipulation, love.

I love a good historical romance, and this one wasn't only good, it was bloody excellent.

I loved The Viking Chief's Marriage Alliance so much. From the tense beginning to the glorious ending, I loved every second of reading it and I can't wait to read it again.

One of my favourite things about this book was the settings. They are so rich and vibrant that it was easy to picture them vividly in my mind. I could feel the icy chill of the sea, smell the smoke in the hair, hear the bustling of Jorvik. I was as awed as Gyda when she stepped into the capital of the kingdom, I could feel the atmosphere.

The depth of research that has gone into this is evident in every scene, from the way the settings come so truly to life to the way the characters interact with the world. I liked the little bits of lore, the beliefs and customs that peppered the story. The small details really made it exceptional.

I loved build up between Gyda and Thorstein. I loved the instant spark of lust, the strong resentment slowly mellowing, the slow build of trust and passion and love between them. The Viking Chief's Marriage Alliance is a delectable slow burn.

Gyda has such drive. She is magnificent, strong and capable. For all she said she couldn't be a shield maiden, she has such power. Her clothes and jewellery are her armour, her standing in society the thing that keeps her safe. She is so desperate to preserve herself and find a home in which she truly belongs. Her past was heart-breaking, and it was great to see her move on from that.

Thorstein has been hurt in the past, and he struggles to get over it. I liked the subtle exploration of misogyny through his character, and how he had to overcome his own toxic mindset and his preconceptions about women especially. His treatment of Gyda was certainly not fair because of this, but it made their finally coming together all the more special. The growth was excellent.

I don't think there's anything I didn't like about this book, although the secrets that Gyda and Thorstein chose to keep did frustrate me at times. As much as was yelling KISS, I was yelling TELL THEM. Everything was so well done, I didn't want to put this book down.

This is one of the best historical romances I have ever read, and it is one I'll happily read again (and again). From the tantalising slow burn to the fierce character to the wonderous setting, it was magnificent.

I read this ARC for an honest review
All thoughts and opinions are mine

A debut novel - I thoroughly enjoyed this
Enjoyed the characters and the way it is written

I found this an evocative read

This book was an excellent debut novel for the author. The characters were strongly drawn and the plot started in an interesting way. I liked the way that Gyda and Thorstein were believable in their attitudes and reasoning and that their backstories affected the way they interacted with each other. The pace of the plot also added to my enjoyment of the story because the characters were given time to get to know and understand each other as they built a relationship. The author clearly has excellent knowledge of this period but wove the details in well to the story. I shall look forward to seeing more books by her.

The Viking Chief's Marriage Alliance is a perfect feel good read which I thoroughly enjoyed.

Thorstein rescues Gyda from a shipwreck and promises to take her to where she had set out to go. When they both assume their paths are set to part, they embark on a new journey together - as husband and wife but with mistrust on both sides, they have many obstacles to overcome before they can find their happily ever after.

I loved Thorstein and Gyda. They were both such well crafted characters with deep wounds from their past and a fear of trusting the other with their heart. The descriptions of the setting and the era were so good that I felt I was right there, especially in the opening scenes. Lucy Morris has a great voice and I look forward to reading more of her books. Highly recommended!