Vikings and More Vikings !

SENT AS THE VIKING’S BRIDE

She’s the wife he doesn’t want…
…and the woman he needs!

Desperate to escape her murderous brother-in-law and protect her young sister, Ragnhild agrees to marry an unknown warrior, and arrives penniless on his remote island. Only, Gunnar Olafson’s belief in love died with his family—he does not want a bride! But as yuletide approaches, Ragnhild transforms his isolated existence. Can she melt her Viking warrior’s frozen heart?

“Everyone loves Styles’ Vikings!” — RT Book Reviews on Sold to the Viking Warrior

“Styles pens another winning Viking historical… An exciting, engaging story” — RT Book Reviews on Taming His Viking Woman

READ A LITTLE, BUY THE BOOK

Award winning author of more than 20 novels, Michelle Styles writes warm, witty and intimate historical romance in a wide range of time periods including Viking, Roman, Regency and early Victorian, often set in the North East of England. Born and raised near San Francisco, California, Michelle currently lives a few miles south of Hadrian's Wall with her husband, and a menagerie of pets. An avid reader, she became hooked on historical romance when she discovered Georgette Heyer, Anya Seton and Victoria Holt in her school's library.

SOCIAL CONNECTIONS:

Website  Amazon     BookBub    Facebook   Twitter @MichelleLStyles  

Goodreads   Pintrest   Pink Heart Society    Previously on GLIAS

THE Q&A

ANGI: What story have you gotten lost in recently?

MICHELLE: I just finished reading The Christmas Sisters by Sarah Morgan. My car ended up having to go into the garage to get fixed and I got stuck on a freezing cold platform waiting for a train. Sarah’s Christmas inspired tale of three estranged sisters and the woman who adopted them helped to make the wait bearable.

ANGI: Favorite field trip?

MICHELLE:  At the moment, because my last three Vikings books have been based around there, my favorite field trip has been to the Scottish islands, in particular Islay and Jura. I particularly loved Jura where Sent as The Viking’s Bride is set. It is also where George Orwell wrote 1984. My husband and I stayed at the island’s one hotel and then drove until the road ended. We then hiked for several miles to see George Orwell’s house and a few miles more to see the Coryvercken (the officially unnavigable whirlpool off Jura’s coast) However that day the sun was shining and the whirlpool was deceptively calm. It is one of the more remote parts of Scotland and very much unspoilt.

ANGI: Daffy Duck or Donald Duck?

MICHELLE: Daffy Duck

ANGI: What’s your favorite thing about your book’s hero?

MICHELLE: My favorite thing about  Gunnar is that he sees the heroine’s inner beauty before she does.

ANGI: High Heels or Hiking Boots?

MICHELLE:  Hiking Boots because my feet always ache in high heels.

ANGI: What’s your favorite dessert of all time?

MICHELLE:  My favorite dessert is lemon meringue pie. I particularly like the River Café version which takes 18 eggs.

ANGI: Surf or Turf?

MICHELLE:  Turf

ANGI: Wild Flower or Roses?

MICHELLE:  Hard question as I love both. I am currently developing a wild flow meadow in what was the back lawn.

ANGI: Biography or History?

MICHELLE: History

ANGI: The most daring thing you’ve ever done… Care to share?

MICHELLE: Probably the most daring thing I have ever done is moving from the San Francisco Bay Area where I’d grown up to the UK to live permanently and where I knew no one except my husband.  Because of his job, we ended up in Newcastle Upon Tyne and all his family lived about five hours to the south. Looking back on it, it seems crazy but at the time I didn’t hesitate.

ANGI’s GOTTA ASK:  Where is your favorite writing place & why?  

MICHELLE’S GOTTA ANSWER:   At the moment, because it is cold outside, my favourite writing place is the kitchen table in front of the Aga. In the summer time, it is in the sun room overlooking the garden (the Christmas tree is currently in there) 

UP NEXT for MICHELLE:

The next Viking is currently sitting on my editor’s desk and she let me know –revisions in the new year. However as part of the Reader Favorites’ program, The Warrior’s Viking Bride is being released again in Target and Walmart stores. It comes out on the 27th as luck would have it. (2 in one month for me!)

PREVIOUSLY RELEASED by MICHELLE:

THE WARRIOR’S VIKING BRIDE

read a little, buy the book

SOLD TO THE VIKING WARRIOR

Read a little, Buy the book

A CHRISTMAS WEDDING WAGER

Read a little, Buy the book

MICHELLE is giving away a signed copy of Sent As the Viking’s Bride.

International Giveaway

your host, Angi Morgan

Get Lost on Facebook   @GetLostInAStory  #GetLostStories

AND OUR NEW Facebook Group: The Readers’ Spot

a Rafflecopter giveaway

MICHELLE WANTS TO KNOW:  What is your favorite Holiday tradition? 

  

Just how romantic were the Vikings?

Survival’s in his blood…
Rough-souled Brandr’s ready for a new life far from Uppsala, but the Viking has a final task —protect the slave, Sestra. Her life's full of hardship…until she learns the location of a treasure. With war coming, stealing the enemy's riches will save lives, but only one man can defend her —the fierce Viking scout, Brandr.
The two have always traded taunts, now they must share trust. Passions flare as secrets unfold, leading one to make a daring sacrifice on their quest To Find a Viking Treasure

Do you love Vikings? Maybe you’re iffy on those Dark Ages heroes because dirty, violent, and rude comes to mind. Qualities that we don’t associate with hot book boyfriends.

I’m here to change that. Take this multiple choice/True False quiz below and see if you learn something new about Vikings.


1) Viking men loved kissing their women. To make those smooches happen did they

A) Drag a woman by the hair and force kisses on her
B) Kiss only when it was time for procreation
C) Chew mint leaves to lure their women with fresh breath
D) Eat fish stew with onions and tell a woman to deal with it

2) Viking women wooed men as much as men wooed the women. One way Vikings got close was

A) A man snuggled by putting his head in his love’s lap
B) Women sewed shirts for their Viking love interest
C) Men and women exchanged jewelry (earrings and beard clips)
D) Answer A and C
E) Answer B and C
F) Answer A and B

3) Those Northmen and women worked hard at being Viking. Their primary trade was

A) Sailor
B) Raider
C) Farmer
D) Craftsman

4) Vikings liked their creature comforts (wouldn’t you if you lived in ice and snow?). Guess which one of these was a typical Viking settlement convenience

A) Soapstone sinks
B) Ear spoons (for cleaning ear wax)
C) Saunas
D) Washboards for laundry day
E) A and B
F) B and C
G) C and D

5) True or False. Vikings used nail clippers just like the Romans did.

6) True or False. Red hair was a prized feature in Viking culture.

7) True or False. Vikings had about 6 different designations for children born out of wedlock.

8) True or False. Vikings could freely divorce if they chose.

9) True or False. Women could inherit land and wealth just like a man.

10) True or False.  A sign at the end of the Viking Age was a change in primary currency, from foreign coins to homespun cloth.

Answers:

1) Viking men loved kissing their women. To make those smooches happen did they
C. Chew mint leaves to lure their women with fresh breath. Vikings had great hygiene habits.

2) Viking women wooed men as much as men wooed the women. One way Vikings got close was
F. The sagas abound with stories of men snuggling on benches at communal gatherings and in private. A common sign of tenderness was men putting their heads in their love interest’s lap (and she could groom his hair). A popular thing for women was to sew a shirt for the man she liked.


3) Those Northmen and women worked hard at being Viking. Their primary trade was
C. Farmer. Yes, they were for the most part farmers.

4) Vikings liked their creature comforts (wouldn’t you if you lived in ice and snow?). Guess which one of these was a typical Viking settlement convenience
F. They were all about hygiene! They gave us saunas (great for sweating out impurities and cleaning the skin) and among other hygiene practices, they liked to clean their ears.

5) Vikings used nail clippers just like the Romans did.  TRUE.
Checkout this Facebook post for a picture of a Viking hygiene “kit.”

6) Red hair was a prized feature in Viking culture. FALSE.
Fiery red hair was thought to be “uncanny” and was associated with tempers. Though there were many redheads, it wasn’t all bad. Blond was the desired hair color and some men “colored” their hair to achieve the preferred blond locks!

7) Vikings had about 6 different designations for children born out of wedlock. TRUE.

8) Vikings could freely divorce if they chose. TRUE. And two out of three times the woman initiated the divorce.

9) Women could inherit land and wealth just like a man. TRUE.

10) A sign at the end of the Viking Age was a change in primary currency, from foreign coins to homespun cloth. TRUE.

Did you learn something new about Vikings? If you’re curious for more, here’s an excerpt from To Find a Viking Treasure, Norse series book 2:

“Why are we moving this?” Her face contorted as she strove to match his strength.
The unwieldy hudfat hung off her frame, the bottom skimming the ground. Pale-faced, Sestra’s trembling stopped, but blue tinged her lips.
“We’re hiding it.” With a final heave, he heaved the vessel into the reeds.
“You’re afraid someone will steal our little fishing boat?”
He dusted off his hands, his ribs expanding from labored breaths. The fire steel he’d found when they arrived flashed across his mind. This morning he’d stuffed the piece away to shelter Sestra, but the brave woman he saw in the clearing deserved the truth.
“If someone passes by tonight, sees the damaged boat, they will come ashore.” He slung his leather bag over his shoulder. “You should rest.”
“I’m not a highborn woman to sit aside and do nothing,” she said, planting a hand on her hip. “I can help. You know I can.”
Sestra tried for her usual brazenness, but sleepy-eyed and draped in his bulky fur she was no more ferocious than a kitten. She stood her ground, red curls falling free around her mud-smeared face. He stood squarely before her, breathing scents of fresh water and clean earth from her skin, good smells to a man who preferred forests to longhouses and women doused with scented oils.
In a moment of weakness, he tucked the fur’s open ends over her breasts. “It pleases me to take care of you.”
Sestra’s lips parted and starlight showed an entrancing indent on her bottom lip. How easily his mouth had fit there. It could again. If he kissed her, he’d test the tiny dip with his thumb, gently stroking her lip and the tantalizing freckle at the corner of her mouth. He’d not rush; he’d savor every part.
“All this time I thought you couldn’t wait to be free of me,” she said, her honest brown eyes searching him.
His pulse quickened, spreading molten heat through his chest, landing hot and hard between his legs. Sestra embodied Odin’s test, the one woman he had no business touching, yet his hands rubbed the fur over her nipples as if he had every right to her. And by the cadence of her breath, a tender flame kindled Sestra’s flesh hidden under layers of fur and wool.
If he didn’t take control of his impulses, he’d steal more than a kiss.
With a slow growl, he let go and slid the bag off his shoulder. “If you want to help me, take this and wait by the pine tree.”
She took the humble leather pouch. “What is it?”
“All my worldly possessions.” His voice was raw and mocking in the dark.
Sestra tested the weight easily with one hand, her cinnamon brows furrowing. “How is it a warrior of your stature and experience has so little?” Her gaze touched Jormungand’s hilt over his shoulder. “Yet you possess the finest of swords.”
“Maybe I stole it?”
“Maybe you did,” she said softly. “By strength alone you can take what you want.”
Challenge lit her eyes. The flame-haired thrall dared him to spill another truth about himself. Why did she want to pry open his deepest places?

Hi, I’m Gina Conkle and I write Viking and Georgian romance, which makes for interesting characters in my head. I grew up in southern California and despite all that sunshine, I love books over beaches and stone castles over sand castles. Now I live in Michigan with my favorite alpha male, Brian, and our two sons where I’m known to occasionally garden and cook. Living in snow gives me the perfect excuse to get lost in reading and writing.



a Rafflecopter giveaway

E.E. Burke's Best of the Contemporary West with Renee Vincent

Today, my very special guest is Renee Vincent, USA Today bestselling author of both contemporary

 romance, featuring cowboys, and historical romance featuring Vikings. Can you tell she loves creating Alpha heroes? You can't get much more Alpha than vikings and cowboys. 

Renee lives on a 100-acre farm with six horses, her favorite time period (other than present day) is the 10th century, which just happens to be the time period for her historical Viking romances. But today she's sharing about the latest release in her contemporary Western series, Mavericks of Meeteetse.

Be sure to leave a comment and enter the drawing for your chance to win one of 2 ebook copies of Longing For Langston, Brody & Liv, Book 1, Mavericks of Meeteetse.

Now, let's take a look at Falling For Forester...

Amazon US | Amazon CA | Amazon UK
B&N |  iBooks | Kobo

Best friend and fellow cowboy cattle rancher Cole Forester likes things the way they are—quiet, no-frills, and uncomplicated. He’s a glorified bachelor with only a dog as his companion, totally content to live a solitary life next to the McKinley ranch. That is until a cute little barrel racer shows up looking for a job as a ranch hand.

Tomboy Crys Willingham hangs up her rodeo hat and heads to where her friend Ava Wallace lives, hoping to score a job that doesn’t involve the risk of broken bones every time she mounts up. Once she lays eyes on Cole, it’s her vulnerable heart that’s in danger of breaking.

Excerpt:

Cole gripped his beer and stared in the direction of the hallway. Although he’d much rather skip out on the dinner before Crys made an appearance, the anticipation of seeing the look on her face the second she laid eyes on him held him riveted to the chair.

In the passing minutes he spent waiting, Ava and Jonas made small talk, which might or might not have included him. He tried to listen, tried to follow their conversation about God knows what, but he couldn’t focus on anything save for Crys’s grand entrance.

When he heard the bathroom door open, his heart kicked into high gear. Sammy leapt to his feet and met her as she walked into the living room. She wore another pair of tight blue jeans, and a blue plaid flannel shirt that matched her eyes. Her long hair was loosely braided this time and brought to the front, innocently drawing attention to her buxom chest. Simply put, she stole his breath away.

“Here she is,” Ava announced, turning around in her chair. “Cole, this is my dear friend Crys Willingham. Crys, this is Cole.”

Crys looked up from Sammy and stopped petting him with a deer-in-the-headlights look on her face. Cole stood up from the table out of politeness and smiled. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Crys.”

“Oh my God, it is you.”

Cole heard the shakiness in her voice and reveled in it. The brave and confident woman he’d met on the highway had vanished. For the first time since they’d met, she seemed approachable.

Ava looked between the two of them, confused. “Wait. You two know each other?”

“Informally, we’ve already met,” Cole explained. “But the last time she saw me, I was on the receiving end of her Remington.”

Jonas choked on his beer, coughing and laughing at the same time. “Cole’s the guy you pulled a gun on yesterday?”

Crys cringed. “I’m afraid so.”

Jonas beat his chest to clear his airway. “This is classic hilarious! I love it! You have no idea how this makes my day!”

Ava frowned at Jonas. “Get ahold of yourself, Jonas. This is not funny.”

“Fuck yeah, it is. Every single one of you is laughing on the inside.” He pointed at Crys. “You know you’re on the verge of laughter. I mean seriously, what are the chances that the one guy you pull a gun on is the same guy Ava’s trying to fix you up with.”

Meet Renee

RENEE VINCENT is a USA Today bestselling author who also pens humorous, sweet contemporary romance (with a smidgen of spunk) under the name GRACIE LEE ROSE. From the daunting, charismatic Vikings, to the charming, brazen Alpha male heroes of modern day (which now include cowboys) readers will be whisked away to a world filled with fast-paced adventure, unforgettable romance, and undying love.

Here's where you can find Renee:

http://www.reneevincent.com/

http://www.instagram.com/reneevincent33

https://www.facebook.com/reneevincentauthor

http://www.twitter.com/ReneeVincent

http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3005290.Renee_Vincent

http://www.amazon.com/Renee-Vincent/e/B002Y117PA/

Q&A

What are the next five books on your ‘to be read’ pile?

1.     Big Rock by Lauren Blakely

2.     Anything For You by Kristan Higgins (love this woman)

3.     Prime Minister by Ainsley Booth & Sadie Haller

4.     All I Ever Need Is You by Bella Andre

5.     Outlander Series by Diana Gabaldon

What has been your most rewarding publishing moment?

Hands down, hitting the USA Today bestseller’s list! It had been a long time personal goal of mine and making the list was not only rewarding, but a huge relief to finally cross off my list. Next up…New York Times baby!

Wow! Renee is a cover model! How cool is that?

What’s something you’d like to tell your fans?

That I’m on the cover of USA Today bestselling author, Shelly Thacker’s AFTER SUNDOWN with cover model and friend Billy Freda. Here’s the beautiful cover (right).

What’s your favorite kind of story to get lost in?

One that is fast-paced, but emotionally charging. Whether it’s historical or contemporary, I want to be moved by the hero, touched by author’s words, and longing for the next riveting scene!

If you were given a chance to travel to the past where would you go and specifically why?

*squee* I’m LOVING this question, by the way…

If I could travel to the past, I’d definitely want to travel back to the 10^th Century during the time of the Vikings. I’d hope to either be a fearless shield maiden, fighting alongside my brave and handsome Norse warrior husband, or an Irish princess who has captured the attention of said Norseman whereby my father (obviously one of Ireland’s kings) bequeaths my hand in marriage to him and we live happily ever after! (Can you tell I’m also Viking romance author?)

Do you read reviews of your books? If so, do you pay any attention to them, or let them influence your writing?

I read EVERY SINGLE review. I want to know exactly what readers think of my work, because let’s face it…readers keep me in business. And if they took the time to read my book and leave an honest review, then I should take the time to see what they have to say.

That said, I don’t take bad reviews personally. Every reader has their own opinion, and like them, I have mine. I do, however, take into consideration their suggestions and feedback. But at the end of the day, I write what’s in my heart.

What’s your favorite fairy tale?

Sleeping Beauty

What turns you off like nothing else?

Blatant cruelty

What sound or noise do you love?

The thundering sound of running horses. I live on a 100-acre farm and we have six horses so when they decide to run across the field, it’s such a powerful sound!

What will always make you smile, even on a bad day?

Hugs from daughters, or the sound of their laughter. Both are immediate mood lifters!

Renee's giveaway...

Whether it's Vikings, cowboys, or the charming contemporary heroes, I love to write series romance. I think the main reason is because I don't like to say goodbye to my characters after just one book. I want them to stick around, pay a visit on occasion, and be a constant presence is the hero and heroine's lives--just as friends and family would in real life.

My tagline for the type of series romance I write is: Familiar. Timeless. Unforgettable.

Do you prefer series romance as I do? What are your reasons?

And if you don't care for series romance, that's okay too. But tell me why. I can't wait to hear everyone's thoughts!

Comment and enter the drawing for your chance to win one of 2 ebook copies of Longing For Langston, Brody & Liv, Book 1)

Good luck!!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway