I recently bought a new kindle after my old one broke. For some reason I was unable to download this title from the cloud onto my kindle, therefore I will be unable to review this title. I am sorry for any inconvenience caused.

I had a hard time getting into this book. I typically love everything here, but it could have just been a dry spell for me. For that reason, i'm not rating it publicly. Thank you

Guest Review by Monique Daoust
Or should it be his Viking warrior...

The evening after a battle in Rouen, the Viking warriors were partaking in a feast at their jarl's, Will Longsword. Bjorn had noticed a beautiful woman in white sitting at his jarl's table; she was now at his side. Bjorn hadn't recognised his childhood friend Ilsa, it had been a long time since he had been banished from Vellefold. Ilsa has a proposition for him: Vellefold needs his warrior's skills for a short while. He is not interested, especially as he would take his orders from her. However, his jarl endorses Ilsa's idea, and Bjorn is off to Norway with the other Forgotten Sons before he knows what hit him.

Gina Conkle's research and understanding of the Viking era is absolutely astonishing. From the first page, we are transported to AD 930, from Rouen - a Viking settlement - then sailing away to Norway on a longship. The author's knowledge extends to the mores and customs, the way of life of warriors, simple villagers, and nobility alike. And the things I learned on ivory, ravens, clothing, and the roles women played in that society. The Viking era atmosphere is so meticulously crafted and sustained that not one word took me out of the story for the duration.

Bjorn and Ilsa are not the most loquacious, they're doers. They don't see the return to their native village the same way, but upon witnessing the devastation, Bjorn understands he is needed, and he has an ulterior motive as well. Things were cruising along just fine, lost as I was in mental contemplation of the lyrical descriptions of the vistas, the ship, the sea voyage, the feast, the decimated village, the despondent survivors, then Ilsa reveals a secret to Bjorn that severely complicates matters.

Bjorn is a true Viking warrior, but Ilsa is a heroine for the ages! What can I say other than I think she is perfect. Not in the way that she has no flaws, but that she conquers them. She has goals and she will see them realised, however much it costs her; she is a heroine I believe in and admire. There are many secondary characters, including the other Forgotten Sons, of course, all beautifully defined. And while HER VIKING WARRIOR is book two in the Forgotten Sons series, it stands entirely on its own, Rurik not taking part in the adventure. Bjorn and Ilsa are two very strong people, their relationship is fraught with peril and it is all very realistic. The battle towards the end is a monument of highly descriptive and eloquent writing; it is like being there! Viking romance has found its own skald - poet - in Gina Conkle. Now, about Magnus...



I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book. All thoughts and opi

I like Viking books. I liked this book, but only to extend. I was missing romance. The book showed more battles and descriptions of it instead of giving us more information how the characters fell in love and what their live was all about. Still I enjoy the book.

I loved Her Viking Warrior by Gina Conkle. The story wasn't predictable at all, especially because I envisioned Ilsa to be a little different than how she turned out to be. What's not to like about a strong, smart woman who'd do anything for her people? In general, when this trope is used, it's more often than not the hero of the story. But not in this book! The only issue, tinsy-winsy, was that I thought our poor lovebirds weren't having enough time together to finally come out and say that they felt about one-another, even after all these years. They sure did drag it out, unfortunately the story by then was almost at the end. But with how things were going in Vellefold, I guess it was understandable.

Either way, the viking world and their ancient lifestyle fascinates me a lot and I've been waiting for Ilsa and Bjorn's story for a while. Looking forward to the next book in the series. :)

I chose this title because I had a craving to return to my roots where reading romances is concerned, but what I’d expected to be a quick, candy-bar read turned out to be much more. The story speaks to the parts of me that are traditional, and those wanting to see growth and change. This is far from the “love blooms in reluctant couples” theme that many historical romances use. Rather, it’s a story of growing respect and understanding during dangerous, tumultuous times.

Ilsa and Bjorn follow a path strewn with hard choices and unwanted losses. Their ways have never been easy, nor have they sat back and let fate make choices for them. This is especially true for Ilsa because she stretches the boundaries of her gender to address the needs of those who depend on her. She has many secrets, some of which she keeps even from the reader for a bit, but the small details add up so when Ilsa reveals the secret to us, it’s not a shock. Before you think this is the modern world crammed into Viking history, however, know the original understanding of Viking life had many flaws. More recent discoveries are changing those assumptions. The author includes a note at the end referencing a historical Viking woman whose life followed a similar pattern.

Bjorn’s concerns are more personal. He fights a craving to reclaim the home that cast him out as a boy of twelve almost as strong as the one to punish those who remain for not stopping his father. It’s a measure of the man he has become that Bjorn can see and learn about the conditions in his old home despite the filters of his anger and confusion. Ilsa offers a different form of distraction and makes keeping to the rules of his brother warrior band harder than Bjorn would have thought possible.

The parallels to modern times in this story are strong. Several themes, while true to the book’s period, echo strongly in the modern world with lessons to teach those willing to listen. Don’t expect a pause to educate, however. The themes are woven tight into the story, and cause trouble for Ilsa and Bjorn whether or not the reader sees a greater significance as I did.

The rules of that time might be different, but the needs and weaknesses of the characters are relatable. They struggle between what is right, the promises they’ve made, and who they want to be. I was completely absorbed…so much so I forgot to make notes for this review a good part of the time. While I knew what I wanted to happen, the characters were just unpredictable enough to leave me startled a time or two, making the book stronger and more complicated.

There is an open-door love scene and the passion burning between the main characters is tangible even before they’re willing to act on it. Passion is not the only strong emotion though. The story is far from simple and has darkness as well as light. The warring is not painted with a heroic sheen nor are the battles waged closer to home glossed over. This could easily have been a banished son returns a conquering hero to save the day. Instead, there’s a multi-layered tale full of challenges about personal and societal beliefs where the characters must face their own demons as well as ones imposed from others. There’s an important theme played out in the background, but the story of two childhood friends torn apart then reunited in the worse circumstances is enough to satisfy the romantic heart.

I enjoyed the sharp and layered banter between two mature protagonists who had seen much of life and stayed strong despite it. Viking words are introduced with a skillful hand so the context makes the meaning clear while the writing itself is evocative. People develop distinct personalities (except for those mostly in the background where similar names sometimes tripped me up), and the Earth itself comes alive in its trees, land, and waters. The wind has a voice, but more than that, the variety of beliefs add another depth where who a person turns to for blessings shows in their outlook.

I cannot say more without spoilers, so I’ll leave you with this: the ending is fascinating. It’s not what I’d come to expect, and yet it is appropriate for this book with all the questions it raises and explores.

P.S. I received this title from the publisher through NetGalley in return for an honest review.

Sorry but this book was not for me, it could have been that it is part of a series but I couldn't get into it..I couldn't stand one of the main character (Ilsa) and felt that Bjorn could have done better.

Her Viking Warrior is a book for the historical romance ages! Gina Conkle definitely knows her niche because this book delivered on all fronts and I cannot wait to read more from this author. With in-depth details, passionate visuals and great wordplay, this book is one that I will happily recommend.

3.75stars-HER VIKING WARRIOR is the second instalment in Gina Conkle’s historical FORGOTTEN SONS Viking romance series. This is Bjorn and Ilsa’s story line. HER VIKING WARRIOR can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Bjorn and Ilsa) HER VIKING WARRIOR follows Ilsa as she is tasked with bringing help to her village, a village destroyed and terrorized by an enemy from afar. Hoping against hope that her childhood friend Bjorn, bastard son of Vellefold, and his warrior brothers of the Forgotten Sons, will help to defeat the enemy, once they return. Unable to convince Bjorn to help her cause, Ilsa takes drastic measures including ‘buying’ the service of Bjorn and his men. What ensues is the preparation for war, as people of Vellefold, learn to defend against an enemy more powerful and strong.

At the age of twelve Bjorn was ostracised from his family and friends; sent away by the man he loved, but destroyed by the jealousy of his father’s wife, Bjorn struggled to acquiesce to Ilsa’s demands, a struggled that finds our hero sailing for the home he no longer loved. Ilsa is a strong woman with secrets that are about to be exposed; a woman who has never stopped loving our story line hero but Ilsa is on a mission to procure help for her ravished village, at any cost, including the humiliation of Bjorn and his warrior brothers.

The relationship between Bjorn and Ilsa if contemptuous at best. Childhood friends destroyed by one woman’s need for power and control, Ilsa was unable to save her best friend resulting in a fractured relationship that struggles with long forgotten attraction and love. The romance is non-existent; the $ex scenes is mostly implied.

There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including the Forgotten Sons, and their leader Rurik (Kept by the Viking #1), as well as Bjorn’s ailing father, the jarl of Vellefold, and numerous members of the Vellefold village.

HER VIKING WARRIOR is a story of revenge; of poverty and war; of betrayal and justice. The premise is engaging; the characters are colorful and many
; the romance is limited and in this in struggled to feel any palpable attraction or emotional connection between our leading couple.

Copy supplied by Netgalley

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HER VIKING WARRIOR is the second installment in Gina Conkle’s historical FORGOTTEN SONS Viking romance series. I feel it can be read as a stand alone.

This is Bjorn and Ilsa’s journey to finding their HEA. Set in Velleford.
Well written and well excuted. Steady paced with an interesting  cast of characters. Secrets abound, dangerous romance, drama, female thralls, childhood friends, finding acceptance, surprises, twists and turns bring HER VIKING WARRIOR to a dramatic and climactic ending.
Once again, Gina Conkle has written a story that will keep the reader turning pages.
Ilsa is looking for justice for the female thralls in Velleford. Bjorn, a fierce warrior in his own rights is an outcast from Velleford, he's also looking for acceptance from his father. Will Bjorn and Ilsa find what they are seeking, or lose all?
Ms. Conkle has once again written a Viking Romance that will keep readers turning pages. Fans of Viking Romance, secrets, adventurers, betrayal, with a HEA, will enjoy HER VIKING WARRIOR.

"I voluntarily received a complimentary copy, however,  these are my honest opinions. I was in no way required nor compensated to write a review."

Rating: 4.5
Heat rating: Hot
Reviewer: AprilR

This is the second in the series and as with the first I found that for me there was a little too much information about the time period. For some this is great but for me I prefer the story and interaction with the characters. But as with the first book, once you get into the story it is hard to put down. There is action, mystery, romance and suspense as you would expect in a viking story. Well worth the read for all who love Vikings and enjoyed the tv series Vikings.

DNF p. 40

I just cannot connect to this story. It may be partially because this is the second book in a series, which I did not realize when I requested it on NetGalley. I was really interested in the premise of a Viking warrior returning home to a place that does not deserve his help. But I still don't have a sense of this world or the people, nor do I find myself caring about them. While I can empathize with Bjorn's plight, I don't understand his resistance to returning to Vellefold as it would be the ultimate way to stick it to them. Nor do I understand how he can blame Ilsa for anything that went down because she was 12 when it happened. Ilsa has the makings of an intriguing heroine but I'm so unimpressed with Bjorn that I don't think there's any way I'd be able to root for them to wind up together. Best to quit while I'm ahead.

Really excellent. So good to read a book that is a historical, but that has a woman who is trying to be autonomous and has succeeded well, in a believable way..

Bjorn is a warrior for hire, part of a band of 6 warriors called The Forgotten Sons, they serve Longsword, and are busy in Rouen helping him to defeat the Breton Queen. Cast out by his father at the age of 12 due to a jealous stepmother, Bjorn is bitter, and has not been to his home settlement of Vellefold since.

Isla, is the daughter or Odell the ivory hunter, and was Bjorn’s childhood friend growing up. She still feels guilty she couldn’t help him when he was cast out. Vellefold is under threat, attacked by the neighbouring settlement repeatedly, their ships have been destroyed, the Jarl, Bjorn’s father is injured and dying, and Ilsa has come for help. She asks Bjorn to help, in return for the Jarldom, but he refuses, so she negotiates with Longsword for the assistance of The Forgotten Sons, in return for ivory. Outsmarted, Bjorn and his comrades sail with Ilsa and her Angle thrall Ardith. They are both irresistibly attracted to each other, but are resisting for now.

The settlement is devastated when they arrive and Bjorn is shocked. There are no female thralls left, so the Viking women are doing the chores. He is determined to wrest back some control, and starts to scout the land, and plan their strategy against an attack, his suspicions are aroused when Ilsa forbids the Forgotten Sons to scout her farmstead. Bjorn bides his time, and starts to train all the remaining folk, men, women and children to defend themselves.

Eventually his men discover too many footprints to belong to Ilsa and her few servants, and suspicions are aroused, who is Ilsa hiding, and although she has lost her husband Halfdan in the attacks, was she responsible for his death?

How can Bjorn defend the settlement, discover Ilsa’s secrets, and leave the people who rejected him. Can he fight his growing admiration and attraction to Ilsa, especially as he learns how she has sacrificed herself in many ways to support her family and feed the village.

What I really enjoyed about this was that there was such a lot of respect between Bjorn and Ilsa. He didn’t ride roughshod over her, as you often read in other books set in this period. Ilsa was prepared to honour her family’s wishes, and those of her community, but she was also determined to fulfil the blood oaths and promises she had made. The resolution was also really satisfying.

I think I will go back and read the first book in this series, I liked this one so much.

I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book and all opinions are my own.

Also posted on Goodreads.

Her Viking Warrior is the second book in the Forgotten Sons series by Gina Conkle. It can easily be read and enjoyed as a standalone.

Ilsa and Bjorn practically grew up together in his home of Vellefold. They were the best of friends and enjoyed spending time together. All that came to an end though when Bjorn was exiled by his father, his Jarl. Taken away on a boat with nothing but a sword and then left to fend for himself. He made a life for himself and has since become a fierce Viking warrior. He and a group of men calling themselves the Forgotten Sons go wherever they are needed, wherever their new Jarl sends them to fight.

Ilsa stayed in Vellefold but times have changed a lot since Bjorn was sent away. His father is on his death bed, and they have been raided twice by an enemy that has left the place damaged and with many lives lost. Ilsa decides to travel the long distance to find Bjorn and to ask him to return home with the Forgotten Sons to help them prepare for the next raid which will surely come. Ideally, she would like him to take up the role of Jarl once his father passes away, but first things first, she must get him to agree to travel back with her.

When Bjorn and his men are enjoying a meal in the great hall he notices a beautiful woman in conversation with his Jarl. When she approaches him he can't help but admire her, but then is shocked when he realises who she is! He is pleased to see her, but not so pleased when she tells him why she is there. He is even less pleased that after he tells her he will not return to help the man and the people who exiled him, she goes to his Jarl who in turn tells him he must go.

During his time back in Vellefold Bjorn and his men prepared all who were able to fight to do just that. Man, women and child. At the same time, Bjorn had to deal with his feelings towards his now dying father, and his wish for Bjorn to stay and rule in his stead. Something he is determined not to do.

A temptation to stay only came from Ilsa. She has grown into a magnificent, strong beautiful woman. The attraction between them is almost palpable but neither wants to give in to it, especially Bjorn as he intends to do his job and leave the place as soon as possible.

Reading the interactions between the couple, plus reading about the preparations for another raid, not to mention seeing how Bjorn was affected by being back home with his father dying made for enticing reading. Add to that the fact that Ilsa has a secret, one that could find her banished or even hung if she were found out, and you have a book that you just don't want to put down until you find out how it ends. The story wasn't predictable at all and I enjoyed every minute of it.

It is obvious that the author put a LOT of research into this story, from the ranks of the people, to the types of buildings they lived in, to the ships sailed, and weapons used to fight. It was all fascinating. At the end of the book, there are even Author notes explaining more about Viking life, and where she used artistic licence.

I definitely want to read the next books in the series, plus read the first one which I missed. For now, though, I am happy to have read this one and am more than happy to recommend the book and the series.

This was a nice enough read, but has very little of romance. Since the focus of the book is on the battles to save Vellefold and his jarl, there is little time left to show how Bjorn and Ilsa fell in love. The scenes that show how his friendship with his warriors began was fun and interesting. I didn't like Ilsa either, but all in all that was a good story.

Her Viking Warrior by Gina Conkle. 4.5 Stars.
I loved the creative and original plot of this series of “The Forgotten Sons”. Bjorn was left and abandoned in another land, to fend for himself at the age of 12 by his father the Jarl. Ilsa traveled far to fill her blood oath to find and return the long lost son of the Jarl and the next in line to become Jarl. Bjorn and Ilsa were once best friends as children and she knew he would not be inclined to offer his and that of his forgotten brothers help to save the settlement from being wiped out.
This historical novel has a lot to recommend it. The story is a bit slow at the beginning with a lot of researched historical facts of the time, setting the stage for this creative and original storyline. The story continues with deep secrets, emotional and physical scars, intrigue, danger, honor, and strained once trusted relationships of old and new. I love the masterful plot twist and turns you won’t see coming especially the ending!!! Another thing I really liked is the author’s historical notes at the end of the book, separating the fact from the fiction.
Note: There’s one hot steamy love scene towards the end that has 4 flame explicit notations.
I can’t wait for the next book! Happy Reading!

I just love a well written and exciting Viking story and this is just that, it is thrilling and allowed my imagination to run away with itself due to the descriptive telling, this was most enjoyable.

I received a copy from Netgalley and I am voluntarily leaving my own honest opinion

While this is the second in a series about the Forgotten Sons, a small band of ferocious Viking warriors, it stands perfectly well alone. Bjorn is the hero of this story, the illegitimate son of a jarl and a thrall, he was banished by his father in an effort to keep from splitting their tribe apart. Finding his own path and a brotherhood he never expected in the Forgotten Sons, when a ghost from his past comes calling, he has no inclination to answer - even if the ghost is a girl grown up into a beautiful woman.

Ilsa isn’t about to take no for an answer, and she has the power to force Bjorn to go with her, returning to his dying father’s side and defending their settlement. And here’s where it gets really interesting, because while Bjorn is rightfully given his due as a ferocious warrior and a competent leader, he’s never sold as invincible. The climactic confrontation didn’t play out AT ALL as I was expecting… it actually played out realistically, and realism is very much the name of the game in Gina Conkle’s writing. She doesn’t shy away from the gritty truths about living in the Dark Ages or the facts of Viking conquest, and we get to see some of the harsh consequences and the aftermath of being on the wrong end of raids. It’s such good writing, with obviously in-depth research behind it, that I feel deeply immersed in the world.

The romance between Ilsa and Bjorn is excellent; Ilsa is a survivor of an abusive relationship (which is be a potential trigger readers should be aware of) and Bjorn a survivor of an abusive family situation. Both of them are determined never to be put in a situation like that again, and equally determined to defend others, something which puts them in direct conflict because Ilsa is hiding a big secret, one which will have serious consequences beyond just herself when it gets out.

This is such a great read, with a genuinely strong heroine and a hero who respects her for it. If you haven’t read any of Gina Conkle’s Viking romances before, I highly recommend them, as this is an author who really knows her stuff and will have you deeply immersed in the story. Five stars.

Enter the world of the Vikings as master wordsmith Gina Conkle takes you on an unforgettale adventure that does not stop until the last page. Her knowledge from extensive research makes this era come alive to the point you feel you are there and see how they lived and interacted with customs and the battles they fought.
Bjorn and Isla had been childhood friends but years had pasted since they had seen each other when he had been banished from Velleford. In celebration after a battle Bjorn notice a beautiful woman at the table with the Jarl. Isla had come with a proposition for him because the village needed a warrior's skills. He of course does not want to return but since his leader endorses her request, he takes the other Forgotten Sons and sets out.
But everything is not as Isla represented and he is torn on what to do and even though he is attracted to her. A tale of secrets, deception, betrayal and many twist and turns as these two try to find there happy ending.

I believe this is my first time reading Viking historical romance. I really enjoyed this book and will have to look into reading more Viking historicals.

Bjorn, a member of the Forsaken Son, is charged with returning to his childhood home to defend it against raiders. He is extremely reluctant and grumpy about it because they banished him when he was a child. Ilsa, his childhood friend, brings him back to fight. She has her own hidden agenda though.

I really enjoyed this book. The tension between Bjorn and Ilsa throughout this book just made me want to keep reading. They had so many struggles and secrets to work but it all worked out in the end. Overall, a good book and I look forward to the next book.

*ARC provided by Netgalley for an honest review.*