This was a lovely conclusion to the Viking saga by the very popular Christina Courtenay. She writes excellently, and the characters were very believable.

The background has obviously been thoroughly researched, the detail was amazing. I didn’t know a lot about the Viking era before but I certainly do now! I would love to see this kind of story in a really fat saga such as Diana Gabaldon writes!

I love this series of books. I mean who would not want to travel back in time to live with the Vikings?
Another great read by Ms Courtenay I hope there will be more.

When Rachel's Random Resources asked us if we wanted to be a part of the book blog tour for Tempted by the Runes, I saw the cover and found myself falling in love with this book without even knowing what it was about. I am a sucker for a pretty book cover. Once I could tear my eyes away from the cover, I read the synopsis and was instantly intrigued. I haven't read anything set during the Viking era, and I love the whole time-slip concept. I knew I had to get my hands on this book and see if the story was as good as it sounds. Tempted by the Runes is the third book in Catherine's time-slip series. Each book reads as a stand-alone, but be warned that there are spoilers from previous books, and characters from early books make cameos.

Overall, I enjoyed this book. I liked the time-slip world that Catherine has created. Actually, this is the first time I heard of the concept of time-slipping and had to google it. For those who are newbies to the concept like I was, time-slipping is where a character(s) travel through time, often by unknown means; think Outlander. In this book, the characters can jump through time by using magical ancient items that have runes on them. Maddie finds one of these time-travelling items while mud larking in modern-day Dublin. She is no stranger to time-slipping, her sister and a friend have both gone into the Viking era using these magical objects (their stories are books one and two in the series). Maddie decides she wants to have her own time slipping adventure. But of course, things don't go according to plan, and Maddie is ambushed by a group of men and ends up being knocked out. Geir witnesses the attack on Maddie and steps in to rescue her. He ends up taking Maddie on his ship as he heads off to Iceland to start a settlement. In a strange twist of fate, it turns out that Geir is also no stranger to time-slipping, but you will have to read the book to find out more.

You can tell that Catherine has done her research. She has put a lot of thought and detail into describing how the settlements in Iceland were established and everyday life during that time. I enjoy the grittiness of the world she created. I thought it was also interesting to see that clash of beliefs and ideals from the two time periods. Maddie struggled with certain aspects of Viking life, and Geir didn't understand why she was upset when they would hunt animals or own thralls (slaves). These things were necessary for him to survive, especially when establishing a new settlement. These clash of beliefs and way of life created plenty of conflict between the two main characters.

Maddie and Geir are likeable main characters. I did find myself enjoying Geir's character more than Maddie's. He is just the perfect historical romance male lead. He appears tough and gruff, but a big kind heart exists under that gruffness. I did sometimes find that Maddie was a bit immature and moody, and it drove me crazy. But to be fair, she was only 19 years old and was going through a lot at such a young age, so I’m trying not to judge actions too harshly. There are steamy moments between these two characters, but not over-the-top steam. Catherine did a great job at building the chemistry between these two, and I did enjoy the scenes where they were together.

The only problem I had with this book was that the writing would get choppy at times. I would be drawn into the world that Catherine had created, and then there would be a few sentences or a paragraph that didn't fit right, or the story would jump in a funny manner, which would destroy that spell Catherine was creating. This choppiness did make reading this book a bit of a found jarring reading experience.

If you are looking for a historical romance book with a time-slipping twist, you should read Tempted by the Runes.

When you start a Christina Courtenay’s story you know you are going to read a well-researched, entertaining, and compelling story.
This is the third I read in this series and always had a lot of fun, rooted for the characters and learned something new.
The attention to the details and historical accuracy is excellent, it’s like travelling back in time with the characters and living in a different age with them.
Maddie and Geir are a lovely couple, brought together by fate (the Norns) or luck, but I’m starting to think that there’s a sort of metaphysical plan that matches people through ages.
Maddie is not perfect: sometimes she’s a bit too rigid and sometimes she choose without asking what other think. But she’s also strong willed and sweet, a well rounded characters that slowly grew on me.
Geir is a perfect hero: brave, selfless and ready to fight to get the woman he love.
Their story is fascinating and loved it as much as I loved the setting and descriptions of everyday life.
I’m wondering what will be next but I’m sure it will be as entertaining as the other stories.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to Christina Courtenay, Headline Review, Rachel's Random Resources, and Netgalley for this digital copy, all opinions are mine

I was looking forward to this next instalment of Christina Courtenay’s ‘Runes’ series so much having read the previous books in the series. It lived up to all my expectations.

Oh what joy to be transported back to Viking times! As I with the other books, I was gripped from the first page and totally immersed in life as a Viking.

In this book, which can easily be read as a stand alone, it is the turn of the third brother to feature. Geir leaves his family behind in Sweden, headed for a new country to start a new life. He takes a few of his friends and their families, along with some animals and seeds for crops. Everything they need to start their settlement from scratch.

On the way they stop off at Ireland and he finds Maddie who has recently arrived from the future and is being harassed by some men. He takes her in his boat to their new life.

Initially all Maddie wants to do is return home. Geir has taken her knife which is the object to allow her to time travel and persuades her to stay and help for a while. He believes she has been sent by the gods to be his wife.

As time goes by, Maddie realises she actually has feelings for this strong, respectful Viking. As her parents are both very into Viking history and re-enactments, she can speak their language of Old Norse and knows a thing or two of how vikings live so she is able to help establish the new settlement.

Maddie has such wisdom and strength and she is only 19.

I will not divulge too much of the storyline as you really need to read it, and if you have not read any of the other books in this series I highly recommend them all.

I hope Christina has another book in the series up her sleeve.

I often think that if I were able to time travel I would make sure that I had all the skills necessary to survive and that's just what happens when Maddie Berger, no stranger to Viking re-enactments, finds herself transported back to 9th Century Dublin, where her skill in martial arts comes in useful when she threatened by a group of rough individuals. The story takes on an interesting twist when Maddie awakens on board a Viking ship bound for Iceland and a new life as settler.

Set against a harsh landscape this exciting Viking adventure takes us right into the heart of a new world. A place where cold and ice exist and where, after a day of work, the prospect of a warm soak in a sulfur infused geyser is the height of luxury. It must be said that that Maddie adjusts to this life of hardship really well, all of which is heightened by her growing friendship with the handsome Viking leader, Geir Eskilsson, whose tender strength is particularly attractive to this modern day Valkyrie.

Tempted by the Runes is such a pleasure to read. I have thoroughly enjoyed spending time with Maddie, Geir and the rest of the settlers as they learn to live in their new surroundings and start to gel as a community. Maddie's burgeoning attraction to the handsome, and charismatic leader, is beautifully imagined, and even though there's an instant chemistry between her and Geir, their relationship, as we discover, is far from guaranteed. And that's where the joy of the story lies, in getting to know these wonderful characters, and experiencing all the joy and heartbreak of living in 9th Century Iceland.

This is now the third book in the series of time travel novels which take us back to the time of the Vikings and whilst they can each be read as standalone stories there is some overlap of characters which helps to keep a lovely sense of continuity amongst these fascinating time travellers. All the stories are beautifully written and meticulously researched and Tempted by the Runes certainly keeps the spirit of these lovely stories alive with this deliciously, romantic tale.

Tempted by the Runes by Christina Courtenay is a Viking time-slip (dual time) romance, which skilfully interweaves past and present. It is an enjoyable time slip romance, with enough magic, history and a good dose of escapism to enchant and amuse you.

Maddie, and Gier, are relatable vibrant characters who set out on an adventurous, romantic journey. The author creates a believably vivid Viking world using historical detail and sensory imagery.

Maddie is a likeable, impulsive character whose character develops with her timeslip adventure. The reality of 9th century Viking life jars with her theoretical knowledge, and she has to accept this and learn to achieve her true potential in the Viking world. Gier has knowledge of time travel, and he sees the runes as a sign, Maddie and he will be together. The chemistry between them builds with emotional commitment and proximity. Maddie remains the biggest challenge to their happiness. Can a twenty-first-century woman be fulfilled in a 9th Century Viking world?

This is an engaging tale of danger and desire with characters who resonate.

I received a copy of this book from Headline via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

Exceptional characters that I completely fell in love with and historical detail that blew my mind, and I have to say that TEMPTED BY THE RUNES by Christina Courtenay is my favourite book in this series, and one of my favourite historical romance novels of all time!

Madison Berger is on holiday with her family in Dublin for a Viking re-enactment festival and is throwing herself into the spirit of the whole thing, reading runes and dressing the part. But she cannot help feel a little lost in her life and when she finds a knife that holds the magic of time-travel that seems to choose her family, she is excited about an adventure. But landing back in the past and getting attacked was not exactly what she expected. Well able to take care of herself, she is still grateful for the Viking man that helps her but when she finds herself bound for Iceland, she is determined to get back to her family as soon as she can.

Geir Eskilsson understands that time-travel is possible as his brothers have both found love and happiness this way. When he helps Maddie and takes her with him to a new land where he hopes to make his own settlement, it isn't long before he starts to have feelings for her and believes that she was sent by the Gods to be his wife. But Maddie has other ideas and while she is very capable in the ways of the past, she struggles with some of the traditions and ways that are cruel and inhumane in her world.

As Geir and Maddie grow closer, can love find a way through their differences? And when all seems lost can Geir show Maddie that he loves her more than anything or anyone?

TEMPTED BY THE RUNES by Christina Courtenay is simply stunning and I devoured this book in one evening as I could not put it down. Maddie is a fantastic character - strong, feisty, intelligent, and compassionate - and I loved watching her blossom into who she wants to be and find her path in life. Geir is kind, strong, and unwavering in his love for Maddie and those that he leads, and I desperately wanted him to find happiness with the love of his life.
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An excellent story that transported me back in time and made my heart beat faster, TEMPTED BY THE RUNES by Christina Courtenay is a must-read.

Firsts Impressions
This one I was so excited to read, after the last one I just wanted more stories about this Vikings and their time traveling guests, I like that it feels so seamless with the other 3 actually, like just coming home.
Loving that is still our world just the age difference and the author is masterful in how to actually immerse you in this period of time, is amazing.
With this series I want to go visit Europe asap and see for myself all this beautiful places.

Characters
Geir is a rascal loving him so much and above all he is a gentleman, is interesting how he being the baby of the family was the one to go away so far because Rurik in a way wasn't that far away either.

Maddie is crazy, but she has a good spirit, love that she wanted to do so many good things for the environment and that he did leave everything behind to fulfill the way of life she wanted. Loved that at the end she did lived as she wanted and found so much meaning in her life.

We had a full cast of friends and nemesis very interesting as usual, some more important to me than others but I do hope we have Ivar and Storm's stories someday.

Themes
Loved the sense of adventure this one gives, with the settling at Iceland and the traveling from Sweden.

The environment impact was interesting too the way Maddy sees an opportunity to try and make a difference from the past to future generations.

Final Thoughts
In all I enjoyed and devoured this one yet again, they're that good and they hook you up pretty fast at the beginning too, even with all the drama and the obstacles in the characters path it comes to be a very nice and cool read.

A terrific time travel (time slip?) novel that moves back and forth to 9th century Iceland. Maddie was in Dublin for Viking reenactment festival when she found herself zipped back in time first to 9th century Dublin and then to Iceland with, among others, Geir. He's not shocked by the revelation that she's time traveling and they, slowly. find themselves, no surprise, in love. What I liked best about this were the small details of daily life- clearly Courtenay has done a lot of research. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. I'd not read her earlier books but now I'm going to keep an eye out for her.

If you’re ever a little bored, left alone in your Dublin hotel room after taking part in a Viking re-enactment, mud-larking on the banks of the Liffey is something you might prefer to avoid – but if you do, and you find a knife with a phrase inscribed on the handle, don’t read it out loud then cut your finger with it just to see what happens. Like Maddie, you might just find yourself whisked back in time to the ninth century, saved from danger by a handsome visiting Viking, then on a ship bound for a new life in Iceland.

But she’s particularly well equipped for it – wearing the right clothes (and her modern day leggings underneath to keep her warm), fluent in the language, reads the runes, and adept at a lot of the other skills she’ll need to thrive in the Viking age thanks to her involvement in all those re-enactments. She’s also a bit of a kick-ass heroine, trained in martial arts – which she’ll undoubtedly find rather useful in lawless times. And she’s certainly not unfamiliar with the notion of time travel – her parents (a couple we know well from an earlier book) are unlikely to worry about her sudden disappearance because several other family members have already made a similar journey. But she’s only nineteen, and is considerably less comfortable with the growing feelings between her and Viking Geir – although, as a member of the Eskilsson family, he’s come across women who come from the future world a few times before.

I really love this series – I’m entirely comfortable now with the whole notion of time travel, although I do know some readers might find it a tad more difficult to suspend their disbelief. But the way the author uses her research to bring the ninth century so vividly to life just takes my breath away – this time we’re back in the days when Reykjavik was only Vik, a relatively new settlement not hostile to others arriving to seek their fortunes. Geir and his band of travellers find an inlet further along the coast that they can call home, with flat ground to build their homes, and even a hot spring for washing and relaxation. The detail is just wonderful – the blacksmith making nails to secure their first hall’s timbers, the felling of trees, the weaving of clothing, the foraging for food and the care of the livestock. I particularly liked the way we also got Maddie’s modern take on issues – driving welcome changes to the treatment of the thralls, but also her horror at the hunting of walruses for their tusks, the slaughter of baby seals for their skins, and the killing of seabirds (now long extinct) for their meat.

And at the heart of the story, there’s a developing romance I entirely believed in – both Maddie and Geir were characters I really took to my heart – although there’s plenty of conflict and angst on the way to their hoped for happy ending. The writing and story-telling is superb – the whole story has perfect pace, moments of considerable drama, well-developed supporting characters along with the relationships between them, and plenty of well-judged humour. Whether you’re drawn to this book by the history, the whole idea of time travel, or the romance, you really can’t fail to love it. I most certainly did, and I thought it was the best in the series so far – I recommend it very highly.

Thank you for NetGalley for providing me with this for review.

Firstly let me express how much I love all of Christina Courtenay's runes books, so I was absolutely thrilled to receive a arc of this book. What can I say this book did not fail it's another truly wonderful installment of this saga. I now feel slightly bereft, hoping that there's another installment planned.

Time travel AND Vikings?!  I was so in for this one when I read the summary. The allusions to Outlander were spot on.

Maddie is the youngest daughter of a family who are obsessed with the Viking era. They do reenactments and attend courses in the Viking ways. So when Maddie finds an artifact that allows her to travel back in time she is well capable, somewhat like our Claire Fraser. She's considerably younger though, which made her aptitude a little less believable but I digress...

In the past she encounters some rough Viking folk and is saved from ravishing and slavery by a dashing man named Geir. He takes her on his boat so that she can recover and she finds out they are bound for Iceland to start a settlement there. We are immersed in the day to day life of starting a Viking settlement from scratch. We learn about how they eat, how they travelled and lived and the dangers they faced. Maddie of course is quite precociously trying to teach these people about her modern ways of sanitation, climate preservation and human rights. At times it is humorous and frustrating how naïve and yet forceful in her view that her ways are best. But it is interesting to see her learn to love these people and their way of life.

I loved the natural Iceland setting which was atmospheric. The romance aspect was a slow burn which suited me just fine and it got a little steamy at times but not graphically so. Overall this was a fun historical fiction read with a time travel aspect, if you liked Outlander you will enjoy this one as well.

Thanks to Netgalley for access to this novel. All opinions are my own.

“You are a fool, woman! But you’re mine, and I’m not letting you go for such a stupid reason, do you hear me?”

I started this book not knowing this was part of a series so I was a little lost when I noticed the main characters were not surprised at all about the time traveling aspect, but I catch up very fast. I will mention that this is part of a series but you can read them as standalones, since each books shows a different couple!

I have to say that I ADORED this book. Reading about Vikings was fantastic and it made me want to read more books about them. But Vikings wasn’t all; the chemistry, the love, the found family, the consent and of course, the time traveling, made this an incredible read for me. I am so happy that I received an early copy and got the opportunity to enjoy this beauty before it’s release, so grateful.

The book follows Maddie, a young girl that finds a time traveling artifact and immediately feel the need to travel, especially since is nothing new for her and her family (her sister leaves in the past), and of course, curiosity. She travels 1000 years to the past, to Dublin, where she meets Geir, a very handsome Viking, that is in his way to Iceland, where Maddie ends up going as well. Geir plans to settle in Iceland, but the hardest work is to wins Maddie’s heart…

Maddie and Geir relationship is beautiful, based in consent and understanding, even when the times where cruel and different, Geir always respected her and tried to understand her views, while Maddie naturally fell to Geir’s kind nature.

Their relationships with the other members of the settlement was also great, and gave me the found family feeling that I always enjoy and love. There were many obstacles, drama and problems, but in the end, love and bonds always prevailed. Big shout out to Blar, Geir’s dog!

Can’t wait to get to her sister story and the rest of the releases!

I received this copy in exchange of an honest review. Review is already posted in Goodreads, StoryGraph and my Bookstagram account. It will be posted on Amazon after the release as well.

“Born centuries apart. Bound by a love that defied time.
Madison Berger is visiting Dublin with her family for a Viking re-enactment festival, when she chances upon a small knife embedded in the banks of the Liffey. Maddie recognises what the runes on the knife's handle signify: the chance to have her own adventures in the past.
Geir Eskilsson has left his family in Sweden to boldly carve out a life of his own. He is immediately drawn to Maddie, but when he learns of her connection to his sisters-in-law, he begins to believe that Fate has played a part in bringing them together. “
A fantastically written time travelling romance. Christina Courtenay’s style of writing has produced characters that you can’t help but will to survive within their new settlement and for their relationships to flourish whilst facing the hardships of the age.
The research that has been undertaken into the history of the Viking age and the way they would live is impressive. It allows for the scenery to leap off of the page and a clear picture to form within the readers mind, making this an even more enjoyable experience to read. This is a great addition to the series and one not too be missed.
I would like to thank NetGalley and headline for the access to this ARC.
#TemptedbytheRunes #NetGalley

If you’ve followed my reviews, you may already be aware that I highly rate this series. The idea of slipping back in time to the era of the Vikings, is already rather romantic. Add in the romantic pull of Christina Courtenay’s storytelling, and you have everything that you need to create a wonderful series. Tempted by the Runes is a perfect addition to the previous titles, and it wastes no time as the story finds its pace within the early chapters.
On this occasion, we start off the time travel in medieval Dublin. The descriptions are so real, that it’s almost possible to smell the mud and hear the crowds roar, as Maddie becomes embroiled in a skirmish. This time, we fall straight into an understanding as Maddie is rescued by Geir Eskilsson, the younger brother of Hrafn and Rurik. He has already encountered time travellers and is not at all shocked to hear Maddie’s story. In fact, he decides that the Norse gods have sent her for a reason.
It was a joy to meet new characters and to explore foreign lands. This time, besides Dublin, we head to Iceland. The Viking party become early settlers and there is a wealth of information to help visualise the scenes, as this beautiful, yet remote island is transformed into farmland. The volume of knowledge, mixed with detailed research, is immediately evident. From farming and building methods, to dietary options and personal hygiene, I became immersed, once again, in Viking life.
There is a distinct rhythm which is evident in each of the books in this series. It’s impossible not to get sucked into the story. Before I knew it, it was the wee small hours, and I simply couldn’t turn my kindle off. The story flowed, and the pages were turned at a rapid pace as the words were inhaled from each page. Once again, we were faced with the difficult subject matter of Thralls, Viking slaves. Maddie is forced to see things through medieval eyes, though she is determined to ensure that slavery ends in her group. On top of this, we experience the shocking practice of hunting for Great Auks and seal pups. Difficult to accept, but very much a part of their times.
Once again, there is a wonderful supporting cast, as well as opportunities to catch up with the stars of the rest of this series. I particularly liked Aine, purchased as a thrall, she is kind and supportive as Maddie navigates her way through her changed circumstances. From glimpses of Viking traditions and rituals, to snatches of medieval words and phrases, Tempted by the Runes is a fascinating story and one not to be missed.

I absolutely love this series! Christina Courtenay weaves such an immersive story that you won't be able to put this book down once started. I read it in one sitting and couldn't believe how quickly the hours had passed , I was so engrossed
As always the historical detail is so well researched, I always come away learning something new , the depictions of early viking settlements leap off the page in vivid detail.
Christina Courtenay has an engaging style of writing, she invests such humour into her storylines , she has a perfect balance between the historical and romantic aspects and I'm always torn between needing to reach the end and never wanting to finish. Her character's always stay with you after you've turned the last page.
Thoroughly recommended . 5 massive stars from me.

Lovely written romance. Time-walking as additional perk - brilliant idea. I love Christine's writing style and definitely will do my best to find more of her novels. Thanks for giving me a chance to read this story.

Prepare to be swept away to a Viking world in this wonderful timeslip romance! This is the first book I've read by Christina Courtenay, so I didn't realize it was part of a series. The book is able to be read as a standalone just fine, though I do want to go back and read the first three now! I loved the characters, the adventure, all of the historical detail, and the romance in this well written story.

Thank you to NetGalley and Headline for access to this arc.