Review/Excerpt–Blind Mercy by Violetta Rand

                                                       Historical Romance - Date Published: 2/12/2014

The Sigurdsson family legacy continues…

A woman who prayed for a hero…

Orphaned at a young age, Rachelle Fiennes prayed for a hero to rescue her from her tragic life in England. When her only kinsman goes missing after the Battle of Stamford Bridge, Rachelle braves the aftermath of the battlefield to find him.

A man who lost everything…

Damned by the gods for surviving the bloodiest defeat in Norse history, Jarl Tyr Sigurdsson is still determined to get home. Hiding until nightfall so he can escape to his ship, his dangerous endeavor is disrupted when he’s accidently discovered by a beautiful Saxon.

Brought together by war, Rachelle and Tyr face many obstacles. Can sworn enemies find peace through love, or will fate tear them apart?

Cursed witch. Things were much easier in Norway. Without giving it another thought, Tyr lowered his weapon, then grabbed a fistful of his captive’s hair. He’d give in to her dimwitted request to pacify her, but not without satisfying his own need for revenge. “Horse. Food,” he demanded.

“I’d rather die than betray my country—” the criminal started.

In response, Tyr thumped his head. He sank down, shaking and whining.

Sick with rage, Tyr stared at Rachelle. “This situation is ripe for trouble.” His only concern should be for his own survival.

She addressed her countryman. “If you refuse him, he’ll cut your heart out.”

For a noblewoman, she had a way with words. Tyr nearly laughed out loud at the absurdity of what came out of her mouth. He’d learned something important about her though.

Either she’d experienced more violence than any woman should or she was as frigid as an ice shelf. Regardless, her warning changed the Saxon’s mind.

The man pointed at his camp. “There are horses and food over there.”

With a twist of an earlobe, Tyr forced him to his feet. Tyr harbored a special hatred for rapists. If he couldn’t disembowel the bastard, he’d find another way to make him suffer. It didn’t take long. A grin spread across Tyr’s face as he framed the man’s punishment in his mind.

Tyr would tie a noose around his neck, loop the rope over a high branch, and make him sit astride a horse with his hands tied behind his back. If the drukkin moved, he’d hang himself.

So one of the problems I encounter with historicals, especially medieval historicals is that if they strive for accuracy, they are often dry and just drag on and on and on......

Violetta Rand did not have that problem, full of accurate details and settings, this story effing POPPED! Of course it may have popped for me because even though I love me a sexy Viking, they can be a bit MUCH at times. I spent have the time with Tyr, going "awwwww" to "OMG, men are soooo stupid!" At his heart though, Tyr was a sweetie. And I did have to give him a huge, Odin sized break, I mean he JUST lost his twin.

I found Rachelle to be an exception heroine for this time period. I mean she would have rocked during any time, but in this time, where women were chattel and considered to have little more than two working brain cells, she was just awesome. Brave, industrious, just a little sneaky, and the will to take whatever life hands her and make it her own was laudable and made her a fit mate for a fierce Viking. And *snort* even though she held onto her virginity with both hands and a logging chain, she did like the way Tyr made her feel, and she didn't mind his manly physique either.

This is a smile and giggle book. Not to say it was frivolous or silly, no there are dark, heart wrenching moments, but when I think on this book, I will smile and when I think of Tyr and Rachelle, I will giggle because they are just a cute couple. Reading about these two characters trying to adjust to vastly differing beliefs and lifestyles was a journey that ended much too soon for my liking. I simply must insist that you indulge in this Viking tale and see what I am talking about. I am ever hopeful that we see much, much more from Violetta in this thread and I must simply congratulate her on a magnificent job.

Amazon

Violetta Rand holds a bachelor's degree in Environmental Policy and a master's degree in Environmental Management. Serving as an environmental scientist in the state of Alaska for over seven years, she enjoys the privilege of traveling to remote places few people have the opportunity to see. 

Violetta has been "in love" with writing since childhood. Struck with an entrepreneurial spirit at a young age, at five, she wrote short stories illustrated by her best friend and sold them in her neighborhood. The only thing she loves more than writing is her wonderful relationship with her husband, Jeff. She enjoys outdoor activities, reading whatever she can get her hands on, music, and losing herself in the fictional worlds she enjoys bringing to life. 

Ms. Rand’s debut historical romance series, The Blind Series, is set in the fascinating world of 11th century Vikings. Her New Adult romance series, The Devil’s Den, is edgy and evocative, and explores the sexy world of exotic dancers.


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