Taken by the Viking

Think Kirk Douglas, and then some. Think crashing waves, fights, passion, pathos, and a wonderful 'Ah' ending, and you still won't come close to this tour de force. Haakon Haroldson, a young Viking warrior, who trades his goods for coin or gold so he can take care of his estate back home, meets Annis of Birdoswald, a young widow who has come to the monastery Haakon and his men are raiding to see her uncle's counsel and avoid another forced marriage.
Annis saves Haakon's life - I won't tell you how 'cos that would be a spoiler - but he takes her back to his homeland to protect Annis from his own men, but his home turns out to be not as safe as he'd thought, and is full of jealousy and betrayal.

What made this book stand out for me was the obvious meticulous research Michelle Styles had carried out. Research that was so subtly interwoven that it never overshadowed the plot, and yet added so much to the story, and what wonderful secondary characters she gives us.  Guthrun, Haakon's horrible but completely believable stepmother, and Thrand, Haakon's half-brother, is just as impressive. And, of course, there's Haakon and Annis, herself. The chemistry between this couple sizzles from the second they meet, and Annis is no doormat, or wilting violet, but a woman you feel for, want to cheer on.

If you haven't read it, then grab a copy because you're in for a real treat!